English's early years in the league were spent with the Bucks and later the Indiana Pacers, where he began to develop his reputation as a reliable scorer. However, it was his trade to the Denver Nuggets in 1980 that truly set the stage for his career to flourish. In Denver, English found a system that perfectly suited his offensive talents. Under the guidance of coach Doug Moe, the Nuggets played an up-tempo style that allowed English to thrive as a scorer.
During his time with the Nuggets, English became the centerpiece of the team's offense. He led the NBA in scoring during the 1982-83 season, averaging 28.4 points per game. English's scoring ability was characterized by his exceptional mid-range game, smooth jump shot, and ability to score in transition. He was known for his efficiency, consistently shooting at a high percentage from the field.
Throughout the 1980s, English was a model of consistency, scoring over 2,000 points in eight consecutive seasons. His scoring feats earned him eight NBA All-Star selections and three All-NBA Second Team honors. English's contributions helped the Nuggets become a perennial playoff team, and he played a crucial role in leading them to the Western Conference Finals in 1985.
English's career with the Nuggets solidified his place in the franchise's history. He remains the all-time leading scorer for the Denver Nuggets, a testament to his scoring ability and longevity with the team. His jersey number, 2, was retired by the Nuggets in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the franchise.
In the latter stages of his career, English played for the Dallas Mavericks and later the Italian club Basket Napoli before retiring from professional basketball. His career totals include over 25,000 points, placing him among the top scorers in NBA history at the time of his retirement.
Beyond his scoring achievements, English was respected for his professionalism and sportsmanship. He was awarded the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1988, recognizing his community service efforts and positive influence off the court.
After retiring as a player, English transitioned into coaching and broadcasting, sharing his knowledge and love for the game with new generations. His legacy as a player was further cemented with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.
🏀