In 1970, Issel was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA but chose to join the Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association (ABA) instead. His decision to play in the ABA proved fruitful, as he quickly became one of the league's top scorers. In his rookie season, Issel averaged 29.9 points per game, earning him the ABA Rookie of the Year award. His scoring prowess continued throughout his time with the Colonels, and he was instrumental in leading the team to an ABA Championship in 1975.
After the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, Issel transitioned to the NBA, joining the Denver Nuggets. His scoring ability remained a constant, and he became a central figure for the Nuggets. Over the course of his NBA career, Issel was known for his consistent scoring and durability, rarely missing games. He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in 1977 and continued to be a reliable performer for the Nuggets until his retirement as a player in 1985.
Issel's career statistics are a testament to his scoring ability. He retired with over 27,000 points, making him one of the top scorers in professional basketball history at the time. His jersey number, 44, was retired by the Denver Nuggets in honor of his contributions to the team.
Following his playing career, Issel transitioned into coaching and management. He served as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets on two separate occasions, first from 1992 to 1994 and then from 1999 to 2001. His coaching tenure was marked by a focus on developing young talent and instilling a strong work ethic in his players.
In addition to coaching, Issel also took on roles in the Nuggets' front office, contributing to the team's strategic planning and player development. His deep understanding of the game and experience as a player provided valuable insights into team operations.
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