Arron Afflalo

A two-time Nugget who delivered clutch shots and steady defense across two separate chapters in Denver.

Arron Afflalo joined the Denver Nuggets on July 13, 2009, arriving via a trade from the Detroit Pistons that included Walter Sharpe in exchange for a second-round pick and cash. His tenure with the franchise spanned two distinct periods: an initial three-year stint from 2009 to 2012, followed by a return in June 2014 after being traded back from Orlando. During his first run, Afflalo became a reliable starter known for his scoring bursts and defensive tenacity, highlighted by a dramatic performance against the Dallas Mavericks on February 10, 2011.

Quick Facts

Position: Shooting guard; small forward
Born: 15 October 1985
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
High school: Centennial (Compton, California)
College: UCLA (2004–2007)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 27
Drafted by: Detroit Pistons

Lore & Background

Afflalo's time with the Nuggets is anchored by one of the most memorable regular-season performances in franchise history. On February 10, 2011, during what would be Carmelo Anthony's final home game in Denver, the team trailed the eventual NBA champion Dallas Mavericks by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter. With under two minutes remaining and down 119–110, Afflalo exploded for 19 points in that single period to power a miraculous 121–120 upset victory. The game was sealed when he hit a 20-foot jump shot at the buzzer over Shawn Marion. This performance ended Dallas' ten-game win streak and showcased Afflalo's ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most, cementing his status as a key contributor during the franchise's competitive years.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Afflalo's contributions to the Nuggets, focus on his dual stints which highlight his value as a versatile wing. His first tenure (2009–2012) featured his career-defining moment against Dallas in 2011, where he single-handedly rallied the team from a double-digit deficit. His second tenure (2014–2015), though shorter, was strategically vital for the organization's cap management and roster construction. He served as a primary scoring option who could hit critical shots while also anchoring defense. Whether starting alongside Carmelo Anthony or leading a young core during his return, Afflalo provided stability. His departure from Denver eventually came in February 2015 when he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers along with Alonzo Gee for Will Barton, Víctor Claver, Thomas Robinson, and a lottery-protected first-round pick.

Did You Know?

He hit the game-winning buzzer-beater over Shawn Marion during that 121–120 victory in 2011.
The draft pick acquired by Detroit when trading Afflalo to Denver became the 52nd overall pick used to select Vernon Macklin.
Afflalo returned to Denver on October 29, 2014, scoring 15 points in a win over his original team, the Detroit Pistons.