Doug Moe, Innovative NBA Coach, Dies at 87

Denver – Doug Moe, a pioneer of the ABA who gained fame during a scruffy, irreverent decade as coach of the Denver Nuggets in the 1980s, died Tuesday at the age of 87. His son, David, informed friends of his passing after a long battle with cancer.

A Legacy of Innovation and Success

The Nuggets, in a social media post, called Moe “a unique leader and person who spearheaded one of the most successful and exciting decades in Nuggets history.” Moe compiled a 628-529 record over 15 seasons as a head coach, likewise leading the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers.

He earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in 1988. Even as he never secured an NBA championship, his 1985 Denver team reached the Western Conference finals, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers.

More Than Wins and Losses

Moe will be remembered for his motion offense and the entertaining spectacle he created on the sidelines during his coaching days. His Denver teams led the league in scoring for five consecutive seasons in the early 1980s, rarely relying on set plays.

Sometimes I think I have a Jekyll and Hyde personality. I joke a lot before and after a game, but once the game starts, my emotions just take over.

Doug Moe, in a 1983 interview with The Modern York Times

A Colorful Personality

Known for his colorful language and unconventional methods, Moe often referred to players he favored as “stiffs” (or worse). Players like Kiki VanDeWeghe, Danny Schayes, and Bill Hanzlik were frequent targets of his playful jabs.

Ron Zappolo, a longtime Denver TV personality and friend of Moe’s, highlighted his kindness behind the bravado. I don’t understand if there’s ever been a bigger sports figure in Denver, not just given that of how successful he was, but because of how colorful he was and how kind he was. There are a lot of people walking around today who feel like he was Doug’s best friend, Zappolo said.

Early Career and ABA Roots

Douglas Edwin Moe was born September 21, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York. He excelled in basketball, earning All-America honors twice at North Carolina. His college career was briefly impacted by a point-fixing scandal, but he refused to compromise the integrity of the game.

After a stint in Europe, Moe returned to the ABA, becoming a three-time All-Star before transitioning into coaching.

From Spurs to Nuggets and Beyond

Moe began his coaching career with the San Antonio Spurs, leading them to two division titles and a conference finals appearance. He then took the helm of the Denver Nuggets in 1980, ushering in a golden era for the franchise.

His teams featured a dynamic duo in Alex English and Kiki VanDeWeghe, who became the first pair of teammates to finish 1-2 in league scoring since 1982-83.

A Lasting Impact

Although the Nuggets didn’t win a championship during his tenure, Moe’s influence on the game and the city of Denver is undeniable. He retired with 432 wins as Nuggets coach, a number the franchise has since retired in his honor.

Moe’s final coaching role was as an assistant with the Nuggets, returning to the bench with George Karl. He famously quipped when asked why he was coaching again: Because I’m stupid, or something like that.

Zappolo concluded, There will never be another sports figure like Doug Moe. He was truly unique.

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