The Nuggets would bring back Dan Issel as their new head coach. Issel starred for the Nuggets for 10 seasons as a player. Under Issel, the Nuggets suffered a 14-game losing streak from December 5th to January 5th. Despite the losing streak the Nuggets showed significant improvement and missed the playoffs by just 3 games with a record of 36-46. The progress of Dikembe Mutombo into one of the league's best defensive players was reason for hope. The play of Guard Chris Jackson resulted in being named the league's Most Improved Player. Jackson would change his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. [1]==Offseason==