The roots of the Denver Nuggets date back to amateur teams in Colorado in 1932. The Denver Nuggets led by "Jumping Jack" McCracken who was their player-coach won the Amateur Athletic Union title in 1939 and made it to the AAU Finals again in 1940.

Led by McCracken, Robert Gruenig and Vince Boryla, the Nuggets remained one of the best teams in the AAU power throughout their existence.