Ohm Youngmisuk is an ESPN Staff Writer and this article was originally published on October 24, 2023, at 07:03 PM ET. It is a 6-minute read.
In a recent interview, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone revealed that he used to believe no NBA championship ring could surpass the two won by his late father, Brendan, with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990. Malone considered those rings the gold standard, as they were from the Bad Boys era, where his father served as an assistant coach and was instrumental in creating the famed “Jordan Rules” defense. However, after seeing the design of the Nuggets’ new championship ring, Malone humorously referred to his father’s rings as “just a regular ass school ring 1698194826.” It’s clear that Malone would have loved to share his new championship ring with his father, who passed away at the age of 88 on October 10.
Malone finds even more meaning in the fact that he and his father are the only father-son duo in NBA history to both have world championship rings. This unique accomplishment holds great significance for Malone and his family. He mentioned that his mother used to keep his father’s rings in his underwear drawer instead of a safety-deposit box, and playfully suggested that he would follow suit.
However, Malone knows that the rings handed out before their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers will be hard to simply tuck away in a drawer. He described the rings as having the ability to open up and shoot beams out of them, creating a truly awe-inspiring visual effect.
The Nuggets’ new championship ring was designed by Jason Arasheben, CEO of Jason of Beverly Hills, a renowned jewelry house based in Los Angeles. Arasheben has previously crafted rings for other championship-winning teams such as the Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Las Vegas Aces. However, he aimed to create something truly unique and special for the Denver Nuggets.
According to Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who owns a 2020 Lakers championship ring, the Nuggets’ ring is said to be even better than any ring Arasheben has previously crafted. The ring features a stunning emerald-shaped design with 16 carats of diamonds, representing Denver’s 16 postseason victories. The front of the ring showcases the Larry O’Brien Trophy, with the word “Nuggets” written across it in diamond encrusted lettering. The ring also includes a silhouette of Denver’s mountain peak and pickaxes logo.
However, what sets the Nuggets’ ring apart are two unique features that have never been seen before in championship ring designs. The ring has a lever at the top that can be shifted between 1967 and 2023, changing the color of the background from white diamonds to blue sapphires. This pays homage to the Nuggets’ history as one of the franchises that merged from the ABA to the NBA. Additionally, the ring has a retractable compartment on the left side that reveals the championship banner raised at the ceremony commemorating their 2023 NBA title win.
Arasheben expressed his excitement for this particular design, calling it one of his favorites and emphasizing that these features have never been done before in jewelry or championship rings. The ring also includes a combination of white and yellow diamonds, blue sapphires, and 89 red rubies, representing the number of points Denver’s defense held the Miami Heat to in their Game 5 victory, securing the championship title.
The design process for the ring involved Nuggets President and Governor Josh Kroenke, who worked closely with Arasheben from start to finish. Kroenke wanted to ensure that the ring reflected the Nuggets’ history and uniqueness as a franchise that originated in the ABA. He wanted features that had never been done before and wanted to acknowledge the ABA past by including their date of formation on the ring. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of the ring including the championship banner, as it represents a significant and unique feature that players and coaches can carry with them wherever they go.
After the Nuggets’ championship-clinching win over the Miami Heat, Aaron Gordon threw a postgame party where Arasheben took the opportunity to fit Nuggets players for their ring sizes and gather their input on its design. Nuggets players like Caldwell-Pope, Gordon, Deandre Jordan, and Jeff Green provided their ideas and suggestions. Green, in particular, offered valuable insights after playing 15 seasons before winning a championship. Arasheben noted that players wanted the ring to be big, flashy, and shining, but also appreciated the attention to detail and design. They wanted the ring to be more than just white diamonds and approved of the multitude of colors incorporated into the design.
Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, received his championship ring at the ceremony held ahead of the game against the Lakers. It is worth noting that Jokic famously ties his wedding band onto his shoelaces for every game, but the size and weight of the championship ring prevent him from doing the same. Kroenke humorously mentioned that it would be hazardous to Jokic’s health if he were to wear the ring on his shoes due to its size and weight.
In conclusion, the Denver Nuggets’ new championship ring is truly a work of art and a testament to their historic NBA title win. With its innovative design, intricate details, and unique features, it’s no wonder that players and staff are impressed by its beauty and quality. The ring reflects the Nuggets’ history, pays homage to their ABA roots, and serves as a symbol of their incredible accomplishment. As the team carries their championship banner wherever they go, they are sure to be reminded of their triumphant season and the hard work that led to their victory.
