The 1998–99 NBA season was the Nuggets' 23rd season in the National Basketball Association, and 32nd season as a franchise. After their dreadful season, where they finished with the league's worst record at 11–71, the Nuggets received the third overall pick the 1998 NBA draft, and selected Raef LaFrentz from the University of Kansas. During the off-season, the team acquired Nick Van Exel from the Los Angeles Lakers, acquired second-year guard Chauncey Billups from the Toronto Raptors, and acquired second-year forward Johnny Taylor, and top draft pick Keon Clark from the Orlando Magic.