The holidays are just about over and it’s time to get serious again. No more snacking on cookies or putting things off, whence this delayed article. The Nuggets didn’t really get to have any kind of a relaxing Christmas. They played a game on the 25th and another on the 26th losing both and receiving no gifts from the refs. Without Melo for the past four games the Nuggies had had a hard time manufacturing points and hutzpah. It was looking pretty bleak in Melo’s absence, and I came closer than I have all season to pushing the panic button.
Luckily they have survived the latest losing streak to come out with a two game winning streak and improve to five games over fifty percent. Somehow with everything that has gone on during the first half of the Nuggets’ season, I just can’t bring myself to profess the doom so many others are attesting to. Without their star, the Nuggets are a worse team. Still, they are not the worst team in the division, let alone the league. Unlike the Cavaliers and LeBron James, the Nuggets don’t operate with Anthony as their leader and distributor. Carmelo is more akin to the best role player on the team. He scores the most points, is our go-to guy in the clutch, and is the face of the franchise. If Melo isn’t there it is much harder to put a finger on the identity of the team. Yet, in the end, the Nuggets can win without him and have plenty of other players to provide points and plays. Chauncey Billups is the team’s real leader and he does a good job at it when he can back up his words with his play. Earl Smith Jr is fast becoming a bonafide, consistent threat on the floor capable of good defense and rebounding. Nene has been the most aggressive I have ever seen him. Ty Lawson is the future of the Nuggets and is capable of becoming one of the top three point guards in the West.
It comes down to this. With the Nuggets finally, just about healthy and all together, the team owes it to themselves and the fans to try and play as well as they can for the next month before moving Carmelo. If Denver can put together another lengthy win streak and see exactly how they stack up presently versus what they could get for Melo in a trade, it may make more sense to end the season with him and try for another playoff run. Who knows? If they could make it to the conference finals or even the championship maybe Melo would stick around and other players would want to join. Sometimes leaving things up to destiny can create the best outcomes. The Nuggets have done better than any of the experts had predicted up to this point and maybe the New Year will bring new possibilities.
So here’s to the New Year and a new future for the Nuggets. Whatever it ends up being, I’m sure it will be interesting and certainly not the end of excitement in Denver. LET’S GO NEW POSSIBILITIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Nuggets Feel at Home for the Holidays in the Pepsi Center
After an uninspiring road trip, the Nuggets have returned to the Pepsi Center for a three game homestand. While there is no question that injuries and illnesses have definitely taken a toll, it has become commonplace for Denver to look like a different team when playing in other team's arenas.
Carmelo and crew defeated the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night upon their return from an East Coast road swing that saw the Nuggets lose three out of four. Melo's scoring led the way with Ty Lawson's speed and general intangibles complementing the small forward. It may only be a matter of time before we check the internet or get a text message from a friend informing us that Carmelo has been traded, therefore this is the perfect opportunity to relish his talents and reflect on what he has meant to this team.
While attending the Nuggets game in Boston this past week, I learned that Melo would not be playing due to soreness in his knee. Without Melo, Denver looked lost offensively and seemed to have nowhere to turn in many situations. The win against Orlando solidified Melo's offensive importance and versatility in my mind, and simultaneously made me cringe to think about what life might be like post-Melo. With trade rumors always swirling about, it is hard not to assume that Melo will be playing in a different uniform in the near future, and the Nuggets should not be blamed for wanting to get something for him rather than lose him to free agency.
Alas, Denver will have to figure out a way to reformulate its offensive dynamic sans Carmelo Anthony if he is traded, and it seems that a heavy dose of Ty Lawson and a fast-paced, fastbreak offense will certainly be a key component. While K-Mart and Birdman won't provide a huge boost offensively, they certainly will help with offensive boards when they get back from their respective injuries. The Nuggets will also be receiving at least one player if they do execute a trade this season, and hopefully that player could provide Denver with a new offensive threat.
It won't seem the same without Melo, though. Denver seems like home for him, and the Nuggets have gradually been formulated into a solid team that contends for the playoffs yearly. The main thing that has helped the Nuggets through all of Melo's years here is their ability to be dominant at home. . .even when he has been injured or ill. It seems like the Nuggets might still be able to rack up the wins without Melo in the Pepsi Center, the real question would be their ability to do the same on the road.
Carmelo and crew defeated the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night upon their return from an East Coast road swing that saw the Nuggets lose three out of four. Melo's scoring led the way with Ty Lawson's speed and general intangibles complementing the small forward. It may only be a matter of time before we check the internet or get a text message from a friend informing us that Carmelo has been traded, therefore this is the perfect opportunity to relish his talents and reflect on what he has meant to this team.
While attending the Nuggets game in Boston this past week, I learned that Melo would not be playing due to soreness in his knee. Without Melo, Denver looked lost offensively and seemed to have nowhere to turn in many situations. The win against Orlando solidified Melo's offensive importance and versatility in my mind, and simultaneously made me cringe to think about what life might be like post-Melo. With trade rumors always swirling about, it is hard not to assume that Melo will be playing in a different uniform in the near future, and the Nuggets should not be blamed for wanting to get something for him rather than lose him to free agency.
Alas, Denver will have to figure out a way to reformulate its offensive dynamic sans Carmelo Anthony if he is traded, and it seems that a heavy dose of Ty Lawson and a fast-paced, fastbreak offense will certainly be a key component. While K-Mart and Birdman won't provide a huge boost offensively, they certainly will help with offensive boards when they get back from their respective injuries. The Nuggets will also be receiving at least one player if they do execute a trade this season, and hopefully that player could provide Denver with a new offensive threat.
It won't seem the same without Melo, though. Denver seems like home for him, and the Nuggets have gradually been formulated into a solid team that contends for the playoffs yearly. The main thing that has helped the Nuggets through all of Melo's years here is their ability to be dominant at home. . .even when he has been injured or ill. It seems like the Nuggets might still be able to rack up the wins without Melo in the Pepsi Center, the real question would be their ability to do the same on the road.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
999 and Counting
It could happen tonight. GK may get his thousandth win and the Nuggets would get their second eight game winning streak since last January. At that point in the year, the Nuggets were second in the West and looking like they could make another run at the Western Conference Finals. Then K-Mart’s knee went out and Karl was diagnosed with cancer. Bummer. Anyway, I think it’s time to take up where we left off and get back to one of those top spots in the West. This could also help convince our resident superstar to take another look at his team and imagine winning multiple chamionships right here.
In order to accomplish these dreams the Nuggets must overcome a tendency for selfish play on the road and more injuries to their top energy guy, the Birdman. As he was just getting the wind beneath his wings he was cut down from below and broke his tail feather. I feel this is actually more disappointing than some are making it out to be. Chris Andersen was helping the Nuggets to have fun out there again and was providing valuable time off the bench. Without him, the slumping Harrington will need to step it up and give the Nuggets some great defense and inside scoring.
Al Harrington truly is the key to a great Nuggets season. He was the team’s biggest pick up in the summer and when he gets it going he adds a dimension Denver hasn’t seen before. Karl said in an interview a month ago, he felt having a shooting power forward is an asset a lot of other championship teams have (think Lamar Odom, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan… sort of). With Harrington’s ability to space the floor and go inside, the Nuggets are harder to predict. Couple that with Melo’s scoring, Nene’s renewed vigor, a focused J.R. Smith, and a much improved Arron Afflalo and you have a very dangerous squad.
So here’s to the Nuggets and hopefully a thousandth win for George Karl. It would be a nice early Christmas gift for GK and one well deserved. After fighting and winning yet another battle with cancer, it is the least his team could do to go out in Charlotte and hustle their butts off. GO GET 1000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In order to accomplish these dreams the Nuggets must overcome a tendency for selfish play on the road and more injuries to their top energy guy, the Birdman. As he was just getting the wind beneath his wings he was cut down from below and broke his tail feather. I feel this is actually more disappointing than some are making it out to be. Chris Andersen was helping the Nuggets to have fun out there again and was providing valuable time off the bench. Without him, the slumping Harrington will need to step it up and give the Nuggets some great defense and inside scoring.
Al Harrington truly is the key to a great Nuggets season. He was the team’s biggest pick up in the summer and when he gets it going he adds a dimension Denver hasn’t seen before. Karl said in an interview a month ago, he felt having a shooting power forward is an asset a lot of other championship teams have (think Lamar Odom, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan… sort of). With Harrington’s ability to space the floor and go inside, the Nuggets are harder to predict. Couple that with Melo’s scoring, Nene’s renewed vigor, a focused J.R. Smith, and a much improved Arron Afflalo and you have a very dangerous squad.
So here’s to the Nuggets and hopefully a thousandth win for George Karl. It would be a nice early Christmas gift for GK and one well deserved. After fighting and winning yet another battle with cancer, it is the least his team could do to go out in Charlotte and hustle their butts off. GO GET 1000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Only Thing to Fear is No Contract Extension
It might just be me, but it feels like the Nuggets have a little momentum and good vibe to them. I’m not just talking about the recent winning streak either. They won one at the buzzer courtesy of Melo, they finished out one against a Phoenix team intent on spoiling the vibe for the Nuggets sans Melo, and Karl is on pace to get his one thousandth win before Christmas.
Beyond all this, however, is the attitude carried by all the Nuggets right now. Everyone is speaking in the press like the season has true purpose and of a desire to get better. Kenyon Martin even recently expressed his desire to come back earlier than he thought possible. This is certainly a difference from the interview earlier this season in which he said he had no desire to rush his return as he had no contract extension offered to him yet.
My theory is the Nuggets front office strategy of keeping people out of the know and on their toes is actually paying off in terms of team effort. J.R. Smith is in a contract year as are Chauncey, Afflalo, Martin, and some of the other bench players. Fear is a great motivator. Even George Karl is no stranger right now to the tension and a looming career decision. Everyone is playing for something more than pride and wins. Security is a tough thing to grasp in this life for most people and with things in this country as unsure as ever it only seems appropriate our sports stars should feel the grip of unease as well.
It is only right for guys like Martin to understand the organization’s position with the team’s future considering Melo’s situation, the impending CBA, and his history of injuries. It is time for the players to earn their salaries and get some wins with extra effort and selflessness.
On a lighter note, it certainly helps to have your guys come back from injury with renewed senses of competition flowing through their veins. The Birdman has returned and none too soon. Without his presence the Nuggets just seemed a little flat. He injects the crowd with frenzy and the floor with energy. His always freshly inked body screams Nuggets. Though I believe his abandoned style of play gets him in trouble sometimes, specifically when going for blocks and leaving the other side of the rim to opposing players, it inspires other Nuggets to lay themselves on the line a bit more.
In conclusion, I feel these Nuggets are on the verge of great things. The vibe is just right. They must take it one game at time, continuing tonight with the Milwaukee Bucks. This is a team that beat the Nuggets both times last year and though they are not doing well, so far, are completely capable of upsetting Denver on its home floor. Let’s keep up the intensity and keep winning games we are supposed to win. THIS IS ONE HELL OF A VIBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beyond all this, however, is the attitude carried by all the Nuggets right now. Everyone is speaking in the press like the season has true purpose and of a desire to get better. Kenyon Martin even recently expressed his desire to come back earlier than he thought possible. This is certainly a difference from the interview earlier this season in which he said he had no desire to rush his return as he had no contract extension offered to him yet.
My theory is the Nuggets front office strategy of keeping people out of the know and on their toes is actually paying off in terms of team effort. J.R. Smith is in a contract year as are Chauncey, Afflalo, Martin, and some of the other bench players. Fear is a great motivator. Even George Karl is no stranger right now to the tension and a looming career decision. Everyone is playing for something more than pride and wins. Security is a tough thing to grasp in this life for most people and with things in this country as unsure as ever it only seems appropriate our sports stars should feel the grip of unease as well.
It is only right for guys like Martin to understand the organization’s position with the team’s future considering Melo’s situation, the impending CBA, and his history of injuries. It is time for the players to earn their salaries and get some wins with extra effort and selflessness.
On a lighter note, it certainly helps to have your guys come back from injury with renewed senses of competition flowing through their veins. The Birdman has returned and none too soon. Without his presence the Nuggets just seemed a little flat. He injects the crowd with frenzy and the floor with energy. His always freshly inked body screams Nuggets. Though I believe his abandoned style of play gets him in trouble sometimes, specifically when going for blocks and leaving the other side of the rim to opposing players, it inspires other Nuggets to lay themselves on the line a bit more.
In conclusion, I feel these Nuggets are on the verge of great things. The vibe is just right. They must take it one game at time, continuing tonight with the Milwaukee Bucks. This is a team that beat the Nuggets both times last year and though they are not doing well, so far, are completely capable of upsetting Denver on its home floor. Let’s keep up the intensity and keep winning games we are supposed to win. THIS IS ONE HELL OF A VIBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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