2011-2012 Nuggets Preview

The NBA is back, and that's good news for Nuggets fans, Pepsi Center employees, Denver businesses, and, that's right, the actual players on the team. This year presents a Nuggets squad that has a distinctly different vibe than the teams of seasons past.

Without former franchise players Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, Denver is commonly deemed as a team "lacking star power". While that may be true in the grand scheme of shoe deals, jersey sales, and nationally televised games, Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, and recently re-signed big man Nene are certainly not slouches on the court. Free agent Arron Afflalo has yet to ink his name on a shiny new contract, but he would provide an excellent boost to the Nuggets' fortunes as a brilliant defender and an efficient shooter.

A more free-flowing offensive system will surely be in place without the aforementioned "star power", which basically means one player probably won't be holding the ball for most of the possession. Passing and finding the open man will be regarded highly by head coach George Karl, and the Nuggets will continue a fast-break heavy, run-and-gun offense whenever possible. This style will surely be effective in a shortened season with 66 games being played in 123 days. The mile-high altitude will benefit the Nuggets in Denver and on the road, and opposing teams will have a hard time keeping up.

In addition to last year's players, some new faces and one familiar one will have opportunities to show off their game. Andre Miller, who played with the Nuggets from 2003-2006, will be backing Ty Lawson up at the point guard position, and will likely be played alongside Lawson at times in the backcourt. Recently acquired Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez will provide J.R. Smith-like scoring off the bench (presumably as Afflalo's backup) without the tattoos and attitude. Rookies Kenneth Faried and Jordan Hamilton will provide depth but might see little playing time under George Karl's direction. Corey Brewer can be counted on for defense and hustle if he ever plays.

Nene will have more scoring opportunities sans Carmelo and slotted into the power forward spot instead of playing center, a position that will be filled by Timofey Mozgov. Many might consider Nene's new contract to be too much of a financial commitment, but Nene's presence affords the team a talented veteran big man to compete against All-Star forwards and centers in the Western Conference.

Learning on the fly and growing team chemistry will be important for Ty Lawson, who will be in his first full season (sort of) as the starting point guard. Despite hitting ten consecutive three pointers in a game last season, Lawson will be extremely effective penetrating and passing or finishing near the hoop and not settling for jump shots. There will be plenty of people around the perimeter to take open shots once Lawson drives and dishes, and Lawson's unparalleled speed should be utilized as much as possible. Ty is the key to the Nuggets future success, and this season will be his opportunity to join the elite point guards in the league.

The Nuggets will be able to compete in a changing NBA environment if their personnel live up to their individual potentials and meld as a cohesive unit. Western Conference powerhouses have gained and lost big name free agents, and the Nuggets have as good a chance as many teams to crack the top teams if everything comes together as hoped.