As the Nuggets sit around their million dollar homes and watch the rest of the NBA playoffs on their HDTV’s, I’m sure that there is a bit of anxiety inside of all of them concerning the future of the Nuggets organization. With players’ contracts coming to an end and as everyone on the team is about to be one year older come next season, the future is very uncertain in Denver.
Sure, there are some quality building blocks. As ranted about often on this blog, JR Smith offers a promising future, if the Nuggets can afford to resign the up and coming star. Carmelo is the backbone of this team, and with all of his legal woes, hopefully he can turn things around for the betterment of the team. He is still young, and will probably reach his prime in the next few seasons.
Other than that, there’s Iverson, who still plays like he’s 20 even though he’s 33. But his contract may move somewhere else this off season. Chucky Atkins is a veteran who was injured all year but could still have one year left in him. Then there’s Kenyon Martin, who exploded back on the scene this season, but he’s getting pretty old himself.
As this blog goes into the off season with the Nuggets, I would like to thank anyone who had the pleasure of reading this brilliant and insightful publication this season. Signing out, I’m Mase, and this was mase on nuggs.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Put Yourself In Coach
Keep Karl? There have been rumors in that ol’ creaky mill, but is it even an option?
Critics of Coach George Karl argue that he was unable to teach the Nuggets defense this season, unable to advance to the second round of the playoffs, and unable to keep his players out of trouble (MELO). They also cite the fact that he has some of the best talent in the league, and yet the Nuggets barely made the playoffs.
Proponents, like me, would argue that Coach Karl did a great job this season, considering that there were so many injuries during the beginning of the season. I would also contribute the Nuggets terrible defense to the player’s overconfidence in their scoring ability. It seemed that all season the Nuggs were never concerned with stopping opponents because they could out cap them in a shootout.
I don’t think he should be fired, and neither does the Nuggets front office, as they re-signed Karl for the coaching position next season.
Critics of Coach George Karl argue that he was unable to teach the Nuggets defense this season, unable to advance to the second round of the playoffs, and unable to keep his players out of trouble (MELO). They also cite the fact that he has some of the best talent in the league, and yet the Nuggets barely made the playoffs.
Proponents, like me, would argue that Coach Karl did a great job this season, considering that there were so many injuries during the beginning of the season. I would also contribute the Nuggets terrible defense to the player’s overconfidence in their scoring ability. It seemed that all season the Nuggs were never concerned with stopping opponents because they could out cap them in a shootout.
I don’t think he should be fired, and neither does the Nuggets front office, as they re-signed Karl for the coaching position next season.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
If It Ain't Broke..
Da Rainmaker. The Microwave. The Kid. The 6th man. Whatever you want to call him, you can’t deny that JR Smith certainly made a significant impact for the Nuggets organization this season. Finishing with an outstanding 40%+ from beyond the arch and throwing down ridiculous dunks for the fans, JR Smith is on his way to becoming a superstar in this league.
The only problem? He’s a free agent this off season, and can go wherever the big money is, if he wants to. He is close friends with everyone on the team, and undoubtably likes making trips to the playoffs (his two runs have been as a Nugget). So, it is very possible that he is satisfied with playing in Denver, but it’s all about the cash flow these days.
He’s making a hair over $2 million this season, but is very capable of earning $8 to $10 million next season and receiving a starting job. The only major criticism of JR is that he is too erratic at times; throwing up 30 foot jump shots early in the shot clock. It’s not that he’s not able to make them from anywhere, but teams like to see some control out of their starting 5.
JR would be a great investment for the Nuggs because:
He’s young, only 22
Possesses uncanny athletic ability
Is a proven 3 point threat
Gels well with the team
When he’s hot, he’s unstoppable
The only problem? He’s a free agent this off season, and can go wherever the big money is, if he wants to. He is close friends with everyone on the team, and undoubtably likes making trips to the playoffs (his two runs have been as a Nugget). So, it is very possible that he is satisfied with playing in Denver, but it’s all about the cash flow these days.
He’s making a hair over $2 million this season, but is very capable of earning $8 to $10 million next season and receiving a starting job. The only major criticism of JR is that he is too erratic at times; throwing up 30 foot jump shots early in the shot clock. It’s not that he’s not able to make them from anywhere, but teams like to see some control out of their starting 5.
JR would be a great investment for the Nuggs because:
He’s young, only 22
Possesses uncanny athletic ability
Is a proven 3 point threat
Gels well with the team
When he’s hot, he’s unstoppable
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