Keep Your Swerve On ‘Melo

(Boulder-CO) The USA Basketball team continues to ride the consistency of the Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony. ’Melo guided Team USA to their first win in the FIBA World Championships by scoring 21 points, dishing three assists, snaring two boards, and sneaking one steal in the opening game against Puerto Rico. This impressive stat line was all wrapped up within only twenty minutes of playing time.

The USA resumes play tomorrow against China. When Carmelo was asked about tomorrows match-up he had this in reply, “Tomorrow’s game is going to be even tougher than today’s game. I think China was in the stands today scouting us, so it’s going to be tough. We just have to be prepared and go out there and play hard.” Team USA needs to keep feeding Carmelo the ball. He is playing the best basketball of anyone on the team right now and seems to be perfectly suited for the style of international play.

When asked if this victory relieved some of the pressure that the USA Basketball team is under to return from these championships with the gold medal. Carmelo quickly and emphatically answered with, “No, no, no. No relief. This is one game under our belt. Tomorrow we have another one. We have to put this game behind us and get ready to play China.” Serious words from a player that was not utilized by the coaching staff in the 2004 Olympics. If there was ever any question of the goal of this FIBA World Championship Tournament for Team USA. Anthony’s reply to the last question should clear that up. This team is out for gold. Plain and simple.

Team USA does gets to taste a little bit of revenge as they avenge a loss to Puerto Rico suffered back in the opening game of the 2004 Olympics. The Puerto Rican team came out hot off the opening tip and had Team USA down by one after the end of the first period, but could not hold off the determined USA. Carmelo Anthony stepped up for the states by draining a three pointer and added two other buckets in the second quarter to help Team USA be up by five right before the half. Team USA never looked back and beat Puerto Rico 111-100.

Captain for Team USA

(Boulder-CO) The USA Basketball team has selected Carmelo Anthony as one of the three team captains for the 2006 World Championships. The other two captains, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, were basically no-brainers. All three men are from the NBA Draft class of 2003 and are quickly becoming the new faces of the NBA. D-Wade, ’Melo, and LBJ are now leading the final squad, sorry Bruce Bowen, against the World’s best international teams. Carmelo currently leads team USA in scoring at a mark of 16.8 points per game.

When asked about his decision to elect ‘Melo and the others as captains, team USA Coach Mike Krzyzewski stated, “It was a pretty easy decision to select those three guys. From the very start they have asserted themselves and showed leadership through how hard they worked, their cooperation and the fact that they wanted to be like everyone else. They didn't come in as stars, they came in as members of the team. Everyone looks up to them and they look up to them even more now because they have set such a good example.”

High praise from about as respected of an opinion on basketball, and character, as there comes. Melo has been scoring very effectively within the team USA offense. Not forcing shots, moving without the ball, and finishing on the fast break have all been areas where Carmelo looks to have improved his game considerably this off season. It could be that great players are making each other better, but Melo has really been a standout and deserves this honor. Well done Carmelo, well done!

Historical Glimpses: Robert Lanier

(FortCollins-CO) Not wanting to cover the most redundant hoop heroes that the NBA has produced left me searching since my last installment. My main focus is to honor those whose careers often times get overlooked by today’s younger fans. A fan that in my opinion, doesn’t have the greatest relationship with the history of the game that I love so much. And certainly a fan that, for the most part, doesn’t recognize the older generation of basketball greatness as they truly should be remembered. For this reason I am dedicating this edition of Historical Glimpses to probably one of the most over looked players of his generation. That player is Robert “Bob” Lanier, one of the most physically intimidating, statistically impressive, and skilled centers that ever played in the NBA.

Bob Lanier’s basketball greatness was first solidified at St. Bonaventure University where he simply dominated, and re-wrote the record books. The 6’11’ - 260 pound Lanier was a four year letter winner at St. Bonnie and a three time Converse All-American selection from the years 1968-70. In the East Coast Athletic Conference, Lanier was voted player of the year in 1970, and was later named to the All-Decade Team for the entire 1970’s! When his time at St. Bonnie was over. Lanier finished by being the schools All-Time scoring leader with 2,067 points, (currently third all-time at this point in time), All-Time scoring average leader with a post of 27.5 ppg, the school's All-Time leading rebounder with a career total of 1,180, the All-Time rebounds per game leader with an average of 15.7 boards per contest, the career field goal percentage leader at a mark of 57%, the single game rebound record with a 27 board performance coming against Loyola of Maryland in 1967, and the single game scoring record mark of 51 points set against Seton Hall in 1969. After all was said and done, Lanier’s collegiate jersey number 31 was retired and raised to the gymnasium rafters.

The professional chapter of Bob’s career would pick right up where his collegiate career ended. Being the first overall selection in the 1970 draft by the Detroit Pistons meant that there was already high expectations of Lanier. In his rookie campaign, Lanier would post marks of 15.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He played in over 2,000 minutes in that season making him a true iron man of a center. The league didn’t keep track of blocked shots in 1970, but Lanier was one of the leagues most prolific shot blockers too. Nothing came cheap if Lanier was in the lane.

In his sophomore season, Bob Lanier really found his niche. In a season that saw Lanier play almost 3,100 minutes of NBA action. It was a rarity that Lanier was ever on the bench. He scored 25.7 points per game, snatched 14.2 rebounds a night, and dished 3.1 assists to his teammates every single time the Pistons took the floor. This was Bob’s coming out party and would set the mark for the majority of the seventies.

In the first nine seasons that Bob Lanier would play with the Pistons he would have an average of twenty points or more in eight of those nine seasons. In 1979, Lanier was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. In his final five years with the Bucks, Lanier and company won the divisional championship all five years! His averages would dip slightly, but Lanier had proven himself as a consistent winner that was a reliable leader. The Bucks never won less than 49 games with Lanier on the team, and in the 198-81 season they posted 60 victories.

While never winning a NBA championship, Bob Lanier’s career accolades are hardly short in stature. First and foremost, not that his career statistical achievements aren’t impressive enough, Bob Lanier has set the bar for what it means to be a model professional. In 1978, he was named the Walter J. Kennedy Citizenships Award winner for his contributions to the Detroit community. From the years 1980-84 he served as President of the NBA Players Association. In 1981 Lanier was honored with the Jackie Robinson Award for service to youth, good citizenship, and leadership. In his last year in the league as a player, Bob took home the Oscar Robertson Leadership Award in 1984. To finalize what already was a saint-like career, Bob has served as a chairman of the NBA Stay In School program since its conception. Bob Lanier knew what it took to be a professional on the court and off, a page that some of today’s stars need to study.

Now on to what Bob accomplished on the hardwood. In his 14-year career, Lanier grabbed enough rebounds, 9,698, and scored enough points, 19,248, to be ranked 19th overall in both categories respectively at his time of retirement. Lanier has career averages of 20.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He used a sweeping hook and a formidable outside shot to become one of the only true outside-inside threats the NBA has seen at the center position. He was a eight-time All-Star including grabbing All-Star Game MVP in 1974 with a 24 point, 10 rebound performance. He was a consistent winner for the Milwaukee Bucks and his accomplishments, on the court and off, made him a Naismith Basketball Memorial Hall of Fame inductee in 1991. Mr. Lanier was no doubt deserving of being this installment of Historical Glimpses and I apologize for making him wait this long!

World Gets a Taste of What Nuggets Fans Already Knew

(FortCollins-CO) The international basketball scene is getting some of their first tastes of what Nuggets fans have been privileged to for three years. Carmelo Anthony is simply leading this USA team to an undefeated record thus far and is standing out on a team compiled of the NBA’s best. International play didn’t get to see much of Carmelo’s game when the team was coached by Larry Brown, and I’m sure the Pistons are glad they selected to Darko, but now that he has had a shot to play. Carmelo is not leaving much to argue about.

In four games with team USA Anthony has lead his team in scoring in three of four games. Against Puerto Rico, Anthony scored 18 points as the USA team rolled to a 114-69 victory. Next up was team China. Anthony once again scored 18 and was only bested by LeBron James’s 22. The next two outings by team USA were both offensively spearheaded by Carmelo’s 16 against Brazil and 19 facing Lithuania. Linas Kleiza scored eight for team Lithuania and probably had little trash to talk to teammate Carmelo after the game.

‘Melo’s game is flourishing in Coach K’s system. He is hitting his open looks, finishing on the fast break, and making mature decisions. In the games that I have been fortunate enough to catch, Carmelo’s game has been looking polished and has been making me very anxious for the beginning of the 2006-07 season.

Gone Fishin'

(FortCollins-CO) I will be gone for the weekend without Internet access. If there is any Nuggets news, rumors, or developments I will be back on the beat Sunday afternoon sometime. Nothing beats catchin' a massive trout!

Fed Up With Cincinnati Alumni

(FortCollins-CO) The latest reports spewing out of Denver quite frankly make me embarrassed for Bob Huggins and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats basketball program. Obviously, Rueben Patterson and Kenyon Martin both must have been absent from any type of media training during their time at UC.

As I, and others have reported, Rueben Patterson has been traded to Milwaukee for Joe Smith. In typically classless style Rueben had to have something to say about his “Buddy” Kenyon Martin’s situation in Denver. Is Patterson Kenyon’s publicist? I wasn’t aware of any arrangement being made public. So I had this idea pop into my head when I read the Rocky Mountain News this morning. Rueben Patterson should just keep his convict mouth shut, pack his bags, and get the hell out of town.

Rueben Patterson made these statements in the aforementioned news regarding Kenyon Martin and the possibility of his situation in Denver working itself out. Patterson speaks on Kenyon’s behalf and says, “I know for sure it’s not going to (work out), because I know Kenyon. He is not happy (in Denver). He told me after the season he wanted to go. If he’s not gone, he’s really going to go crazy.” Are Nuggets fans supposed to take this as some kind of warning or just an idiot ball player, with a questionable resume, making his disgruntle way out of town?

Hopefully DerMarr Johnson will keep his Cincinnati roots in the closet and let this saga finish without his name being associated. Personally, I would like to see DerMarr back with the Nuggets. I think he is a versatile player who could be a jack-of-all-trades for the Nuggets in the upcoming season.

As for Kenyon Martin, I still stand by my last post in my thinking that with the addition of Joe Smith. The Nuggets will most likely be trading Martin as soon as possible. Another more than likely scenario is that Reggie Evans will be the first to go because he just will not get signed. Then with the addition of Smith, and the return of Nene will surely mean that Kenyon will not make it to the All-Star break. He may be around when the season starts, but that will just be so the Nuggets can raise his stock for a better trade. As of right now, teams are probably very leery of whether or not Kenyon Martin can even play on that knee that supposedly kept him out of so many games last season.

As for Rueben “The Instigator” Patterson, GOOD RIDDANCE!

Milwaukee Swaps Nuggets Smith for Patterson

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets have traded Rueben Patterson straight up for former number one overall pick Joe Smith from the Milwaukee Bucks. This transaction came out of nowhere with little to no rumors circulating around such a move prior to its execution.

It seems like the Nuggets now have an overflow of front court players as of right now. Does this mean that the departure of Kenyon Martin is coming soon? Time will tell, but Warkentien and staff would seemingly have to make a move for a guard sooner or later. Rueben was technically a two guard or small forward, but there is no doubt about the position Smith plays. The 6’10” Smith is now on a roster that boasts Marcus Camby, Kenyon Martin, Nene, Linas Kleiza, Jamal Sampson, Eduardo Najera, and of course Anthony on the front line.

The only true guards the Nuggets have are Earl Boykins, Andre Miller, and J.R. Smith. Yakhouba Diawara and DerMarr Johnson are listed as tweeners. Measuring in at 6’9”, DJ doesn’t really have the quickness to defend a smaller guard and the verdict on Diawara is still out.

My fingers are crossed that the tight lipped Nuggets management have something else up their sleeves in the near future. Hopefully a gem of a two guard is about to revealed…

Joe Smith has never lived up to his draft position, but has still managed to put together a productive NBA career while playing with his now sixth different franchise. He has career averages of 12.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, one assist, and one block.

All This Chatter Over Evans is Distracting

(FortCollins-CO) The most recent chatter over the resigning of Reggie Evans is just flat out distracting. The power forward has now narrowed down his potential teams to sign with to three. The Nuggets, Cavaliers, and Timberwolves are the ‘Lucky’ finalists for the rebounding services of Evans. The most ironic part about all this waiting game for Evans is that Denver is now in contact with Al Harrington and probably doesn’t give a care if Evans stays or goes.

In a story that broke from the Pensacola News Journal, Reggie Evans made this statement, “ I have a lot of weight on my shoulders, but it’s a good weight. I don’t mind holding good weight.” The main problem that I have now with this whole situation is that Reggie Evans is essentially holding out on the Nuggets for more moolah, and he is not worth the kind of money he is trying to get. Five million dollars for a guy that averages five points a game is malarky. I think that the Nuggets would be wise to let this guy go, and would be even wiser just to take their offer off the table. Reggie Evans is a fifteen-twenty minutes per game role player at best. Enough said.

Al Harrington could be what the Nuggets have been looking for all this time. Harrington is coming off a season where he averaged 18.6 points per game with 6.9 boards. He also played in 76 games with an average night consisting of almost 37 minutes. That’s contribution folks, and that is what Denver needs, CONTRIBUTORS! The twenty-six year old Harrington could be what the Nuggets thought they were getting with Kenyon Martin. Only this time, they do not have to worry about a surgically repaired knee and an ego.

In a statement in the Rocky Mountain News from Harrington concerning the realistic possibilities of being a Nugget. Al had this to say, “ Yeah, definitely. When you look at the Denver’s situation, they want to make some noise.”

That is absolutely correct! This franchise would give every indication that they are tired of the mediocrity they have been synonymous with for so long. And are willing to do everything that is honestly possible to rise to the elite levels of the NBA. Regardless of who is going to be on this team when the 2006-07 season begins, it should be noted that even without a GM, the Nuggets are an active team with the betterment of the franchise in the forefront of their mind.

Melo Gets Bent Out of Shape

(FortCollins-CO) Everyone who cares about the Nuggets can breathe a sigh of relief tonight after what could have been a very bad day. In a FIBA game against Brazil, Carmelo Anthony was playing great. He had scored 16 points in a variety of fashions before all of Nuggsdom collectively held their breathe. Carmelo went diving into the USA bench, landing on coach K, and hyper-extending his knee. He didn’t return to the game, which the USA won, but is said to be just fine. Coach K is going to sit him for the next couple a days.

Damn, and I thought there was going to be a Linas vs. ‘Melo match when the USA faced Lithuania.

The fall didn’t look all that bad, but when you saw the grimace on Anthony’s face you could tell he was in pain. It should also be noted that up to this point, Carmelo is standing out in a group of his peers that includes D-Wade, LBJ, and Chris Bosh. This can only lead to confidence for the ‘Melo man.

'Melo Speaks On Reggie's Behalf

(FortCollins-CO) The line of communication about whether or not Carmelo Anthony wants the Nuggets to resign Reggie Evans is all affirmative. The Nuggets superstar’s agent Calvin Andrews says in an article in the Rocky Mountain News, “He loves Reggie’s game and thinks Reggie Evans, in order to win, is a good piece of the puzzle.”

The main hitch in this whole situation is that Reggie Evans is trying to negotiate a deal worth about five million dollars and the Nuggets have about three before they will be in violation of the NBA’s luxury tax. Unless the Nuggets make some moves with Kenyon Martin or somebody else. Reggie will most likely have to sacrifice some paycheck to remain a Nugget. The question for Reggie Evans will have to be whether or not all the intangible things are worth the paycheck cut.

The most important underlying story in all of this saga is that the Nuggets still have Kenyon Martin on the roster. If Kenyon stays, and decides to drop the tough guy act, he could be a valuable asset to this team. This scenario would greatly diminish Reggie’s playing time and could lead to an unhappy situation for Evans. Or Kenyon might not be able to get his act together and Reggie will be an incredible back-up plan, regardless of luxury tax penalty, and continue to develop for the Nuggets.

Very tough situation for Mark Warkentien to be in no doubt. The Nuggets are trying to make moves to be a realistic contender as soon as possible. The problem is that Rome wasn’t built in a day and the pre-Carmelo Nuggets didn’t really have much to build from. Now that the Anthony-era is upon us, the moves the Nuggets are making need to continue to be in the right direction.

Still Waiting on Reggie Evans

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets are still yet to decide what they are going to do with, or without, Reggie Evans. Evans was acquired at nearly the last second of the trade deadline last season from the Seattle Supersonics in a trade that saw Byron Russell and Earl Watson depart from Denver. Will Evans stay in Denver be a short one or will he be brought back for another season with the Nuggets?

As of right now, Reggie Evans has traveled to Cleveland and talked about potentially signing with the Cavs, but also says he would like to return to the Nuggets. When asked about his meetings with the Cavaliers in a Rocky Mountain News interview he said, “Everything is cool. I’ve said that a million times.” Cool like your interviewing for another job cool, or cool like your going to be a Nugget next season? I sure would like to know…

The question is this… The Denver Nuggets in all likeliness will still have Kenyon Martin next season. At this point they have way too much to lose by just surrendering him for a fading role player, and would be better off keeping him and trying to straighten things out. This means that Reggie Evans will not be in such high demand next season, and if it happens, wouldn’t be that much of a loss if he is lured away from Denver.

In 26 regular season games with the Nuggets, Reggie Evans had averages of 5.2 points per game and 8.7 boards. He faded dramatically in the playoffs only averaging 3.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in the first round series with the Clippers. He will also forever be remembered for the, “Handy-work”, he maneuvered on Kris Kaman.

Nuggets Gonzo For Bonzi?

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets have been trying to land shooting guard Bonzi Wells in a sign and trade for the last two weeks. I have been reluctant to report on this because of its rather unlikely nature, but the Nuggets seem to be persistent. The scenario would have to include the trading of Kenyon Martin if the deal were to go down, but I think that this point the Nuggets are going to see what Kenyon can do before letting him go for little in return. Not that Bonzi is chop liver, but if the Kings wanted to deal him for Kenyon Martin, they would of already, capice?

The addition of Bonzi would be nice. Wells averaged 23.2 points in the playoffs against San Antonio. His regular season average was not that high, 13.6 points per game, but his potential is obviously there.

Bonzi would be a great starting shooting guard while J.R. Smith learns the system and matures, especially on the defensive end. Wells is entering his tenth year in the league. The Nuggets are about three million dollars away from the league luxury tax cut off which is going to play a pivotal role in whatever moves they make from now until the start of the season.

Stay Off the Pipe Shawn, The NBA Will Miss You

(FortCollins-CO) The NBA has probably seen the last of the Reign Man. Shawn Kemp had been working out for the Nuggets this summer in hopes of returning to the NBA and resurrecting his tarnished career.

The former All-Star hasn't played in three years and during that time has been fighting addictions to alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana. The New York Post reported that while playing for the Supersonics that Kemp had an alcohol problem. Shortly after those reports, Kemp checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic for cocaine related problems in 2001. Since then he has been arrested in the Seattle area in 2005 with small amounts of cocaine and marijuana in his car. By the way, this is all while ballooning up to almost 340 pounds.

Since those dark times in Kemp’s life, he had been trying to fly right and make a return to the NBA. He had reportedly lost almost 70 pounds and was steering clear of the bottle. The only problem is that Kemp couldn’t shake puffing a little cheeba. On July 21st, 2006, Shawn Kemp was once again found with misdemeanor amounts of Marijuana and since that incident the Nuggets have ceased all contact with Kemp.

Not that I expected Kemp to make the Nuggets roster or be a contributor, but this is probably the last time we will hear anything from Shawn Kemp in regards to basketball. A shame too, Kemp was one of the most spectacular athletes the NBA has seen in the last couple decades. I am sure to get around to writing the “Historical Glimpses” soon, but don’t hold your breath.

Nuggets Still Gambling with Evans and DJ

(FortColllins-CO) The Denver Nuggets are still on the casino floor, but now they are using Reggie Evans as a bargaining chip. It has been reported that Reggie Evans is in negotiations with the Cleveland Cavaliers because the Nuggets have not been able to sign him to a contract thus far. The main reason that Evans hasn’t been locked up is the Nuggets are dangerously close to the NBA luxury tax of 65.4 million dollars. With 13 players signed for a total of 62.4 million, the Nuggets do not have many chips left before they leave the casino-ish free-agent/trade market. Plus, the Nuggets still have to decide what to do with DerMarr Johnson.

Also still to be dealt with is Kenyon Martin. It would appear right now, with the luxury situation as detailed, that Martin will be a Nugget next season. I know what your about to say… “Here comes the Nugg Doctor telling us how much he doesn’t like K-Mart,” but instead I have a different analysis for you. Yes, I still think that Kenyon Martin is a cancer, but here is why he will still be in a Nuggets jersey when the season starts. First, he needs to up his stock and trade value so the Nuggets can get someone in return for his departure. This is only going to happen if he comes back and proves that he can bite his tongue, contribute on both ends of the floor, and do so in a consistent fashion. If this can happen, and depending on what level it does, then the Nuggets will move him accordingly. Secondly, the Nuggets just do not have the money to bring anyone else in, ie Keith Van Horn or anyone else, while Kenyon is still on the roster. The bank roll just isn’t there.

The loss of Reggie Evans while the verdict on Kenyon Martin is still out would be devastating if Kenyon doesn’t get it together. Reggie is a cheap, effective insurance clause for if, and when, Kenyon isn’t able to get the job done. It is slightly unnerving right now as to what the Nuggets are going to do with all the loose strings.

DerMarr Johnson rounds out the list of things to be handled. DJ is another cheap insurance policy at the two guard spot. He plays good defense, but is extremely streaky on offense. If Johnson is not resigned, it is rumored that the Nuggets are still looking to acquire Tony Delk or Eddie House. Of the two, I like House because he plays solid defense and is a more reliable scorer night in and night out.

What still amazes me is that the Nuggets refuse to name a GM. What is the motivation to leave this team without a front man? One would have to assume that at some point soon the Nuggets will fill the spot or at least make Mark Warkentien change his title. Until then, the Nuggets franchise continues to be like a drunken Vegas night. For the most part enjoyable, but there is still a lot of questions to be answered when this off-season is over.

Nuggets Still Shopping with Wooden Nickels

(FortCollins-CO) I have been reluctant to post anything about this because I do not feel that the person in question is really going to make much of an impact for our beloved Nuggies, but I think that its time to give up the story. As I see it of course!

The Nuggets are most likely going to sign forward/center Jamal Sampson by the end of the week. I know what your thinking… Jamal who? But let me give you the scoop on this guy and why I don’t think that Sampson will do much but hold down the end of the bench in 2006.

First and foremost, the only reason I see that this guy is on the Nugget radar is because George Karl was responsible for bringing Sampson into the league when he was coaching Milwaukee. Now let us move on to the stats on Sampson. For one, he is very young. Sampson is only 23, and has only played in 50 NBA games in his career. In those 50 games, Jamal has averaged ten minutes of playing time, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 points.

If all the rumors and reports in the local papers are true, then the Nuggets will be signing Sampson to a one-year, $798,112 deal as early as the end of the day. My question at this point is this… What are we going to do with Reggie Evans? Evans is a solid contributor on defense, looking the other way on the prison-rules-sack-grab on Kris Kaman, and is relatively a bargain for what he brings. But does the inevitable signing of Sampson mean that the Nuggets are potentially looking to lump Evans in a trade with Kenyon Martin before camp starts?

The future holds the answer, but one thing is for certain. Stan Kroenke and company aren’t going to be throwing fans any bones to chew on until the very last second. And finally, when are the Nuggets going to announce a General Manager? Camp is rapidly approaching, (I can’t believe its not butter or that its almost August), and before we know it the Nuggets will be tipping off the 2006-2007 season.

Latest Buzz: Martin For Francis Plus One

(FortCollins-CO) The latest buzz on the streets is that the New York Knicks have left an open-ended deal that would trade Steve Francis and another player to the Denver Nuggets for disgruntle forward Kenyon Martin. With Iverson off the block, unofficially, and the free agency pool getting shallow. This is a trade that I think makes some sense for the Nuggets. Francis, who was open about being unhappy with the Magic before getting traded to the Knicks, could be a major asset to the Nuggets in the position of shooting guard.

Presumably, the Nuggets will be able to re-sign Reggie Evans for cheap. With Reggie Evans, Nene, Najera, Camby, Kleiza, and Diawara on the roster. Some bolstering of the shooting guard position wouldn’t be a bad idea while the front line looks strong. The Nuggets have the young J.R. Smith, and Rueben Patterson at the position currently, but the addition of Francis would really lock the two down.

Francis has averages of 19 points, 5.8 boards, and 6.3 assists over his seven year career. He would be a nice mentor to J.R. Smith during his maturation process and would bring some veteran toughness to the team. In addition to all these positives, the starting five of Andre Miller and Steve Francis in the backcourt. In combination with Camby, Nene, and Carmelo Anthony in the frontcourt is formidable to say the least. With that starting five, the Nugget bench also looks sturdy with Earl Boykins relieving Miller. Smith substituting for Francis and the rest of the aforementioned crew working in on the front court when needed.

Majerus Denies Denver His Services

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets have reportedly offered former University of Utah coach Rick Majerus an assistant coaching position. Majerus coached Nuggets point guard Andre Miller back in the 90’s and at the same time coached Keith Van Horn, whom it has been rumored that the Nuggets are trying to coax to the Mile High City. Majerus has reportedly turned the job down saying, “ Karl offered me the job a month ago, but I can’t move to Denver right now” in a quote from the Rocky Mountain News. Majerus lives in Milwaukee and works as a college basketball analyst. He has a wife and stepped down from his position with the University of Utah due to health concerns. He also has an affinity for sweaters and fatty foods.

Nuggets Shopping at a Discount and KVH

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets continue to be extremely frugal in their attempt to rebuild and restructure. What am I talking about you may ask? Since the Nuggets have signed both Carmelo Anthony and Nene to big contracts. Well I’ll tell you what I’m talking about! They have been extremely frugal in obtaining Josh Smith and allowing Francisco Elson to be dealt to the Spurs and look to continue that trend by signing summer league player Yakhouba Diawara to a two-year, 1.1 million dollar deal rumors www.HoopsHype.com. This signing also has a twist to it however, because Diawara has his signature down in the Italian League with Climamio Bologna. Due to that signature the Nuggets are reportedly going to have to buy out his contract with Bologna for a cool $500,000.

Yakhouba, my fingers cringe every time I have to type that name, looks pretty good on paper. He averaged 16 points and 5.5 rebounds in 22 games in a French summer league and was a solid player at Pepperdine University. At PU in 2004, Yakhouba averaged 14 points and 5.7 boards on his way to being honored on the All West Coast Conference team. Hopefully the Nuggets have stumbled upon a gold mine, but until I see Yakhouba against NBA caliber play. Lets just say verdict is still out…

Even more complex and mysterious is the rumor circulating that the Nuggets might be interested in Keith Van Horn. Van Horn, always a solid pro, couldn’t be more of what the Nuggets need less of in my opinion. We have too many big men already on the plate still to deal with, (talking about Reggie Evans and Kenyon Martin), and need to trim the position down. There will just not be enough minutes to give everyone playing time with the four and five being potentially divided up to Martin, Camby, Nene, Evans, and Najera.

Nuggets To Acquire J.R. Smith…Cheap!

(FortCollins-CO) According to www.hoopshype.com, and other various sources around the league, J.R. Smith will be traded to the Denver Nuggets for Howard Eisley and two second round picks in next year’s draft. The deal is structured so that J.R. Smith, who was just acquired by the Bulls in the trading of Tyson Chandler to the Hornets, will be sent to Denver and the Bulls will waive Eisley in order to sign Adrian Griffin to a three year deal. The last pieces of the puzzle in this trade are Smith clearing a physical exam and packing his bags for the Mile High City.

This deal is nothing short of pure genius for the Nuggets. J.R. Smith is a young shooting guard that has extremely explosive athletic ability. He can shoot the three, take his man off the dribble, and finish on the fast break. Smith, 6’6” and 220 lbs, could be the missing component that was absent from the Nuggets last year and acquiring him for Howard Eisley keeps all the Nuggets nucleus intact. So if, and when, this deal goes down the Nuggets will have a starting five of Miller and Smith in the backcourt, Carmelo on the wing, and Camby and Nene in the blocks. I still hope that Kenyon Martin can be pawned off for another contributor, but I can already foresee his numbers dwindling even if he remains in the powder blue through next season.

On another positive note, Smith doesn’t carry an astronomical contract. The Nuggets have already signed Nene and Carmelo to long-term deals and its no secret that the NBA luxury tax cut off is 65 million dollars. Smith would only cost the Nuggets 1.39 million for the 2006-07 season and doesn’t put the Nuggets in the red.

Oh, and one more thing, the Nuggets are essentially giving up nobody to land J.R.! As I already stated the core of the team remains unchanged. So in my assessment, the Nuggets can only improve by making this deal a reality. Having only played two seasons in the NBA and only averaging 21 minutes per game, Smith is posting averages of 9.2 points, 1.5 assists, two rebounds. He shoots 31% from behind the three-point arch and 75% free-throw shooter. If all that wasn’t enough… Smith is a high-flyer, so Nuggets fans can expect the team to continue to be ranked first in the league when it comes to alley-oop finishes next year.

Francisco and Kenyon On Block, Who’s a Goner?

(FortCollins-CO) As of now, Nuggets fans are aware of the Spurs offering Francisco Elson a two year, six million dollar deal. The Nuggets acting GM, Mark Warkentien, has until next week to make a decision on what to do with the big man from the Netherlands. In addition, according to the rumors circulating on http://www.hoopshype.com/ ,and in the local Denver newspapers, Kenyon Martin may be shipped to Minnesota for Marko Jaric and Trenton Hassell. Hoopshype also hints that all other trades with New York, Philadelphia, and Dallas have all lost steam in the last couple of days. Please say it isn’t so.

As much as it hurts me to say this, and trust me I’m writhing in agony, I hope that the Nuggets do release Elson, and keep shopping around with K-Mart. I know that I have been pleading for anything and anyone to be swapped for K-Mart, but I do not see Marko Jaric and Trenton Hassell helping this team. There just has to be a trade out there that can make more sense. Hassell is a defensive minded two guard and Jaric just doesn’t seem to fit what the Nuggets really need. Throw Ricky Davis in the deal, instead of Hassell, and now we are talking about feasibility.

Francisco Elson is not that big of a loss for the Nuggets. The big man from the Netherlands was hardly a big man at all. He rarely blocked any shots, and his low post game is… for lack of better words, atrocious. The Nuggets already have Marcus Camby shooting the ball from the top of the key about five times a game and they do not need another seven-foot jump shooter. Releasing Elson seems like the logical play in this situation.

Kenyon Martin needs to be traded for a scorer plain and simple. When are the Nuggets going to honestly assess what they need and make a trade accordingly? Hopefully soon, but in this case, haste makes waste. Keep shopping K-Mart around for someone who can run the floor, shoot the three, and if at all possible has the nickname AI. Pay the luxury tax and make up for it in Allen Iverson jersey sales. Its real easy in the NBA to play by the rules in finish somewhere around .500. The Nuggets need to make some serious evaluations and make something happen and I do not think Jaric and Hassell address what they are in dire need of. Sayonara Francisco, it has been nice while it lasted.

Who Is Playing The Two Now?

(FortCollins-CO) Greg Bucker has now been acquired by the Dallas Mavericks as an unrestricted free agent and is leaving a humongous hole at the two spot. Buckner and the Mavericks have agreed to a deal that will guarantee that he is in a Mav’s uniform for the next three years. As I search the roster for who can even remotely be considered as the starting shooting guard my attention is easily distracted because there is nobody. This means that the Nuggets MUST make a move that lands a scorer at the two spot.

Historical Glimpses: Peter Press Maravich

(FortCollins-CO) Quite possibly the greatest showman the NBA has ever seen. Collegiate scoring numbers that will most likely never get touched. Handles that would make you believe that the ball was actually tied to his hands like a yo-yo. A deadly jump shot that started from the hip. All from the boy with the sad eyes. If you haven’t yet figured it out, this installment of Historical Glimpses is dedicated to “Pistol” Pete Maravich.

Peter Press Maravich was born in Aliquippa, PA on June 22, 1947. To say that basketball was in his genes would be an understatement because his father Press Maravich was a long time basketball coach at almost every level, including coaching the Pistol at Louisiana State University. A couple of legendary stories from Pete’s childhood will always live on in my mind as illustrations of what true legends are made of. First, there is the famous story about Pete spinning a basketball on his finger for almost an entire hour before the nail on his index finger got worn so low that his finger burst into a bloody mess. That story happened in an ice cream parlor and was highlighted in the movie, “The Pistol”. A lesser known legend was that Pete’s father Press would drive the family car around the neighborhood after dinner while Pete would dribble a ball ,through the window, outside the moving car! This guy had handles, trust me!

All of this hard work and raw skill landed Pete at the Louisiana State University with father Press. During his four years at LSU, keeping in mind that freshman were not permitted to play varsity basketball in those days, Pete would set scoring records that tower above where current college players are posting. In his freshman year of 1967 the Pistol would average 43.6 points per game on the freshman team. Just a varsity guy playing on the JV right? Wrong! The Pistol would continue to leave opposing defenses in shambles for the next three years while setting NCAA records in nearly every offensive category. His sophomore, junior, and senior years, Pete led the NCAA in scoring by posting 43.8, 44.2, and 44.5 points per game. He was named first team All-America in 1968,‘69, and ‘70 before being drafted third overall by the St. Louis Hawks in the 1970 NBA Draft.

Leaving father Press at LSU, Pete left a mark that reads like this, and will continue to read like this until the second coming of the lord himself decides to lace up some high-tops. He holds the NCAA records for points scored in a career at 3,667 with a 44.2 PPG average in 83 games, most field goals made and attempted with 1,387 for 3,166, most free throws attempted and made with 893 for 1,152, most games scoring 50 or more points at 28 times, single season scoring average and points total at 44.5 and 1,381 in 1970, single season field goals made and attempted in 1970 with 522 makes and 1,168 attempts, single season 50 points games with ten in 1970, most free throws made in a single game with a 30-31 performance against Oregon State in 1969, and had the damn arena at LSU named after him in 1988 by the Governor of Louisiana Buddy Roemer. It is now called the Maravich Assembly Center. Talk about leaving your mark!

While in the NBA, Pete continued to awe crowds with his trademark style, long hair and floppy socks, and fast-paced flashy play. As a rookie in 1971, Maravich averaged 23.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. These numbers qualified him for the NBA All-Rookie team. Similar numbers would be posted for the next five years before Pistol Pete would once again leave his mark on the game forever. In the 1976-77 season with the New Orleans Jazz Pete would average 31.1 points per game and lead the NBA in scoring and average better than five rebounds and assists. This monumental season would solidify Maravich as more than just a flash point guard, but a true lights-out scoring machine regardless of level of play. He has the third highest single game scoring total in NBA history for a guard with 68 points coming against the New York Knicks.

More than all the numbers and accolades along the way, and obviously there is a cornucopia of them, Pistol Pete may be best remembered not for his ability to score but more for his skills dishing the rock with the no-look dime to an often times invisible teammate. He was a master at the behind-the-back, between-the-legs, and even the behind-the-head pass. Pistol Pete had so many passes in his repertoire he rarely did the same one twice, and no one since has done it better. If his passes weren’t your cup of tea, Maravich could dazzle any crowd with his dribbling skills. Nearly impossible to touch when he wanted to elude defenders, Pete made a show out dribbling out the clock while an opposing team was trying to foul. He was such fluid ball handler, and maybe the best since the Harlem Globetrotter’s Marques Haynes (Another legend in his own right and a pioneer that led the way for guys like Maravich).

The final read on Peter “Pistol” Press Maravich concludes like this; Maravich was a two time All-NBA First Team in 1976 and ‘77, All-NBA Second Team in 1973 and ‘78, NBA Scoring Champion in the 1976-77 season, five time NBA All-Star, one of the 50 greatest players of all-time, and his jersey number 7 is retired to the rafters of the Utah Jazz organization. These accolades here, plus all the other history in this article, are why Pistol Pete is this installment of Historical Glimpses, but there is something else all true hoop fans should know about Pistol that makes his legend that much more magical…

After Pete died back in 1988 of a heart attack while playing in a pick-up game, it was revealed that he only had one coronary artery complex. People without this condition have two coronary artery complexes. That means that Pistol Pete Maravich played his entire ten year NBA career with only half a fully functional heart. Most people that are born with this condition rarely live past their adolescence. This just proves that Pistol Pete was born to do one thing and one thing only and that was to play basketball. He was truly an inspirational figure for the future of the game. He was a showman that put people in the stands while this great league was developing. He was a commodity to be seen when his teams came to town and he rarely disappointed. As one of the 50 greatest players of All-Time Pistol Pete can be remembered as truly a gift to the game of basketball forever.

Martin Still Salty

(FortCollins-CO) Denver Nugget forward Kenyon Martin obviously isn’t ready to let water run under the bridge in regards to his squabble with George Karl and the rest of the Nuggets. It would appear that the only friend Martin has in Nuggets clubhouse is DerMarr Johnson. Johnson has commented on the whole situation as saying, “He just said they spoke," referring to Kenyon Martin and Coach George Karl. Johnson also added this statement about Kenyon‘s state of mind earlier this off-season, “I know at one point he really wanted to (be traded). Right now, things look like they're kind of patched up a little bit. ... I, obviously, don't want him to go. I hope everything can work out right. You've kind of got to let go of things. You can't just stay mad forever.” That’s sound advice and Kenyon Martin should take heed to what his friend has to say. However, and how history has shown us, Kenyon Martin rarely makes sound decisions. Mainly in my opinion because he has a tendency to act out in an attempt draw attention to himself while detracting from the team.

When Kenyon was asked about the relationship, and if there has been any forgiveness between him and Karl in conversations that took place on Sunday before a Las Vegas summer league game. Martin stated, “Man, they ain't going well,” and then added, “Just leave me alone.”

Here is my final plea… Trade this guy and get it over with!

And I would really appreciate it if you would combo him with Andre Miller in a deal that would acquire Allen Iverson. Look at it this way, the Nuggets have Nene coming back and filing the hole Kenyon Martin would be leaving. Quite possibly filling it and then overflowing out of the divot that Kenyon has left. Then the Nuggets would have AI replacing Miller and would be starting a five of the aforementioned, plus Anthony, Camby, Nene, and Greg Buckner. Sounds nice, sounds real nice

A New Site For The NY Jets

(FortCollins-CO) The Nugg Doctor has crossed over to the NFL and is now following the New York Jets on the website www.royalsportspublishing.com, which will soon be www.thejetlaunch.royalsportspublishing.com . Fret not Nuggets fans, I will still be covering the Nuggets concurrently with the Jets. You may easily access the new site by clicking on the link on the right side of this site. Please stop by, and as always, any suggestions or comments are always appreciated.

Iverson Rumors are Back and More Serious

(FortCollins-CO) The trade rumors concerning Allen Iverson and the Denver Nuggets are recirculation and this time there seems to be a little bit more legitimacy to their pending reality. When Carmelo Anthony was asked about the potential link up with the leagues quickest player he stated, “I played with A.I. in the Olympics. I know what kind of player and person he is.”

So the details of a pending trade are foggy, but one would have to believe that either Nene, Martin, Camby, or Miller would have to be included, or maybe even a two man combination would have to be in the works.

When ‘Melo was asked about Camby being included in the deal he said, “You rarely find big men like that who can block shots, regardless to his injury status, you can't find big men like that.” Obviously he would not like to see Camby be part of the negotiations, and who can blame him? The line up of Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, and Marcus Camby is down right formidable. You could practically have two orphaned sisters suit up and be able to win games.

I think that if this trade is at all possible the Nuggets should do everything that they can to see it through. If they have to be penalized for exceeding the salary cap than so be it. The Denver Nuggets have never won a championship at any level and this would be a serious move to make that a part of ancient history. It doesn’t take a NBA genius to see that the main problem with this team is that they have no outside shooting, especially in the 3-point department. And Allen Iverson is an instant, and proven, remedy for all that ails the Nuggets.

Plus, Allen Iverson is at a point in his career where I believe that he is ready to put individual accomplishments behind him and seriously strive for championship hardware. He has already won scoring titles, been a perennial All-Star, and had a taste of the NBA Finals only to come up short. If there was ever a time to sign and mature superstar to a team that desperately needs leadership and ability this is it for the Nuggets.

'Melo's Boys Caught Smokin' The Reefer

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets 80 million dollar man has once again been linked to marijuana. Three people claiming to be close to Carmelo Anthony, and driving a car registered to Melo Enterprises, were pulled over and were found in possesion of marijuana. This is the third time in two years that the Nugget superstar has been in connection with drugs.

Last year he was found with marijuana in his Nuggets travel bag. A friend of 'Melo's took the wrap and cleared Anthony. Before that incident, 'Melo appeared on a bootleg video tape with drug dealers talking wild and chillin' in Carmelo's home town. Sometimes you just can't catch a break.

And The Winner Is… The Nugg Doctor!

(FortCollins-CO) It has been a long off season so far and we are only half way through it, but I am proud to announce that I have won the GM Fix-It team portion concerning our beloved Nuggets! The overall winner, and recipient of The Golden Wrench award, will be announced shortly. To read what the expert judging panel had to say about my submission, go to www.nbagmfixit.vsport.tv . Much thanks to all that voted for me in this journalism contest and to all my readership here on The Nugg Doctor. Go Nuggets!!

Nuggets Shell Out the Dough

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets have finally accomplished something positive in this off season by signing Carmelo Anthony to a five year contract extension worth nearly 80 million. They have also agreed with Nene to a six year, 60 million dollar contract in addition to locking up Anthony. I am overjoyed to know that Anthony will be in a Nugget uniform for quite some time to come, but when I look at the Nene deal a sense of anxiety cloaks my feelings.

Carmelo Anthony was offered, and accepted, the maximum deal that he could have been offered. When Anthony’s agent was asked about what Denver had accomplished last season and what is going on with the personnel currently on the roster. Bill Duffy replied with this on his client‘s behalf, “I don't think he's given up on what Denver can do and he wants to be a part of that.“ Bill Duffy is the president of BDA Sports Management which represents ‘Melo and other elite stars.

‘Melo locked up for five more years means that the Nuggets now have the superstar that they have been lacking since the days of Alex English. The next step is going to be surrounding him with guys that understand their roles within the system, and who can accept those night in and night out. Nene could very well be one of the guys that can become a long term contributor.

The only thing that makes me a little bit concerned about Nene is that he is, and has been, a work in progress for three years now. Throw out last season as if it never happened and what you have is a raw talent with potentially unlimited amount of improving ahead of him. If Nene can become a Karl Malone type player, because he already has the body, Stan Kroenke has the opportunity to look like a genius with this signing. If he does not perform like everyone keeps forecasting, he will be a major thorn in the Nuggets side.

The good news is that the knee that Nene injured in the opening game of last year’s season has been examined by numerous doctors with quotes of, “Beautiful,” being expressed when evaluating his ligament recovery.

Something else that I can say is, “Beautiful,” is that with the Nene contract a done deal. That almost certainly means that Kenyon Martin is on his way out of town. There is no way the Nuggets need to keep him around anymore and anyone that they can get for the disgruntle forward that can contribute to this team is going to be a welcomed addition.

The ball is starting to roll in the right direction, FINALLY! The Nuggets need to keep making moves before preseason because even though work has been accomplished thus far. The roster is still the same as the one that crumbled to the Clippers in the first round last season. I will be on the lookout for Martin to be dealt as the next article of business the Nuggets take care of.

Total Despair By This Nuggets Writer

(FortCollins-CO) I had to take a minute to calm myself down before I sat down to write this article. The people in Nugget management have me in complete bewilderment as to what they are trying to do with this team. I was hoping to have good news to report after the draft concerning any trades or new personnel, but instead the Nuggets decided to trade quite possibly the biggest sleeper in the draft! Now they are in worse shape then they were after they humbly allowed the Clippers to win in five and if that wasn‘t enough they still don’t have a General Manager.

With the 49th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft the Denver Nuggets selected Leon Powe. Powe is a 6’8” power forward from University of California at Berkley who was featured as one of the top sleepers in the draft according to ESPN.com earlier this week. So naturally, since the Nuggets are notorious for blowing it on draft day, they traded their pick to Boston for another second round pick in next year’s draft. If they were just going to trade whoever was around late in the second round it should be no surprise to anyone that they wouldn’t have yet announced who the GM of this team is either. Anyone with a pulse could have just traded a guy like Powe to the Celtics and then had a coke and a smile. So, to recap this off season let me just remind everyone what the Nuggets have gotten accomplished; First, they (Being players and coaches) have publicly trashed each other’s styles and characters in the media. Second, have not signed Carmelo Anthony to any kind of contract. Third, have not traded Kenyon Martin nor signed Nene. Fourth, have not addressed the blatant deficiency at shooting guard. And finally, and most frustrating, is they draft and trade a power forward that could be a big time talent at the same time as being a cheap back up plan in the probable event that Nene or Kenyon Martin do get traded before the start of preseason camp in October.

Is Stan Kroenke purposely trying to sabotage this franchise? I have to ask because this is certainly no way to run a basketball team that is supposed to be committed to getting better in hopes of one day winning the NBA championship (Or at least getting out of the first round).

There is no good news, no good buzz on the street, and certainly no sense being made at this point for the Nuggets. Oh, but just in case your wondering, Julius Hodge is doing fine despite being shot numerous times after an altercation at a night club earlier this year and not being able to contribute for the Nuggets in anyway, shape, or form last season.

If the Nuggets and their management do not get the ball rolling in the right direction soon it is not going to amount to much success in next year’s campaign. Slipping into a cushy third seed isn’t going to happen next year. This is a team that is ready to perish like a poor villager at the foot of the great volcano as it erupts destructively all over the country side. Anything, and I do mean ANYTHING, at this point not concerning Shawn Kemp or any other riffraff that has been plaguing this team since about the All-Star break would seem like a wish granted.

Denver and Minnesota: KG Not Included

(FortCollins-CO) The latest rumor surrounding the Denver Nuggets and their volatile power forward Kenyon Martin involves the Minnesota Timberwolves, but does not include Kevin Garnett. Not that KG and Kenyon would have been a realistic trade to begin with. However, the potential trade does make me a little wet on the chops.
The rumored trade includes the shipping of Kenyon Martin to the Timberwolves for the duo of Marko Jaric and Ricky Davis. On the surface of this trade it would look like the Nuggets are getting a raw deal, but it is with deeper scrutiny that you can see the value.

The Nuggets need scoring, badly, and the addition of Ricky Davis could pay huge dividends in the long and short term pictures. Davis is coming off a season where he averaged 19.1 points per game and squeezed almost five boards. The Nuggets could desperately use a score-first guy at the two spot while Andre Miller continues to just be a pass-first kind of guy. Ricky Davis could potentially be that for the Nuggets.

Marko Jaric is also a player that could flourish within the Denver system. Jaric doesn’t put up awe-inspiring numbers, but what he does do is play solid defense for a point guard and contributes in the scoring column. Last season he averaged 7.9 points per game and 3.9 assists. Modest digits I know, but within the high octane offense of Denver those numbers are surely due to rise, even if slightly. He is also a career 33% from behind the arch, 200-600, and that helps Denver tremendously.

So if you do the math, and I’m sure some of you already have, that’s almost thirty points coming in to the Denver picture. While only giving up less than half of that, which Kenyon Martin was accountable for. Add Nene’s return on the boards and on defense and you got a scenario that would seem to work.

I like this trade because it addresses what problems the Nuggets have currently while keeping in mind who they have returning for next season. One thing that I hope isn’t retuning is the schizophrenic play and persona of Kenyon Martin. Doing this trade wouldn’t be that bad of an idea when all things are considered.

Nuggets Looking to Trade Up in Draft?

(FortCollins-CO) According to www.CelticsBlog.com , the Nuggets could be interested in trading Kenyon Martin to either Minnesota or the Knicks (Still with the Knicks talks) and Andre Miller to the Celtics in hopes of clearing up cap space and or moving up in the draft. How this all is supposed to work in favor of the Nuggets I'm not sure of, but I can try to make some sense of it for all the Nuggets fans who are perplexed at this point with this team.

So if the Nuggets were to get rid of Andre Miller and Kenyon Martin to the previously mentioned teams they would be able sign Carmelo Anthony to a max deal and potentially move up to the sixth draft slot currently occupied by the Timberwolves. If the T-Wolves were to do this, I would assume that the Celtics would be giving the Nuggets in return Wally Szczerbiak and hopefully Dan Dickau. But does this make the Nuggets better? Who is going to be around at the sixth selection in the draft, and are they going to be able to make an immediate impact? These are the questions that are going to need to be answered and not with talk, with wins!

The Nuggets, with the exception of drafting Carmelo Anthony, have been notoriously bad when it comes to drafting potential superstars. Back in 1998, the Nuggets selected Raef LaFrentz while overlooking players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Antawn Jamison, Vince Carter, and Paul Pierce. The year before that the Nuggets drafted Tony "El Busto" Battie while overlooking Tracy McGrady. I know that these incidents are a little in the rear view mirror at this point, but still, can the Nuggets afford another year where their top ten draft pick goes belly-up and puts the Nuggets back into a lottery situation? The answer to that is no, and with the players in this years draft, getting someone that is potentially not going to pan out is more than just speculation.

Only time will tell for the Nuggets, or shall I say, only wins...

Nuggets Potentially Having a Big Man Yard Sale

(FortCollins-CO) When the free agency market opens up on July 1st, the Nuggets are going to have quite the list of players who are going to be eligible. Reggie Evans, Francisco Elson, DerMarr Johnson, Greg Buckner, and Nene will all be free agents in about a week. And don’t forget that Carmelo Anthony also is in need of some managerial maintenance.

The most intriguing story is probably the one shaping up at power forward. With Nene expected to make a return next year, the Nuggets have an overload at the four position. Francisco Elson, Reggie Evans, Nene, and the possible return of Kenyon Martin make the four the most confusing to sort out. Nene hasn’t played in a year, but keep in mind, he was a work in progress when he was playing. With Reggie Evans, you know what your going to get consistently night in and night out on the boards and on defense, but that also means that you sacrifice on the offensive end. When substituting Francisco Elson into the lineup you just flat out never know what your going to get, positive or negative. And Kenyon Martin is about as explosive as a C4 one night, but then may not play for the next three games.

The Nuggets obviously need to evaluate this power forward conundrum, and so do I.

With the most recent outburst in the Denver Post I do not think Kenyon Martin did himself any favors in relation to being in a Nuggets uniform next season. So assuming that he will not be back, and that Nene will be at least as productive as he was before he went down with the injury. It is only fair to assume that in this scenario Francisco Elson is going to be the odd man out. With Reggie, the Nuggets can rely on him to grab six or seven rebounds a game. Francisco just doesn’t have any seriously reliable aspect to his game. This is just one possible scenario that the Nuggets need to examine…

The next possible outcome that could come out from this tangle at the four is combining Nene’s potential and Kenyon Martin in a trade that sends both big men out of town. A lot of rumor has been spreading about the conditioning and continued progression of Nene, but what about if he comes back and its all just been a smoke screen for a guy that is held in warm regards, while his stat line is overlooked? Nene has always been capable of great things, but has certainly been in a transitioning phase from young talent to consistent contributor. If this kind of trade were to go through, the Nuggets would then have Elson and Reggie Evans, but hopefully a big time scorer in return for the aforementioned two. With a big time scorer now on the roster, Reggie Evans’s defensive attributes have that much more room to shine, and Francisco’s inconsistencies have a chance to right themselves as he improves.

Ahhh, to have a crystal ball would be nice, but if I can prescribe anything for the Nuggets right now it is to get back to business and get your dirty laundry from off the clothesline in the front yard. Both potential scenarios have their down faults. Lets hear some comments on both.

Mutiny On Nugget Ship: Coach Karl vs. Players vs. Players

(FortCollins-CO) Make it an off season of total dissention for the Denver Nuggets. The Denver Post reports that one Nugget has gone public when asked about George Karl’s coaching style as saying, "George's style is a smart-ass fashion. George never takes the blame. He can be an egotistical (jerk). Guys by the end of the year had had enough of it. It showed in the playoffs."

In return to that comment Karl retorted with this statement, “I tell them things in a lot of different fashions. Smart-ass is one way. Most things are told first one on one. If they refuse to listen, I go to something else. I go back to our first meeting as a reference. I'll ask them in front of the team. Is it my job to push players to be the best or let them be soft? My job is not to be liked. My job is to push them to win. A lot of times players just want it one way. Sorry. I'm going to attack things that affect my basketball team. Sure, I know my ego."

To make things even more complex another anonymous Nugget has said this in his coaches defense. “All of the guys on this team are overly sensitive. And quite a few of them are very immature."

So now not only do we have players that don’t care for the coaching style of George Karl, but we have players who don’t care for one another too. Players that don’t like other players, players that don’t care for coaches, players sidling with coaches is not the way to progress in the right direction in the off season. This team is like a house of cards right now just waiting for the hurricane beacon to sound.

What about trade rumors circulating around obtaining a shooting guard or what is happening with the Kenyon Martin situation? Or even better still… How about keeping clubhouse comments in the clubhouse and not airing your dirty laundry in the media. I wish I could say that the next bit of Nuggets information is going to be good, but its looking like the contrary.

Historical Glimpses: John “Spider” Salley

(FortCollins-CO) This installment of Historical Glimpses focuses on one of the NBA’s finest stars on and off the court. A player of such caliber knew what it took to be a winner. Whether he was a main component of a championship campaign or just a role player, John “Spider” Salley knew what dynamics to bring to a true team concept by understanding his role in any given situation. As a result, he was the first player to win NBA championships with three different teams, including back-to-back rings with the Detroit “Bad-Boy” Pistons, the best regular season record setting Chicago Bulls, and the Los Angeles Lakers until Robert Horry joined him in that category just recently. Known for his long reach and jumping ability, John “Spider” Salley is the recipient of this installment of Historical Glimpses.

Salley was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended legendary Canarsie High School. After his high school days were over, John took his game to the Georgia Institute of Technology, better known as Georgia Tech. What he accomplished at Georgia Tech was nothing short of spectacular. John Salley would finish his career with the Yellow Jackets as the All-Time leading shot blocker in school history, while having averages of 33.6 minutes per game played, field goal percentage of 58.7%, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 12.7 points. In conclusion of his years at Georgia Tech, the institution honored Salley by raising his number 22 to the rafters, enshrining his accomplishments forever.

With the eleventh pick in the 1986 NBA Draft the Detroit Pistons selected Spider to a team that would set the all-time standard in what it meant to be tough. Two years after finishing the regular season 46-36 and drafting the “Spider“, Salley and a tremendous supporting cast were finishing the regular season 63-19 and were poised to win the NBA Championship in a legendary battle with the Los Angeles Lakers. At this point, the Pistons had created a name for themselves by playing some of the most tenacious defense the league had ever seen, or has seen since. Aptly dubbed the, “Detroit Bad Boys”, they squared off against Magic and Kareem of the Los Angeles Lakers after sweeping their way to the Finals. After the previous season’s heartbreak against the Lakers in game seven of the Finals, the Pistons were not going to be denied. The “Bad Boys” swept the Lakers and ruined Kareem’s farewell tour. That concluded a playoff run of sweeping three different ball clubs and only losing two games in total to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. No Piston player finished in the top 20 in scoring, or top ten in free throw percentage, steals, blocked shots, or three-point field goals made. It was truly a team concept and its no surprise that John Salley was an intricate part of something as such.

Next year would be only slightly different, but with the same end result for Spider and the Pistons. The Pistons still didn’t have any player post in the top five of any statistical category, except for Joe Dumars in free-throw percentage. But would still win the NBA Championship at the season‘s conclusion, with their only true test being the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. Not many players in NBA history are part of back-to-back championships with the same team. Salley was now in that elite category in only his third year in the league. Salley would continue to play for the Pistons for two more years and at the time of his trade to the Miami Heat he was fourth on the Pistons All-Time blocks list.

Salley played three seasons for the Heat and would leave the franchise in similar fashion to how he departed the Pistons. Only this time he would finish third on the franchise All-Time s blocks list as he was traded in the expansion draft to the Toronto Raptors in 1995.

Maybe spiders don’t like the cold, or that the Chicago Bulls knew that Salley was just the team player that they needed to win 72 games in 1996, but John only stayed up north for 25 games before the Bulls acquired him on their way to the NBA Championship. Salley now had three rings on his resume and retired after the 1996 season. He had been player representative for the NBA’s Player Association while with the Pistons, Heat, and Raptors, a consistent winner, and tremendous teammate while fulfilling different roles with different teams. A story book career indeed, but Salley’s story wouldn’t be complete without some tangled webbing, remember he is the Spider…

After dabbling in the entertainment industry and taking a three year hiatus from basketball, Salley returned to the league at the midway point with the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that he had once played a part in defeating, to embody the concept of team. His role with the Lakers can be summed up by his newest moniker with the team. Referred to as, “Sensei”, because of his wisdom and success. He would teach the Lakers what it takes to be the NBA Champions. Salley had now won his fourth ring, with three different teams, and had been the first player to ever do so.

Named, “Best Interview in the NBA”, three consecutive years by the Associated Press is no surprise either. John has been an effective communicator on a team level his entire career and it is no surprise that he is continued his success in the world of entertainment. Since his second retirement, John “Spider” Salley has been a co-host on the Fox Sports Net show, “The Best Damn Sports Show Period”, and has continued to be a hot commodity for cameos on other television shows and movies. Salley is also a motivational speaker and an inspiration for young people all over the world. There is not a destination too far for the Spider to speak at, and if there is a positive influence to be made he is always there. His career resume reads like this: Four NBA championships with averages of seven points per game, 1.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds. He finished his career with 983 blocks and will always be remembered for his long reach swatting balls into the first, second, and third row of seats. Salley was a winner. He knew what it took to win and knew how to execute and lead his team with an often times silent confidence rarely duplicated. A player with many talents is why John “Spider” Salley is this installment of Historical Glimpses.

Martin Speaks Out and Adds New Twist To Saga

(Fort Collins-CO) The Denver Nuggets and Kenyon Martin have officially taken off the gloves and are now in a verbal slug fest in the local media. Martin has now given his side of the story as to what happened over a tremendously frustrating season that concluded with his suspension and termination as a Nugget for the 2005-06 season. The quotes in this story are taken from http://www.hoopshype.com/ and The Denver Post. Personally, if this doesn’t mean the end of the Kenyon Martin saga, maybe nothing will.

First, lets take a look at what Martin says was a surprise benching by Karl in the series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Martin states, "George never told me I was not going to play." He goes on elaborating about how it all played itself out by saying, “I was shocked. He put me in the last of the first quarter. He put me in late in the second quarter. Both times for just small minutes. I'm sitting there thinking any minute I'm going back in the game. We were getting down further and further. I was (upset). I went to the locker room at halftime. I had made up my mind. I couldn't take it anymore. I had had all I could take. Here this was happening in the biggest moment of the season. I told George he didn't have to play me. I went off. Maybe I handled the situation wrong. But look what led to that."

Look what led to that? Does someone need to remind Kenyon Martin that George Karl is the coach and that he doesn’t have to be consulted in regards to any playing time decisions? But, the beauty of it all is there is more to the story.

Martin goes onto further explain that his anger wasn’t just with Karl, but also with certain teammates. "The thing happened with George in the hallway," Martin said. "The coaches were in the hallway talking about the game. It was not an exchange. It was me talking and the coaches listening. I had my say to George. Then I went into the locker room and had my say with the players. Yes, it was full of cuss words both times.”

So now not only do coaching decisions have to be run by Kenyon before hand, but he is also some kind of player-coach capable of negatively evaluating his supporting cast. Evidently, I missed that portion of his contract because I had no idea he was such a multi-faceted individual. I just thought he was signed to play basketball.

Just when you would of thought that it would have been a totally coup against Kenyon Martin after the aforementioned tirades. Kenyon then illustrates what happened as the halftime period ended and an unlikely supporter surfaced. Kenyon Martin said, “Coach Grgurich stayed with me in the locker room, I understand team play. I am not a quitter by any means. He said: 'Don't do this to the team. Guys need you. Guys need you. And if you don't go out there, I'm not going, either. I'm going to stay right here with you.' I had taken off my jersey, tape, socks, shoes. This man picked them all up for me and gave them to me. It hurt real bad. I appreciated what he did.”

Obviously, Coach Grgurich wasn’t one of the coaches that was subject to the profanity rich altercation in the hallway to the locker room. Now if that isn’t enough drama for your liking toss these two statements regarding Kenyon Martin into the mix. Bret Bearup, a confidant and adviser of Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke's, offered this about Martin and Karl: "You've got two people with two different views. Who is to say who is right and who is wrong? I think there is enough blame to go around." One of Martin's teammates offered this harsh analysis of the Nuggets' highest-paid player: "Kenyon was not playing a lot but was in the locker room encouraging guys to 'get tough, get ready.' We were listening and thinking of a guy who was out partying last night, on his feet, but does not practice and play. There is the perception that Kenyon does not want to be a professional. Are you really hurt? Kenyon is obnoxious, ignorant, boisterous."

Sounds to me like total dissent for Kenyon Martin, but Martin also comments about not being very popular with his teammates. Even around the holidays. There was a Christmas party he threw where only a handful of players showed up and Martin supposedly was upset. Martin said he threw the party for guys who did not have families in town and needed a place to go. I could go on and on and on, but the bottom line analysis is this; Kenyon Martin needs to be traded immediately. The Nugget faithful deserve much better than this circus of affairs surrounding a single player. The saga has gone far enough, and it is time to regretfully move on to rebuilding from this mistake of management for the sake of the future. Finding a realistic trade is going to be the hardest part, because at this point, I don’t see many teams looking to adopt a problem like Kenyon Martin.

Nuggets Seriously Looking At Local Talent

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets have reportedly been very seriously considering drafting local talent Louis Amundson from Monarch High School in Louisville, Colorado. Amundson attended UNLV after his high school playing days were over and has impressed many of the Nuggets coaching staff while working out in Denver. The Nuggets do not have a first round pick and are hoping that Amundson is still available when the 49th pick rolls around. Amundson is big on the boards, measuring in a 6'9" and 225 lbs, with a season high 21 rebounds against Hawaii. For the 2005-06 season at UNLV, Louis averaged 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds in 28 minutes per game. If Amundson is around this late in the draft, don't be surprised if the Nuggets select this local talent.

Nuggets Balk at Garbage Trade Offers

(FortCollins-CO) I have been keeping my ear close to the streets on the whole Kenyon Martin fiasco since day one and the only thing that I have at this point is my worst nightmare. Of all the speculated trades that have been offered for the disgruntle forward. www.hoopshype.com reports that the Nuggets have laughed at all the aforementioned offers and referred to them as 'Junk'. If the Nuggets are not able to trade for anyone of real value. The Nuggets are going to be stuck with Martin next year. If this does happen, the optimistic way of looking at the situation is to hope that Martin breaks out of this mediocre funk that was his 2005-06 season and plays like a player with a 70 million dollar contract. A tall order indeed. More likely is the chance that he will continue to be a negative vortex that only plays in select games due to his knee injury and cause negative team chemistry. More to come as soon as more is available...

Historical Glimpses: Adrian Delano Dantley

(FortCollins-CO) 23,177 points and 5,455 rebounds during a fifteen-year career is why I am choosing to focus this edition of Historical Glimpses on one of the most under-appreciated and under-recognized players for his accomplishments while having such longevity in the NBA. He is known simply as “A.D.”. His numbers are staggering and his controversial wait to be enshrined into the NBA Hall of Fame is one of the longest stories running. If you’re not familiar with the Adrian Dantley story be prepared to evaluate the small forward position differently from this point on.

Adrian Dantley was born in Washington, DC and began his ball-playing career at proverbial powerhouse DeMatha Catholic High School. No one thought at this point in his career that he would be much of a basketball player because of his 6’4” height and 245 pound weight. Friends and classmates even gave him the nickname of “Baby Huey” because of his size. When they should have realized that the defining attribute of Adrian was his work ethic. Stories ranging from practicing twice a day to having his own gym key are just mere tips of the iceberg when trying to grasp the dedication and focus possessed by “Baby Huey”. During his high school career at DeMatha, Adrian would use that work ethic to amass a record of 57 wins and only two defeats and would be honored as a high school All-American in 1972. His next stop was the University of Notre Dame.

There was no reason to stop achieving great things for Adrian and he continued to do so. While at Notre Dame, he averaged 25.8 points per game and was named Collegiate All American twice. He would enter the NBA in the 1976 draft after his junior year. Selected sixth overall by the Buffalo Braves, Dantley was about to put his mark on the small forward position at the highest level.

During his rookie year with the Braves Dantley was nothing short of spectacular. Dantley averaged 20.3 points per game, 7.6 rebounds, and nearly two assists. He was an instant offensive explosion and scored at an unbelievably efficient rate of 52% from the field. He also shot 582 free throws in that rookie season and made 81% from the charity stripe. With a breakout season, Adrian was named Rookie of the Year in 1977. This was merely a glimpse of what was to come…for the next 14 years!

Adrian continued his success in the NBA and only got better as the years went by. Before his fourth year in the league he was traded to the Utah Jazz. With the Jazz, Dantley would catapult his scoring averaged all the way to 28 points per game and was still grabbing better than seven boards every time he stepped on the floor. This type of exhibition were going to be the types of games Adrian was going to have for next seven years in a row. The following four years Adrian would average just above 30 points per game while squeezing approximately six rebounds, not to mention winning the scoring title twice! First in the 1980-81 season and again in the 1983-84 season.

The beauty of A.D.’s game was that he didn’t just have one dimension that he beat you with night in and night out, but rather his total mastery of the game’s intangibles. Adrian was one of the best at drawing his man up in the air with a perfectly timed head fake and was strong enough to finish the play and go to the line. Just as headily as he would draw his defender up in the air was how it seemed that he never took a bad shot. One of Dantley’s calling cards was how he always shot a high percentage from the field. A.D.’s career field goal percentage is a staggering 54%. You would think a guy with career averages of 24.3 points, 5.7 boards, and three assists would be a shoe in for the Hall of fame, right? With a NBA honors resume that reads All-NBA second team in 1981 and ’84, Rookie of the Year in 1977, Olympic gold medal in the 1976 games, NBA Comeback Player of the Year in 1984, and seven-time NBA All-Star in during the 1980, ’81, ’82, ’83, ’84, ’85, and ’86 seasons it would appear to be a no-brainer concerning inducting Adrian Dantley into the Hall of Fame, but yet he keeps getting overlooked. This is where the controversy surrounding how great of a player A.D. lies.

The opposing arguments keeping A.D. out of the Hall of Fame stem from the fact that he played for seven teams during his 15-year stint in the league. Adrian was also evaded by the NBA championship during that span as well. The final attempt to persuade basketball fans from appreciating Dantley’s greatness was that he played during an era when there was an overabundance of small forwards that could score.

All of the aforementioned are completely legitimate arguments based upon fact, but the one thing that needs to be understood is that not a single one of them takes anything away from the player that Dantley was. He deserves to be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, case closed. Don’t believe me, just read the three paragraphs before this one!

Adrian Dantley is currently still involved with the NBA today. He is an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, which is even more reason for this installment of Historical Glimpses. Not that I needed it, because Adrian Dantley has truly given basketball a measuring stick for greatness at the small forward position. It is just that much more telling of what type of player, coach, and person Adrian “A.D.” Dantley was and is. I believe that a collective sigh of relief will be taken when A.D. gets inducted, but until that day is here, it is merely a matter of when, not if.

GM Fix-It Update

(FortCollins-CO) The GM Fix-It sports journalism contest that I entered has informed me that I have made the top twelve and my entry will be viewable at, http://nbagmfixit.vsport.tv/, on Monday June 12th. If you have enjoyed what I have written, please feel compelled to vote for my entry at the aforementioned site. The rest of the competition will be viewable in reverse draft order, making mine the first because Denver has no first round pick this year, until the 28th of June. Then the votes will be tallied and a winner will be chosen. Thanks to my readership, sponsors, and supporters for everything that goes into making this possible.

The Rumor Mill is Spinning Out of Control

(FortCollins-CO) The rumor mill is now officially spinning out of control. The newest rumor to surface is that Andre Miller may be on his way back to Cleveland in return for Drew Gooden and Eric Snow. The hardest part for me to believe, assuming here for a minute that there is legitimacy to this rumor, is that the Nuggets are even remotely interested in any power forward short of Kevin Garnett. The Nuggets currently have Reggie Evans, Kenyon Martin, Eduardo Najera, Nene, and Linas Klieza. Correct me if I am wrong here, but don' t the Nuggets need help around the three-point arch while hopefully getting rid of Kenyon Martin?

I will be keeping an extremely close eye on Nuggets front office all week long, as I feel that the shopping around the league for personnel changes should get hectic real soon...

Are The Nuggets Looking At Shawn Kemp?

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets have given Shawn Kemp the opportunity to perform at their free agent camp. The former All-Star hasn't played in three years and during that time has been fighting addictions to alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana. The New York Post reported that while playing for the Supersonics that Kemp had an alcohol problem. Shortly after those reports, Kemp checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic for cocaine related problems in 2001. Since then he has been arrested in the Seattle area in 2005 with small amounts of cocaine and marijuana in his car. By the way, this is all while ballooning up to almost 340 pounds.

Now Shawn Kemp is trying to live right and return to the NBA. The only question is this; Is the one time awe-inspiring big man worth the risk of maintaining a roster spot after all the skeletons in his closet are brought out for a dusting? The answer to that is maybe. Here is why.

Kemp was an All-Star six times during his prime days with the Seattle Supersonics. He has been around the block and he knows what it takes to play in this league at a high level. Furthermore, Nugget coach George Karl has personal insight to the man that Kemp is at heart. Karl made this statement when asked about Shawn Kemp. Karl replied, "Shawn always had a good heart, he just now seems a little more clearer, little more matured and more together."

Kemp also has some other personal ties to Nugget management. Director of player personnel Mark Warkentien recruited Kemp to UNLV. Nuggets assistant Tim Grgurich also helped Kemp develop all that raw talent out of Trinity Valley Community College into a headlining career.

In all honesty though, why would the Nuggets be looking at a guy like Shawn Kemp when they have Nene hopefully making a return to the team, a disgruntle situation with Kenyon Martin, and a slew of other forwards including Reggie Evans on their roster?

The answer is that Kemp would not cost much to obtain and maybe, just maybe, might have a good year coming off the bench. The Nuggets would only have to cough up $744,551 for a one-year deal, which is essentially nothing. But just because a guy loses 70 pounds doesn't constitute a full-fledge comeback in my book. If that kind of mentality was in place, why not try and lure guys like David Robinson or Charles Barkley back to the locker room? Plus, I heard that Dennis Rodman was still vying for minutes in some type of summer league...

My mind is still playing with potential offers to propose league wide for Kenyon Martin. Shawn Kemp is going to be around later in the summer and could potentially be a nice addition just inches away from starting pre-season, but for now, I think that the Nuggets need to concentrate on making big moves, not nostalgic ones.

Nuggets Announce Pre-Season Game In Mexico

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets announced yesterday that they will be playing the Golden State Warriors in Monterrey, Mexico on October 14th. The game will be held at the Arena de Monterrey. This game marks a homecoming for Nuggets forward Eduardo Najera who is a native of Mexico and only the second Mexican-born player to play in the NBA. Najera had this statement when asked about playing in front of a home crowd. "It is an honor to serve as a global ambassador for the NBA and the Nuggets while playing before my hometown fans,” said Nájera. “We will be proud to represent the NBA in a very positive way while providing local fans in Monterrey with a great game and first-class sports entertainment.” What's not to love about Najera? The guy is all hustle on the floor and a class act off.

Denver Nuggets Invite Coach Karl's Son To Work Out

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets worked out George Karl's only son this week. Coby Karl is a junior at Boise State University averaging 17.2 points per game last season and he has had recent brushes with cancer. The most recent being just three weeks ago when Coby underwent chemotherapy for thyroid cancer. Coach Karl isn't quite sure if Coby is ready for the NBA, but believes that his son will have a pro career in some capacity. Good Fortune for Coby is that he still has a senior year to return to. Coby will be working out for the Los Angeles Clippers, Seattle Supersonics, and the Washington Wizards after the Denver Nuggets. When Coby was asked about potentially playing for his dad. He had this in reply, "I think he could do wonders with me. He knows me probably better than anyone so that would be an advantage, but that's in a dream world."