After acquiring Chauncey Billups, everything clicked for the Denver Nuggets. One of the strongest second half teams in the NBA made a remarkable playoff run, breezing past the Hornets and Mavericks during the first two series of the NBA playoffs. The Nuggets eventually met the Lakers, and put on a pretty respectable effort before bowing down to the would be champs.
After Chauncey Billups put on a show against New Orleans, Carmelo finally got to work against Dallas and kept it going. Melo was simply in a zone; Carmelo was averaging 27.3 points, 4.2 assists and was shooting 45% percent from the field. The Nuggets main problem was inbounding the balll in my mind, the Lakers wouldn't have even gone to the finals if not for the Nuggets' poor inbounding. Two proper inbounds passes instead of the ones they threw away could have easily sent the Nuggets to the finals.
The 2009-2010 season in Denver should be another great one if last season's second half was any indication. Let's have a look at the key components to the team's roster.
Point guard- Chauncey Billups. What can be said about Billups, the point guard who is seemingly responsible for so much of the success in Detroit during years past (look at what happened to the team after he left it), and an incredible second half in Denver last season. Billups is entering the twilight of his career, but still has the speed and the skills to be as effective as ever before.
Shooting guard- JR Smith will be 24 years old next season. A longtime prospect with much talent and much attitude, I believe that he's finally matured to the point where he can responsibly assume the starter's role. He was a valuable 6th man in Denver last season.
Small forward- Carmelo Anthony's averages may have been down a bit, but he improves as a player with every season in my mind. His game is more well-rounded and he's more responsible on the court, meshing with his teammates for better results.
Power forward- Kenyon Martin is one of the best defensive players in the league, hands down. The key to Martin (and the major question mark) is his health. When healthy, Martin's defense wins basketball teams games. Period.
Center- Nene seems to be rebounding well off of his injury and if he plays the way he did in 08, averaging 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds, he would be a needed big man on the Nuggets roster.
Other- let's not forget that the Nuggets also re-signed Chris Anderson and traded to get Ty Lawson, who could develop into a fine tuned point guard in the NBA.
If the Denver Nuggets play the way they did in last year's playoffs, I can see only one team getting in their way - the Lakers. And if given this rematch, I look for the Nuggets to take their opportunity and get redemption from LA for the two blown inbound passes that may have very well cost them the series.
After Chauncey Billups put on a show against New Orleans, Carmelo finally got to work against Dallas and kept it going. Melo was simply in a zone; Carmelo was averaging 27.3 points, 4.2 assists and was shooting 45% percent from the field. The Nuggets main problem was inbounding the balll in my mind, the Lakers wouldn't have even gone to the finals if not for the Nuggets' poor inbounding. Two proper inbounds passes instead of the ones they threw away could have easily sent the Nuggets to the finals.
The 2009-2010 season in Denver should be another great one if last season's second half was any indication. Let's have a look at the key components to the team's roster.
Point guard- Chauncey Billups. What can be said about Billups, the point guard who is seemingly responsible for so much of the success in Detroit during years past (look at what happened to the team after he left it), and an incredible second half in Denver last season. Billups is entering the twilight of his career, but still has the speed and the skills to be as effective as ever before.
Shooting guard- JR Smith will be 24 years old next season. A longtime prospect with much talent and much attitude, I believe that he's finally matured to the point where he can responsibly assume the starter's role. He was a valuable 6th man in Denver last season.
Small forward- Carmelo Anthony's averages may have been down a bit, but he improves as a player with every season in my mind. His game is more well-rounded and he's more responsible on the court, meshing with his teammates for better results.
Power forward- Kenyon Martin is one of the best defensive players in the league, hands down. The key to Martin (and the major question mark) is his health. When healthy, Martin's defense wins basketball teams games. Period.
Center- Nene seems to be rebounding well off of his injury and if he plays the way he did in 08, averaging 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds, he would be a needed big man on the Nuggets roster.
Other- let's not forget that the Nuggets also re-signed Chris Anderson and traded to get Ty Lawson, who could develop into a fine tuned point guard in the NBA.
If the Denver Nuggets play the way they did in last year's playoffs, I can see only one team getting in their way - the Lakers. And if given this rematch, I look for the Nuggets to take their opportunity and get redemption from LA for the two blown inbound passes that may have very well cost them the series.
About the Author:
David Placter enjoys all NBA drama and can't wait to see the 09-10 season kick off. He's added more predictions about the team at his favorite Denver Nuggets forum and has contributed plenty of sports trivia questions about the Nuggets at RootZoo, a leading sports community.
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