Our Denver Nuggets have ascended to the (near) top of the Western Conference by playing the game the right way. But will it translate into post-season wins?
After taking out the Knicks in New York during a thrilling double-overtime game on Saturday evening, the Nuggets accomplished something that this Stiff-laden franchise has never done before: won four road games in five days. And with the bright spotlight of Carmelo Anthony-versus-the-Nuggets being on them leading up to and following the game, the nation's basketball punditry is finally taking notice of the Nuggets.
Both the New York Times and USA Today recently wrote enthusiastically about the Nuggets' fine play of late, ESPN's Marc Stein now has the Nuggets ranked third in his power rankings and a Denver Post columnist finally got around to writing about something other than Tim Tebow this week (I have to kid those guys, but enough with the Tebow coverage already!).
These are exciting times indeed for Nuggets fans.
Making things even more exciting is that the Nuggets are racking up wins by playing the game as it was meant to be played: by sharing the basketball. The Nuggets lead the NBA in team assists at 24.5 per game and lead the NBA in bench assists with 9.9 per game.
So it's no accident that they're near the top in wins, right?
Well, sort of.
Unfortunately, leading the NBA in assists isn't a very good predictor of post-season success. Three out of the five teams that led the NBA in assists last season - the Rockets, Suns and Jazz - missed the playoffs altogether. The team that tied for the lead - the Mavericks - did win the NBA Championship, however.
In the 2009-10 season, five of the top six teams that led the NBA in assists won at least 50 games (including NBA Finals runner-up Boston). And in 2008-09, two out of the top-five NBA team assist leaders missed the playoffs (with the second most generous team, the Lakers, winning the NBA Finals).
So while leading the NBA assists certainly isn't a bad thing and could translate into post-season success, don't clear out your June schedules for an NBA Finals run ... at least not yet!
On to the links...
Onion A.V. Club - J.R. Smith: Worst US Export Ever
Our friend John Reidy writes about J.R.'s difficult time in China.
NBA Basketball Power Rankings - National Basketball Association - ESPN
This is the place to be for nonautomated NBA Power Rankings! ESPN.com specialists break down the league's team-by-team pulse.
Mile High Sports - Moving On
Chris Bianchi writes why Melo doesn't matter anymore.
Nuggets sharing the ball and enjoying success – USATODAY.com
The Denver Nuggets are 12-5 with the Western Conference's second-best record, in no small part by leading the NBA in assists.
Kiszla: Nuggets' Gallinari has all-star potential - The Denver Post
Mark Kiszla and George Karl have had enough with the Dirk Nowitzki / Danilo Gallinari comparison and likens Gallo instead to Detlef Schrempf.
Nuggets' Harrington, Miller anchor productive bench - The Denver Post
Chris Dempsey breaks down the Nuggets awesome bench production.
Carmelo Anthony says he could be the reason for NY Knicks' skid - NY Daily News
Maybe, just maybe, Carmelo Anthony is shooting too much. That was one of the issues Anthony raised during his impromptu confessional with reporters Saturday night after the Knicks lost their sixth straight game.
0 recs | 228 comments
The Schrempf comparison by Karl is silly
Those who adequately remember him will recall that Schrempf never handled the ball as much as Gallo does, and quite frankly Schrempf was nothing more than a valuable role player.
I’m not sure Gallo is comparable to anyone right now. As much as he likes to handle the ball
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
For an example...I present this article that Chris Dempsey just posted today
http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/2012/01/23/danilo-gallinaris-responsibility-shift-sparking-breakout-season/5938/
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
Imma just gonna throw a name out there with absolutely no argument to back up my position:
Larry Bird
Discuss
Russscot - January 24, 2012
a better comparison
IMO would be Dirk…
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
Dirk doesn't pass as well, or have the handles of Gallo,
and Gallo, at this point in his career, doesn’t have the post up game of Dirk
Russscot - January 24, 2012
true
i just don’t like the comparison of Gallo and Bird… maybe in a few more years.
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
I certainly wasn't trying to say that Gallo was at Bird's level currently.
I just feel that his skill set – what he brings to the floor – most closely resembles what Bird brought. Now, whether he can ever reach the point in his career where he consistently brings all those aspects every night, we’ll have to wait and see. But, I am hopeful.
Russscot - January 24, 2012
fair enough
I never saw Bird play (only 21) so I can’t fairly give an opinion.
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
Lots of akward hustle and moxy,
as well as a great touch. These things could be said about Gallo. As it stands, I believe Larry is the best comparison.
love4nuggets - January 24, 2012
Can't put Gallo in conversation with
a top five player of all-time. Dirk is a homeless man’s Larry Bird and I mean that in complimentary way.
We might as well say Ty Lawson in the second comimg of Isiah Thomas and that would be closer.
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
I think Dirk is a much more pure 4 than Gallo, he’s got a full post game, rarely handles the ball outside the three point line (his 3s are mostly spot up) and is a fairly good defender of NBA PFs (his defense, like Gallo’s, has been unfairly criticized for a long time because he’s a Euro).
A more apt comparison might be someone like Rashard Lewis in Seattle, a tall “3” with a good face-up game and 3 point range though I think Gallo is better at drawing fouls and a better defender.
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
i can see this
much more than Bird.
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
Gallo is a MUCH better defender
Let’s see. Very good three point shooter, tall and lanky, can pass the ball pretty well, Very good free throw shooter, has a decent slash to the rim game… by golly, he is just like Kevin Durant! That is who I would compare him to. Minus more of the scoring threat and more of the defensive threat.
CloudBurst - January 24, 2012
KD has the most effortless 40-footer I have ever seen!!
He makes JR look like he is hucking it.
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
Gallo has much better handles than Durant and is much stronger (Gallo would not be denied the ball consistently like Durant was frequently in last year’s playoffs), but Durant is a better shooter and has better touch around the rim. I think if we just sort of combine a bunch of tall 3s, we get the closest comps for Gallo.
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
Gail Goodrich
NugNugz - January 24, 2012
Agree Russcot
The most comparable player to Gallo is Bird. OK, fix your undies, I’m not even hinting, suggesting, dreaming that Gallo will ever have Bird impact. It will never, ever happen.
As good as Gallo is can be, he is not quite the shooter Bird was, not the passer that the greatest passing forward was, not nearly the rebounder that Bird was, is 25 basketball IQ points lower than Bird and has one ball to Birds brass 2.
But he’s in that mold more so than a Dirk. Today, I think Gallo may be a little like P Pierce with the mid range excellence.
Grades for players? Bird is an A+, Dirk is an A-, Pierce is a A-/B+, Gallo is a B who could hit, IDK, maybe an A-/B+?
The thing about other good players is that there are ways to cover them. An example is that Miami figured that putting a guy on Rose that has rose’s physical ability but is bigger will cut Rose down. LeBron did.
With Gallo, his height, reasonable muscle, craftiness, dribbling ability, and shooting when confident make him a nightmare cover for most forwards.
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
I was thinking Gallo is like Ginobili
He has the playmaking ability, 3 point shooting, ability to get to the line, and of course the flop. And though we as Nuggets fans hate that big-nosed bald Argentinian, we have a similar player on our team who is bigger yet somehow with the same skillset.
JR15 - January 24, 2012 via mobile
very good comparison JR
not monster stats but on any given nite, the best player on the floor
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
actually a lot like lamar odom
odom has good enough dribble to play point guard if he needed to.
perhaps the biggest waste of pure talent in terms of career numbers, since roy tarpley who was maybe the ultimate power forward before there was one.
utahcoyote - January 24, 2012
LOL
Larry Bird comparison is ridiculous. I’d agree the best comparison is Kevin Durant. a poor man’s kevin durant.
skithebert - January 24, 2012
I know I provided no argument for my belief,
but perhaps you could expand upon why you feel it’s a ridiculous comparison.
Russscot - January 24, 2012
bird was an insane rebounder
and a WAY better passer. and a better shooter, better leader, way more clutch, tough etc. etc.
bottom line is it’s almost as ridiculous as comparing him to michael jordan. while i’ll admit gallo does do things besides score, as Bird did, but on such a different level that the comparison makes no sense.
skithebert - January 24, 2012
I agree that Bird was a better player,
and my point was not to say that Gallo was the second coming of Bird. Rather, I feel that what Gallo is able to do is comparable to the type of of things that Bird did when he played.
Russscot - January 24, 2012
larry bird???
please…i love what gallo is doing but not comparable to bird whatsoever. stop trying to compare gallo to other white guys people. he is his own player. bird was the best combination of shooting passing and intangibles in the history of the nba. gallo is more athletic, maybe,
but you cannot conpare the two. period.
gonugs - January 24, 2012 via Android app
I don’t know about that, it’s actually a pretty good comparison. He had nearly 16,000 points in his career, and in his best season, averaged 6 assists per game, to go with 19 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game. For a power forward, that is pretty damn impressive, and definitely not role player like numbers. If Gallo can reach that, I would be ecstatic.
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
Schrempf was never...ever at "point" as Gallo so often is
Schrempf would most of his assists on entry passes to Kemp. Gallo will never rebound that well, and Schrempf was more of a straight up defensive player (he had some nice battles with Brian Williams in 1994) and Gallo is a better “help” defender.
Detlef was definitely the “third option” after Payton and Kemp. I can see Gallo being first or second option.
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
Yeah, the thing about it is that Gallo in the first part of this season is playing as well as Detlef at his peak, and Detlef was a late bloomer. With the way he’s playing now at his young age, it’s easy to imagine Gallo getting his usage into the 25% usage “first option” territory. I suppose since he’s basically reached Schrepf’s level, his ceiling is something like a poor man’s Durant in terms of being a first option who shoots jumpers and draws fouls.
He has also had a huge uptick in assist rate this year, so that would be very encouraging if he kept it up.
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
Detlef, as I recall, was a good support player and fell in to a groove late in his career
but Gallo’s ceiling is quite a bit higher.
Gallo does so many different things it’s kind of hard to classify him. Remember the Philly game…3 shots? He played very good defense on Iggy when he was out there. That’s is pretty unheard of.
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
yes, Gallo’s ability to be a + defender at the 3 position has been a total revelation that I didn’t expect at all when the Nuggets traded for him.
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
good points Jeff
Also, geez, I kind of forgot how good Detleft was.
Frankly, I dont know if Gallo will ever look as good in the boxscore but he has a great effect on the game and that is his strength. Might be tough to make an all star squad unless gallo does start to increase glamour stats (Points, Rebs, Assists). Most people dont care about Offensive rating, or Effective FG%.
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
Honestly Gallo’s going to have to be prepared to take up more scoring slack in the next 3 years assuming he signs an extension. The Nuggets won’t always have the luxury of bringing 2 17+ PER guys (Al and Dre) and two more solidly average guys (Rudy and Brewer) off the bench. So as that diminishes a bit, Gallo, Ty and Nene will need to use more possession and should increase their counting stats (except maybe Nene, who probably is what he is at this point).
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
more shots for Gallo=
More points. Thankfully he’s not getting those shots in a contract year or else he would cost a lot more $$$ so the Nuggets depth not onlt helps on the court, but it helps in the Nuggets’ pocket book.
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
atom and Nasty, great points
Yes, as we lose a bit of depth Gallo may need to take more of a starring role. I also see, hope, that Ty and even AAA move up a notch to fill void left by loss of some depth.
And yes Nasty, you Machiavellian, you. Thats all we need is some hot shot Italian asking for Rashard Lewis money huh?
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
last thing we need
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
Could be true 'cept
that Detlef averaged those 6 assists per game in Indiana.
I repectfully disagree and think that a good comparison. Perhaps not the same skills set but IMO a better comp than Lewis or Dirk.
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
Apples and oranges...but we will agree to disagree
most of Detlef’s assists in Seattle were basic dumpoffs. That’s Karl’s point of view, so it makes HIS comparison even less valid. lol
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
Here's the weird comp that I sometimes think of watching him:
Cylde Drexler.
When Gallo starts throwing the ball 6 feet in front of him and bulling full speed up court for his two handed jam – it seems a little like how Clyde used to lead the break. His hands are quick like Drexler’s and and while he doesn’t has the ball as much (both shooting and passing) his stats at 23 are darn close to Clyde’s:
Gallo 17ppg, 5reb, 3ass, 1.7st, 1/2 bl, 6.3FTA/36min
Drexler 18ppgs, 5.5rebs, 8ass, 2.5st, 1/2bl, 5.3FTA/36min
Clearly Drexler was big-gaurd with some foward skill sets while Gallo is forward with some gaurd skills. Gallo is a better shooter and less physical explosive but that seems are relevant as trying to compare him to Dirk’s unique post up game (Dirk’s fallaway leg kick jumper is as unique as Kareem sky hook in NBA history).
We don’t really know what he is yet . .
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
I never thought about Clyde the Glide, but your right, that’s pretty close. He’s not as smooth as Clyde, but the stats are similar, at least at this point. I don’t think Gallo will ever up his scoring to 27 points per game like Clyde did, but for right now it’s pretty even except for the assists.
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
No comp is perfect for any player
but I like to try and come up with cross racial comps just to keep from falling into the trap of Gallo = Dirk = Detlef = Bird
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
basketballprospectus pulled his highest similarity scores
as Peja, Mike Miller, Rashard Lewis and Vlad Rad. I can see elements of all those guys, if Gallo can come anywhere close to Miller’s passing acumen and pair it with his scoring which is similar to Rashard’s that would be a pretty mean combo.
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
Gallo
has a first step, unlike Peja. He can get to the rim unlike Miller, can play defense unlike Rashard Lewis, and Vlad Rad is just a very poor man’s Peja.
CloudBurst - January 24, 2012
all great points here
Thanks for avoiding the racial traps. They are so 1980s.
Sometimes Gallo takes a second to get going, maybe he doesnt time fast in some scrimmage sprint, but damn if gallo hasnt looked fast in games this year. I mean, how many break away dunks does he have anyway?
Thats been very pleasant to see and another good sign, when Gallo is on a break away, lots of defenders are just getting out of the way.
Look, he’s no LeBron but when you got 6’10, 240, at full gallop, hey, “Its yours big boy”
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
Didn't you see him in the race on the Nuggets site?
Dude crushed all the other 6’6" and aboves and was running backwards at one point. He’s got speed for sure.
love4nuggets - January 24, 2012
That best season I mentioned above was in Indiana, not in Seattle. 19, 10, and 6 plus a steal per game for a stat line is impressive, for anyone. It’s not like he was just chucking up shots either, his field goal percentage was routinely above 50%, something I think Gallo can shoot for.
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
read above
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
Yeah, I read that you said most of his assists in Seattle were passes to Kemp, but there was no Kemp in Indiana. Half of point guards in the NBA don’t average 6 assists in a season. If a power forward does it, I don’t care who you are, you are going to be handling the ball a lot of the time; you are going to be the “point” as you said detlef was not above.
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
Please keep reading my reply to Frontrange....let me help you
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
You need to be more specific when you reply. Simply “read above” is a little vague, and I was going off of your reply to me, not to someone else.
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
And I know I don’t reply a lot around here, but I don’t appreciate the sarcasm. I am simply stating my opinion.
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
I think you are reading something in to my comment that I didn't intend
If that came off as sarcastic that wasn’t my intention. It seemed as if you missed what I was saying and I was seeking to explain what I wrote further.
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
Ok i apologize, the “let me help you” came across to me as though I was an idiot who needed help simply reading the comments.
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
I can see that.
It’s hard to determine intent at times when just seeing things in cold print. Poor wording on my part.
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
Don’t I know it, especially on texts. You try to be funny or get your point across, and it completely backfires on you. I can agree to disagree on Detlef.
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
yeah like that time I texted some girl
to come over to my house or i’d find her and kill her. God some people can’t recognize a joke!
NugNugz - January 24, 2012
lol
Army of Nugs - January 24, 2012
funny stuff. I just add lol to every sentence I feel might be taken the wrong way, seems to work.
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
Emoticons help too
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
True
GHill33 - January 24, 2012
Yeah, I've learned the hard way Jeff
On some posts, I was smiling while typing and then post comes out and looks like I was snearing instead.
Our words are, alas, faceless, often toneless.
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
Lamar Odom
that’s the best comparison IMO
JBnuggs - January 24, 2012
That's Nene
Extraordinary skill set that makes him nearly unguardable when focused and prepared, but a lack of the mental desire to do it for entire games and seasons.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 24, 2012
Al Harrington is like Lamar Odom
Not Gallo
JR15 - January 24, 2012
agree
lamar can be a great defender, has incredible dribble for a big man, passes very well, is a strong rebounder and his range is out the the 3
utahcoyote - January 24, 2012
All the way to the hoisting the Gold Ball. Book it.
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
I am serious
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
And before the season you were saying we weren't getting Nene
And we’re bound for the lottery.
Now you are mission 5-0 which may actually happen!!! And now this, well as you know Cat I am on that optimist bandwagon.
That Utah game seemed so long ago when i proclaimed we wouldnt win and I was really pissed at that one lol. But I want to change back to riding that optimist bandwagon.
JR15 - January 24, 2012 via mobile
I never ever said we weren't getting Nene. Not once
I was worried we wouldn’t re-sign him. Different things. Nor did I say we were bound for the lottery. Not once.
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
I definitely remember you
Not giving us much of a chance at re-signing Nene, to be honest it was most everybody on the stiffs.
I kept my hope up quietly though. Doesn’t matter now, keep the good predictions coming!
JR15 - January 24, 2012 via mobile
That's different than saying I definitely said nope
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
I definitely remember her
saying we’d go 5-0 on this road trip.
So. She’s right. I don’t know what you are talking about. But she is.
Fly Agaric - January 24, 2012
sdcat is always right
but she did say 5-0
NugNugz - January 24, 2012
To be fair JR15 is not disputing my 5-0 prediction
he’s disputing how negative I was or was not on the Nene deal.
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
eh we were only able to re-sign him because we overpaid
I’m watching the Knicks game the other night and the dude doesn’t even jump to get a rebound and lo and behold, what happens, a Knickerbocker gets the offensive board.
NugNugz - January 24, 2012
I am just saying SDCat did a 180 since Nene
And want the optimistic predictions to keep coming :).
JR15 - January 24, 2012
Too early to tell for me
I see three primary issues with them winning a title this year:
3) Still missing a piece. Probably need one more big that would fit in the rotation.
2) Playoff inexperience. We saw what happened with several guys dipping a lot in the playoffs last year. I think they still need more seasoning.
1) Coaching, obviously.
I think three is likely to be addressed before the deadline this year. Two will be addressed if they make it out of the first round this year, in time to clear it as an issue going forward, but not for this season. One will be addressed if they don’t get out of the first round and Jerry Sloan would be our new coach.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 24, 2012
Faried as our new big??????
JR15 - January 24, 2012
DX had the Nuggets taking Mason Plumlee in the 1st round
which would be a great counterpoint to Nene and Faried. Good hands in the pick and roll game, good activity level on defense, obviously not the “Manimal” that Kenneth is but brings a lot more on offense probably either than Kenneth or Mozzy.
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
Still too raw
I can see the potential that everyone raves about, but he is still very raw. He would get abused against playoff forwards right now.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 24, 2012
I think you have to look at Ben Wallace
Those first few years in Washington. Very raw, but would flash with WOW plays. In his third year he started being a solid guy, and his fifth year was when he really broke out as an impact guy.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 24, 2012
I can agree with that
We are young, but if our competition is a relatively inexperienced Thunder team, I still like our chances than if it was the Lakers or Spurs of the early 00s.
JR15 - January 24, 2012
Wouldn't last years playoffs count as seasoning?
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
A little
It was too short, and major pieces like Mozgov didn’t play or weren’t with the team. Last year, they learned how to lose in the playoffs. This year, they learn what it takes to win in the playoffs, I hope.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 24, 2012
Only in retrospect after you win a series
Otherwise you are still in need of seaoning. :)
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
But didn't the Thunder lose in the first round
the year before they went to the conference finals?
Jeffrey Morton - January 24, 2012
So still not enough to win the finals
which was the the original statement. I think they can (stress can) win a playoff series. I don’t think they have the experience yet to stay focused and win 16 playoff games.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 24, 2012
I think if this was another year
I would agree it would be much harder, but if the road to the finals goes through OKC vs. A team that actually won the trophy, I like our chances.
Btw if we have a series with Dallas I am not scared at all, we still own that team no matter what they do. I still remember that time we were down by 20 to Dallas in Dallas and won the game with Dre blocking Dirk Nowitzki in 2003. He’ll even Nash was on that team and we still owned Dallas (this is of course after we had Melo).
JR15 - January 24, 2012
Well it will be tough to make the WCF if we are the 4th seed
OKC will be 1st seed…. if we make it past the first round we would have to play OKC in the 2nd round
5baker5 - January 24, 2012
Who said we have to be the 4th seed?
The 2 seed is ours to lose the way things are looking right now
JR15 - January 24, 2012
I thought division winners are top 3 seeds and the next best record is 4th?
I think im wrong though
5baker5 - January 24, 2012
Division winners are guaranteed to be in the top 4, so a non-division winner could technically be the 2nd seed.
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
You can thank the nuggets clippers series for this fix in the seeding
The U.N. Fab Five - January 24, 2012
We may lose the 2nd seed in February
Nugs have a tough schedule that month.
Artimus Mangilord - January 25, 2012
i think it will help immensely
to have home court and be a higher seed. it will allow them to have a comfortable two games at home and get into the groove of things. here’s hoping that they stay at the 2 spot at least
swmrkev - January 24, 2012
There is a big big problem re us winning it all
and its not just sheer talent.
Its just that I dont recall many teams winning it all without the intermediary steps, winning a series, winning your conference.
Going by that arent we about 2 – 3 steps away?
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
i agree
as much as i want to be a homer and plot out ways for us to win it all, i don’t think we can at this point. i think the west playoffs will be nuts this year and whoever comes out of the east is going to be strong. i think that we can probably win one or two playoff series, but i don’t really see us getting by OKC. i think we would play them a lot better in the WCF, but at this point i would be satisfied with winning the 1st round or making it to the WCF
swmrkev - January 24, 2012
We don't need to get by OKC
They will lose in the playoffs to someone before the Nuggets get the chance.
Take it to the bank.
Fly Agaric - January 24, 2012
it all depends on the seeding
right now, there are 2 games separating the nuggets at #2 and the lakers at #10. throw a wild streak in there (like memphis is currently on) and who knows what will happen. i tried to come up with a prospective playoff picture yesterday, and couldnt figure it out with any sort of certainty.
swmrkev - January 24, 2012
and another think swmrkev
We will have a hard time seeding high in this conference. Worst yet, the highest seeds will still have hellacious 1st rounds against a Grizzlies, or a Trailblazers, or Mavs or even Lakers.
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
i think 2-8 is a toss up between 9 teams
denver, utah, portand, LAL, LAC, SA, MEM, Dallas, and Houston. if a team gets hot, it could seriously upset the seeding. playoffs will be very interesting to watch to say the least
swmrkev - January 24, 2012
true
depressing but true
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
all that being said
i think we can still get a top 4 spot. OKC is a given. i think we can finish with a better record than the imo overrated Clippers and a depleted lakers. every team in the SW has flaws (SA’s road record, dallas not clicking very well, MEM cooling down and regressing towards the mean and same with Houston). i think the jazz are a flash in the pan and that the blazzers have pretty bad road woes as well. granted we have our own issues (lack of mental focus) but i think that the loss to utah and NO kind of swung that back in the right direction.
swmrkev - January 24, 2012
Memphis will have to cool down eventually
But I wish their current 6-7 game win streak would continue tonight on the road in Portland…
Artimus Mangilord - January 24, 2012
Thought it was gonna end last night,
until the Warriors (come out and plaaa-ay) imploded in the fourth.
Russscot - January 24, 2012
couldnt believe they blew a 20 pt lead
unforgiveable
swmrkev - January 24, 2012
Curry got embarassed on the defensive end
When his man had the ball, appearing to be ready to post him up, and Curry called on someone else to cover their own man, and whoever it was with the ball busted a spin move on Curry at that moment for an easy hoop.
Artimus Mangilord - January 25, 2012
1976-77 Portland Trailblazers . . last to Championship
1977-1978 Seattle Super Sonics went from last to the finals the next year
2001-2002 New Jersey Nets – last to finals
1985-1986 Rockets – lost in the in first round, went to finals
It does happen . .not often. Basically 5-10 players have been the heart of championships teams over the past two decades – Bird, Magic, Hakeem, Jordan, Shaq, Kobe, Duncan with a few interlopers rounding out the runThomas, Malone, KG/Pierce/, Wade, Dirk, and the Billups Pistons. The league has been so star top heavy that many teams have had the chance to make that jump.
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
well yeah, a bit surprised at how many made big leaps
but still no Finals WINS, right?
So question. What Championship team made the greatest leap from previous year WITHOUT acquiring an all world addition?
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
I was going to say the Celtics
But KG andRay Allen are all world additions I guess.
JR15 - January 24, 2012
nah, KG and Ray a terrific but all world is
drafting Bird, Magic, getting Shaq or Jabbar (flippin’ Lakers)
thats a pretty good example. I was thinking of the Spurs getting Duncan after fetting Robinson healthy
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
Well the Blazers did win it all . .
’Course Walton had his healthiest year in the NBA and Portland got Maurice Lucas from the ABA dispersal draft.
The Warriors also did it 74-75 (missed the playoffs to Championship) when Rick Barry went MVP on the league.
The 93-94 Rockets were a middling team for years – 4 straight first round exits, missed the playoffs, lost in the WFC semifinals – then won back-to-backs while MJ played baseball.
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
good examples
so its possible
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
I suppose but the reason why people say you need the star
is because all three of those examples had arguable best player in the league that year on their team:
Bill Walton (77-78 MVP)
Rick Barry (4th in 74-75 and 75-76 MVP but hated by so many he was also under represented in votes)
Hakeem (93-94 MVP)
Hard to see anyone on the Nuggets pulling that off, which is why George Karl perfers to compared us to the Piston’s model.
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
I don't think the Pistons model is accurate
Yes they were a team first team, but they played very slow half-court offense and had a nasty defense. I’d compare this team to the up and coming Blazers team of a few years ago that got plagued by injuries but had incredible chemistry and depth.
Young team full of depth, you had your up and coming scorer in Brandon Roy compared to Gallo. You have the strong front court with Aldridge being the Nene. Oden was solid when healthy.
That roster accumulated a 50 win season. If you look at our current roster and that roster, our roster is seemingly superior.
CloudBurst - January 24, 2012
The Piston team won a championship without a star
That’s all Karl means when he cites the comp.
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
but no team has won with just a star
its a sloppy comparison. You need team chemistry.
CloudBurst - January 24, 2012
walton, barry and Hakeem were unbelievable talents
Enjoyed all 3 immensely.
Lets see. Gallo & Harrington combined > Barry
Nene, Moz and Kouf < Walton or Hakeem
Tough but conceivable
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
I'd lock Moz up every night
with tape of Sabonis, Pau, and Walton.
But I have no delusions that he’d develop Hakeem’s footwork.
Nene, maybe. Moz, never.
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
agree and frankly, for now
Mozgov is a bit of a lug head.
Someone on Knicks fan page called Mozzie “The human flail machine”
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
I love this team and believe they can go far
But I don’t think we can measure whether they are a top team until at least the end of next month. The schedule is going to grow some fangs and claws in February. We’ll see if the recent road trip was simply a good week or a preview of impressive things to come. Go Nugs!
river-z - January 24, 2012 via iPhone app
But frankly
the only team I fear in the West is OKC. WE could lose to other teams but really only the Thunder scares me for now.
In the finals, either the Heat or the Bulls scare me because they could physically match up with us.
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
Not as scared about Bulls, they play well against the East
But the Nugz can handle the Bulls especially because they are looking like an injury prone team.
Also with the ahead it looks like our secret weapon is Mozzie, they couldn’t stop the guy. The only person who stopped Moz that game was Karl.
JR15 - January 24, 2012
God I hate autocorrect. I meant the Heat instead of ahead
JR15 - January 24, 2012
This explanation would take a long post but
the idea that no or few teams have ever won a championship with depth but no stars is not informed thinking.
First, there have been very few teams who had great depth, so exactly how many of those teams have failed? A few, while a couple have succeeded.
Second, how many teams with stars win titles? My rough estimations is roughly 1 a year, if I’m not mistaking. So how many teams with big stars lose out on Championship? Oh, lets say 8, 9 maybe 10 minus 1. Is my math right?
Finally, roughly 30 out of 32 of the last championships have included all time great players, generational wonders, but there have only been about 5 of these players in 32 years. You know who they are.
You either have to have them or find another path. We’ll find another path.
P.S. As Karl sagely observed, often who is designated a “star” is determined after the success of a deep playoff run or a title. So, if we should win, we would, “tada”, have a couple of stars.
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
The Nugs just seem to be missing something...
I’m hoping the “something” is AAA playing better. While we are 4-0 on this roadtrip, we are an Andre Miller prayer and Violet Palmer WTF charge call from being 2-2 on this road trip, while letting the woeful Wizards play us close. Just doesn’t seem like we’re “there” yet.
margabelle - January 24, 2012
Nene missing a couple games, AAA being injured, Rudy being injured, Gallo and Lawson being
slowed down by injuries. Could be one of those things, but hey we are 12-5.
CloudBurst - January 24, 2012
That's how the ball bounces in the N B A
Pusherman - January 24, 2012
maybe we should just forfeit a couple games and get everybody healthy, might mean more long term
waterboy31321 - January 24, 2012
I would rather we struggle to find who we are now
Than be in paradise early a la the Green bay Packers or Patriots and choke in the playoffs.
Also Violet did do a WTF call by sending Iguodala to the line. Thankfully ball don’t lie!!!
JR15 - January 24, 2012
And I mean 18-0 Patriots, not this current one
JR15 - January 24, 2012
I thought the Sixer and Bucks wins were quality victories
The Bucks with Bogut are not bad and Sixers are playing very well. The Washington game left me relieved . . and Knicks was the last game on the trip.
We could easliy have been 2-2 and it not like we beat OKC on the road, but then every team this year has had a few let downs.
Frontrange - January 24, 2012
And, to be clear, we DID win those games
and we had our own adversity through injuries, weather and brutal scheduling. It’s just a fine line between 12-5 and 10-7 or 9-8.
margabelle - January 24, 2012
On the strength of the early season blowouts the Nuggets are right on 12-5 for their projected record based on point differential, so it’s not like they’ve overall been super lucky over the first 17 games.
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
And an optimist would say....
if we had gotten a couple of breaks in the @ LA, @ POR and @ SA games, we’d have an even better record.
I think 11-6 is where we should be, and that we’re one under par, so to speak.
margabelle - January 24, 2012
Or
If the Nuggets showed up against New Orleans and Utah on that little homestand like they did against Miami, they’d be better still.
I can forgive road losses to good teams. Losing at home?
It still makes me barf thinking about that Hornet’s game. It was a long time ago, but it was their last win.
Fly Agaric - January 24, 2012
The Heat lost to the Bucks at home
And SA lost to the Kings in SA. Does that count for anything? I guess you can have hiccup days.
I.e. Orlando having a really reallyreally bad hiccup in Boston
JR15 - January 24, 2012
The fact is that with this schedule
and no preseason and training camp, there are going to be a lot of bad games that make me barf.
I need to just get over it and hope the Nuggets don’t have any more Bug games than anyone else. Because everyone is having them: Miami against Milwaukee, Oklahoma City against Washington, Denver against New Orleans.
Ugh! Why do NBA schedule makers do this to me? Why?
Fly Agaric - January 24, 2012
So
Hoopsworld did a rundown of all the Restricted Free Agents to be who have to sign a deal by tomorrow or they become a restricted free agent and they list Denver resigning Gallo at low, but if Gallo wants an extension it could be had for less dollars. Instead they believe Denver will ride out the season and see what Gallo gets on the open market…
I really hope He doesn’t get offered a max contract as a RFA when they could probably get him for AAA to Nene $$ right now.
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
Denver is playing with matches
and stubs for fingers
I get the need t be judicious but dont be too judicious or you’ll be a wise man with no food.
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
Didn't ESPN say we were working on an extension?
I mean that game in MSG should be enough for our magnificent bastard GM to get Gallo to sign to a decent deal now!!
JR15 - January 24, 2012
btw
I soon either need to watch a denver game or chug an Ol’ English
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
The aftershave?
I’d go with watching a nuggets replay somewhere sir :)
Russscot - January 24, 2012
He's talking about 8-ball
40 ounce malt liquor.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 24, 2012
I am kinda glad on the break
I want Ty, Gallo, Nene (who are all playing injured, especiallyTy), Rudy, and AAA to get the rest.
I wonder if Karl realizes there are talented rookies on his bench.
JR15 - January 24, 2012
Plus they can actually practice
and work on a few issues that need to be addressed.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 24, 2012
...closing out on 3pt shooters
JBnuggs - January 24, 2012
inbounds passes!
All Day Jay - January 24, 2012
Man, I suck at internet humor :p
Russscot - January 24, 2012
I got it man
Pretty funny. I laughed at picturing a 50 something Italian who I have never met chugging aftershave. I picture sguistra as a character from the godfather like Al Pacino’s. Sorry for being stereotypical, but an articulate (when it comes to writing) NY Italian makes me think of old school movies.
JR15 - January 24, 2012
Im a little bit country and a little bit
punk rock and roll
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
no no
I laughed
Any way, how could anyone be sure I wasnt mulling drinking some after shave lotion. Aqua Velva man!
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
Man we need to get you to the next stiffs night out!
love4nuggets - January 24, 2012
I will buy you a 40 AND a paper bag!
love4nuggets - January 24, 2012
Not if he's wearing Aqua Velva..../hork
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
Wearing =/= Drinking
imo :)
Russscot - January 24, 2012
smartass
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
I resemble that remark
Russscot - January 24, 2012
You need to be there as well.
So let it be written, so let it be done.
love4nuggets - January 24, 2012
Rudy and AAA out against the Kings I guess
http://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2012/1/24/2730569/rudy-fernandez-injury-update-arron-afflalo-denver-nuggets
dunno if this had been posted. Hopefully Karl finds a few minutes for Koufos or something so Gallo can get a break sometime.
atomiccafe - January 24, 2012
ooo do we perhaps see Jordan hamilton or Julyan Stone?
NugNugz - January 24, 2012
If it happens I will go bonkers
Gosh darn it Karl play our rooks.
I am hoping the 7 man rotation can get a big lead so we can finally see the rookies.
I also think AAA and Rudy should rest vs Toronto as well. I am going to that game, but I don’t care who plays as long as we get the W.
JR15 - January 24, 2012
agreed
sac looked bad last night against portland and the raps look even worse. give the guys some rest and put the rooks in! and leave bird in the nest
swmrkev - January 24, 2012
You win those tickets?
Artimus Mangilord - January 24, 2012
Nope but got really cheap lower level seats
Love stub hub for Nugs vs bad teams
JR15 - January 24, 2012
Nice, have fun
Artimus Mangilord - January 25, 2012
we better...
no need to run Ty and Dre into the ground this early in the season. Give the rooks a chance!
JBnuggs - January 24, 2012
This sucks
But I’d rather them miss the Sacramento game and the Toronto game and be ready for the Clippers, ya dig?
Fly Agaric - January 24, 2012
this is why we need Wilson Chandler
The Nugs are just plain injury bugged. Having an athletic body who can go from 2 – 4 should be mission #1 for Ujirii
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
to beat a dead horse
Will is one of the few players I know who can fill in for AAA if need be, fill in for Gallo if theres a glitch, even fill in for Nene if Nene cant go or is in foul trouble.
And he can take Big, very big, Al’s slot should something happen to Al. Not as potent a scorer as Al but much better all around game. And ferocious on defense.
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
That's probably what Ujiri is thinking
Whwn we are questioning his moves. Corey Brewer can only do so much as a back up wing player.
Free Ill Will Jack Bauer!!
And after we sign him we will have enough pieces to trade someone for some value, and hopefully amnesty Bird to get the $$ to sign Gallo and Ty
JR15 - January 24, 2012
you put in Julyan Stone for 36 minutes and i'm promising a triple double.
NugNugz - January 24, 2012
and thats without him shooting the ball a single time!
Army of Nugs - January 24, 2012
Except the Nuggets lose
115-75…
CombatChuk - January 24, 2012
why?
it has worked pretty well for Rajon Rondo and the Celtics the last few years?
NugNugz - January 24, 2012
You know, I dont know a Julyan Stone from an orange julius
but man am I intrigued to watch him play now.
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
6'7"
loves to get teammates open shots, defend, and grab rebounds
Army of Nugs - January 24, 2012
OKaaaaaay, soooooo....
why isnt he on the team, like right now?
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
Let me find the article
Dempsey wrote something last night about it. Direct quotes from Karl about wanting to develop his starters first. Rookies might play in last 30-40 games
Army of Nugs - January 25, 2012
better to have the injuries now than later
Although it does disrupt the building chemistry of this group. If AAA and Rudy can play limited minutes to get back in the groove without reaggravating their injuries, cool, but achilles and groins need their rest. Moz needs to continue to get more minutes, especially in the second half, and Kouf needs to develop more as his backup. Bird has been grounded for a while now, hopefully his time on the bench will help him be more focused when he gets back in.
jd80229 - January 24, 2012 via mobile
rudy5fernandez Rudy Fernandez
@gallinari8888. Ha dormido todo el vuelo!!! 2horitas el tio. He has slept all the trip.. yfrog.com/kha82wij
hahahahahaha
5baker5 - January 24, 2012
seems like rudy and gallo get along really well always posting pics of eachother
5baker5 - January 24, 2012
It's EurBromance
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
And Gallo
saying that Rudy is always eating and he is afraid he will become fat soon
Army of Nugs - January 24, 2012
Again I have to post this off topic issue
I have posted this suff before but just want collate it for your consideration and add a tidbit
? What am I to make of these disparate set of facts?
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
While the Melo stats are inticing to draw conclusions from,
I would say that the sample size is too small to tell the overall effect of Melo’s game on the Knicks. I will say that I think injuries are bothering him more than he’s letting on.
Russscot - January 24, 2012
concur
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
Understood, but it is enticing, no? And one game is one game.
Also, can we conclude that Bosch absence has hurt Toronto? Amare absence has harmed Suns? James leaving Cavs almost killed ’em.
Agree? Of course you do.
But sample sizes are small there too, right?
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
I don't think it's quite an apt comprairson though
Toronto is bereft of Masai Ujiri now too. The Suns were on there way down before Amare left and can’t only rely on Steve Nash anymore. The Cavs couldn’t win a ship with James or without.
Personally I think the Knicks problems go way beyond Melo but he is a convenient scapegoat at the moment.
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
You are a lovely woman Cat:)
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
Okaay. I'll say thanks, but
I think this is slightly condescending……
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
not at all!
You are looking to the best part on a player who was and is iconic to many Denver fans. For you or anyone else to just flip a switch would be disconcerting.
I dont really agree with your reasoning points on this issue but I wholly respect and understand your decency, fidelity and well, for lack of a better word, humanity. And maybe I should cool it with this anti-Melo thing, huh?
sgiustra - January 24, 2012
All I care about is the Knicks to keep losing till 2013-2014 season
I want that lotto pick!! Then I don’t care what the Knicks or Melo do from there.
JR15 - January 24, 2012
Suns on *their* way ...
InboundingLobPass - January 25, 2012 via mobile
Anyboy know if there is a possible Gallinari exension for the deadline?
Colsportsfan - January 24, 2012
nothing new yet
Russscot - January 24, 2012
before*
Colsportsfan - January 24, 2012
Hey for the guys and gals who don't get altitude
vote on the Sprint poll on which game you want for the JAN. 1st game to be aired on NBA TV. So far we are leading the poll even though we play Memphis, but I want to view the game on television and not a terrible NBA stream.
CloudBurst - January 24, 2012
On it!!
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
Even if chandler decides to come back... where does he fit in
He won’t play 30 minutes like he wants and he won’t be in during crunch time
5baker5 - January 24, 2012
YOU GUYS! I want a Nuggets game tonight dammit!
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
Stooopid NBA Schedule!
Russscot - January 24, 2012
Not use to waiting 3 days... been playing alot of battle field 3 just to pass time
5baker5 - January 24, 2012
I bounce between that
and MW3. But still spend a lot of time on nba 2k12
Army of Nugs - January 24, 2012
you could always....
read a book
TyLawesome - January 24, 2012
ahhh
I’m reading the Good ol “Rhetorical Tradition” and its 1700 pages of pure Rhetoric history… most boring book ever.
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
Tom Clancy
his new book “Locked on” is pretty good. On page 759 of 1300.
Army of Nugs - January 24, 2012
when i get time to read
a novel for pleasure I will check it out… 16 credit hours of communications requires lots of reading
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
Yeah I'm pretty illiterate and stuff
I never read…..but thanks for that advice.
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
Chris Dempsey : Karl talks about playing rookies
http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/2012/01/24/nuggets-coach-george-karl-right-now-team-development-trumps-playing-rookies/5943/
SDcat09 - January 24, 2012
I actually agree with GK
to an extent. I think with games like these, once you get a 15 point lead, rather it be 2nd quarter or 4th, put in the rooks and give the vets some rest. We will see how GK handles it but my guess is we won;t see any Rooks unless there are some injuries.
NastyNessy71 - January 24, 2012
I don't agree
Compacted schedule, players going down with injuries, and 7 player rotation mean he will have to put these kids in sooner rather than later.
I’d much rather them be ready than rusty.
KevinAwesome - January 25, 2012
This year's schedule changes things
The schedule is brutal and the minutes should be shared more to avoid injuries and fatigue. A seven man rotation in a double overtime game? Not a good formula. I understand we had 3 days off after that game and that it was a special situation because we really wanted to beat the Knicks, so I will give George a pass on that one, but he better not do that again. There are opportunities to go deeper into the bench to spread out the minutes and give guys some much needed rest. We are the deepest team in the league this year and with a condensed schedule we should use this to our advantage to keep guys fresh. I think that is an easy sell to the veterans. Im just glad Masai has put together a roster so deep that almost any player combination will work. It covers Karls weakness which is the use of strange rotations and lineups. I do give Karl credit, however, for this team oriented attack. He is the coach. But Masai has brought these guys in and deserves executive of the year if this continues. This is a fun team to watch.
gonugs - January 25, 2012
Here is a recent piece I found Golden Nuggets worthy...
…Albeit for Nuggs fans of a certain age as myself.
http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2012/01/the-lowdown-fat-lever/
CaddyJack - January 25, 2012
you can take Bird of that list Karl
Bird in my estimation has been horrible. He doesn’t have the lift, he never had the post defense and absolutely cannot stop himself from biting on every fake. When he is in with Big Al, the team’s defense suffers if we are playing an able bodied team (see NO and Utah). Luckily although I hate to say it, Bird will eventually break down and the Koufus train will roll. I really think that once Faried gets in the game he will turn heads and you may think I am crazy, but I feel he can play a huge role in the playoffs. If Bird is out, will Karl trust Moz. Moz has shown potential but he has shown that he can be beaten by an offensive established post presience and a quick pivot. Faried at the PF and Nene at the C does complement each other well. Nene likes to post up and play below the rim. Faried will get out of the way, play above the rim, block shots, play defense and do the dirty work. i think he will be a revelation, but Dr. Karl doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. When Bird breaks down we may just see. I like K2 a lot too. It will be so interesting to see what happens with Chandler. Do we sign and keep, do we not sign (dont think so), sign and trade. An idea that I would like to put out there…..
Trade:
Chandler,Koufus…maybe a #1 for Vareajo
Then we have the Brazilian Bouncers patroling the paint. He can get up and down the court, rebound, block shots and play defense. Doesnt need to score and clog the paint from Nene..
Bigdorph - January 25, 2012
I think Bird is being replaced as fan favorite by Corey Brewer
I’d like to see if we could ship Bird to the Lakers, Clippers or a numerous amount of teams in need of a rotation big man, all you have to do is show them a highlight reel of his 2009 season and see what you can get for him.
CloudBurst - January 25, 2012
2nd rounder at best.
RoxWS2014 - January 25, 2012
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