Denver Stiffs

And only

Anyone

bueller? bueller?

is this a reference

to The Breakfast Club?

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

He had to have known that

I refuse to believe that anyone wouldn’t.

I'm getting older so ya never know

Nice Recap

Who knows what is up w Bird (maybe we have a taker for him)!

We need to go 3 and 1 in the next four and reestablish a home court advantage

The next week

I see us winning the first three games at home. The real test of the week will be the Pacers at indiana next Saturday.

I thought Ty looked good but that didn't stop George from throwing him under the train.

Why is it ‘ty looked lost out there’ but Nene and AAA didn’t? I don’t understand this coach and I doubt anyone else does.

georgekarl - February 4, 2012 reply

I Totally Respect Karl

But I think so many of his comments seem wrong. Who knows

I'm beginning

Hell I have pretty much lost most of my respect for Karl

What?

I thought Ty played his best game in a long time out there.

I agree.

georgekarl - February 4, 2012 reply

Come on guys...

You know GK always finds a scapegoat…. Ty got JR’d tonight…

Over my head... I thought you had it spot on.

Birdman

With how poorly he has played this year (and his contract), I’m curious as to what team you think would trade for him?

BryanM - February 4, 2012 reply

Maybe the raptors

They seem to like nuggets cast offs.

Bird has played so little this season

it may actually help him

Bird

I seriously don’t see anyone trading for bird. We will just probably have to amnesty him.

i do believe we'll have to amnesty him

but never underestimate the teams looking to pay big bucks for size. See Kwame Brown, Darko Milicic, Brian Cook just to name a few that come to mind immediately.

I'm gonna guess that Chris took his success/role for granted

In this league you need to keep your game up.

Like I said in the second half thread

If I was josh Kroenke, I would buy a seat behind the bench and heckle Karl

LOL

I'm not kidding

When Karl goes small, I would heckle his ass.

Josh might be able to threaten his job...

if Karl even thought of pulling his small ball…

Karl

If I was Josh, I would fire Karl’s ass on the spot if he ever put Lawson, Miller, Rudy, Buckets, and nene out there in cruch time again.

Found some bits on the Portland crowd in the AP recap

Denver G Rudy Fernandez was booed each time he touched the ball. He played for Portland from 2008-11, but fell out of favor with fans when he asked to be released from his contract before last season. Many fans also booed a video image of Greg Oden, the former No. 1 overall draft pick who has not played since December 2009 because of knee injuries.

runningdonut - February 4, 2012 reply

how classy of them

I was at the game and they did

There was also around me quite a few people telling the booers to give it a rest but he was kinda the scapegoat for everything that went wrong and it’s fun to boo him now that he’s not on the team. Not to mention him trying to get out of his contract at the beginning of last season, although he didn’t get booed at the time (or at least the cheers drowned them out) and because the team rallied around him he ended up being pretty happy very quickly. We (my hubby and I) didn’t really blame him for wanting out given the horrible year he’d had before with the back surgery, hard time on the court and was lonely off the court. I don’t care who you are, that’s gonna make anyone want to leave.

I’m a Blazer fan first, Nugget fan second and I don’t get the animosity nor do many of the people I’m friends with but what are you gonna do? Anyway, sorry it was a tough loss … third game in three different cities in three nights against a team that had a day off and is hard to beat at home is just wrong. I was hoping it would be a closer game but Denver looked tired and Batum was on FIRE! :)

somanluna1 - February 5, 2012 reply

OK, I should clarify I wasn't booing Rudy

It may sound like it from the beginning but I meant it to be the general feeling of Blazer fans but not something I agree with.

somanluna1 - February 5, 2012 reply

Many is not the majority

Sabonis4Ever - February 5, 2012 reply

Who would've thought that KK would be the better Ohio state center in the NBA

They are really boing the guy that didnt draft Durant

Oden

The guy looks like he’s 5o and he has the body of an 80 year old.

50

My rotations

That i previously talked about

Starting

Mozgov
Josh Smith
Gallo
Eric Gordon
Lawson

Bench

Kofous
Faried
Harrington
Chandler
Stone

ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 4, 2012 reply

After tonight

It is clear, once Mozzy is heathy, that moz and kouf should get all 48 minutes at C.

As far as I'm considered

Mos and K2 should start

Moz

agreed!

Unfortunately

Both trades you mentioned are impossible

free7694 - February 5, 2012 reply

Team was flat

Perfect time to get fresh bodies in and use energy guys like Corey Brewer, Kenneth Faried and Birdman. I’m not surprised though. I’m finally conceding my dreams for Faried and giving up. He will not play in real game this year and you have to hope he gets better in practice and works hard next summer.

runningdonut - February 4, 2012 reply

George Karl has worked up a nice "George Karl special" on Faried

Sometime soon they will trade Karl's crutches

Just like Pitt did in “Moneyball”!

I wonder what honestly goes through Kar's head...

when he does some of the things he does? I mean, coaches need to keep their hands on the wheel and yank some guys into line at times, but GK seems more malicious than any coach in the NBA – or is it because he coaches the team that I root for that sways my perception?

haha these ppl who expected that faried was goin to pt this season are the probabIy the same ones expectin some of our pIayers to be a Iot more than they are.

Rys - February 4, 2012 reply

EXACTLY

People thought Faried was going to be the second coming – first GK and then the NBA isn’t college – He may develop in time, but college success doesn’t equal NBA success…

and AAA isn’t JR

idk how far faried's goin to go but ppl expectin miIIsp are kind of off. just sayin no way karI pIays him this season.

Rys - February 5, 2012 reply

rebounding typically does

and I think after watching the Nuggets get killed on the boards every playoffs, we were hoping that Faried could come in and rebound.

Eric Gordon

I’ve been saying we should trade AAA for Eric Gordon. I’m sure even an injured Eric Gordon can score at least 2 points.

But even a healthy Eric Gordon

Still can’t play defense anywhere near the level of AAA

free7694 - February 4, 2012 reply

Gordon

He can get you 20 a night. I would take him over AAA. AAA scored no points tonight, Is he our new Dahntay Jones? We just use him for defense. He might play spectacular D, but I expect him to contribute on the offensive end with all the money we are paying him.

Everyone saw him as this 20ppg No. 2 guard after last year...

I just groaned…

I didn't

He just can't take someone off the dribble and beat them

… did you see him as a 20ppg player?

no

Like straight up?

What are you smoking?

Sabonis4Ever - February 5, 2012 reply

Too much invested in AAA now...

A team doesn’t unload someone they’ve invested that much in and then who would want to match the salary? He’s ours now – let’s hope he finds his wheels….

He won't

We can always amnesty him next season

If you only knew how I battled on these pages this past summer...

defending JR and saying that you couldn’t project AAA’s 12.2 average into a 20 pt/game average because AAA cannot make his own shot like others – he’s not quick off his first step and he is not “fluid” – he is stiff and plays good D, can hit open shots and that’s his role – fans turned him into a scoring machine in their heads – that he never was – unfairly for AAA.. He’s a great guy,etc, but he isn’t a big scorer….

I know

your battles and I agree with you. I just don’t like to see 50 Million get wasted on someone who is a defensive specialist.

Maybe Chandler is a decoy

And our GM isin China to sign JR

I just want the chance to watch JR play again....anywhere...

The guy was just fun to watch…

Karl

As long as he’s coaching, we will never see him in a nugget uniform again

I know - that's why I just want someone - anyone - to pick him up... well...

not the Knicks – JR would get in trouble being around Melo and NYC – the Bulls or someplace where the coach has a short leash, but who still manages the talent….

I'd actually like to see JR in Minny...

Him and Rubio on the floor at the same time could be quite a show.

ya.... 50 million can buy some big time help which we could use right now...

If only they had signed him to a more reasonable contract and used him as a role player

He’s getting “production” dollars…

Was there ever another bidder for AAA?

Maybe Chicago

Before they got Rip

Good question.... was there?

couId trade him to the cIippers for foye, andersen for reggie.

we get out of havin to pay andersen and affIaIo, cIippers get a sg to repIace a pg and aIso have a perimeter defense guy which they reaIIy couId use.

Rys - February 5, 2012 reply

no you can't

you can only amnesty guys who were signed before the lockout such as al or bird. see ya bird.

I think I read somewhere that AAA can't be traded until after March 1st - which is after the trade deadline anyway

So he’s not going anywhere this year. Probably for the better, as we just invested quite a bit in him. Hopefully he can turn it around and at least be the guy he was last year.

Trade Deadline

I thought they extended the trade deadline to the middle of march?

It is March 15th.

I stand corrected.

Anyway, tonight's loss only exacerbates the pain of losing to the Grizzlies and Lakers

And even the home loss vs. the Clips. There are L’s you tend to expect – like tonight’s ‘wrath of the schedule’ game, and there are games where we should be on a legit playing field and taking advantage of. Our W vs. the Clips was taking advantage of LA’s schedule. We could not do the same vs. Memphis (their 2nd of a b2b) and failed to steal one vs. the Lakers.

Little bit of a gut check week. Losing 4 of 5 will cause them to plummet a bit in rankings, so they just need to hold serve this next week and steady the ship. Still in good shape, but need to win more of these closer contests.

Well fellow Stiffs

It’s time for me to go to bed. I will be on later to continue the AAA and Nene bashing!

Wow birdman is really done huh... good game kufous i thought differently about you

but you did great….

Sign Chandler and Jettison Rudy, Bird

Wilson Chandler can play 20-30 solid minutes on both ends of the court as combo small forward/shooting guard—-and that’s the kind of offer you need to secure him beyond this season. He can even start some games at SG.as needed.
In contrast, Rudy Fernandez is erratic at both ends and often plays selfish If we can get Chandler’s attention with this kind of role, then you trade Rudy (and package him with Bird if possible) to save some money and clean up the rotation with Chandler as one of the “top eight” players..
I don’t know how you get Nene’s attention but clearly he needs some kind of push to become a solid, reliable presence inside. Kudos to Timofey and Koufus for providing solid, much needed contributions that hopefully will have us relying less on Al to defend major bigs when we are leading at the end of tight games, especially when we’re leading..

rhaustin - February 5, 2012 reply

Package rudy,bird,brewer=more minutes for chandler

I change my mind about Chandler

Sign him, they could have used him tonight. I’m sure there is a team out there that would take Rudy, Brewer, and Bird for a case of Fat Tire!

i like brewer and i thought he played a good game last night.

agreed. no value in trading brewer.

certainly not that which he provides the team.

Looks like I picked a good game to miss.

Sorry, Stiffs.

Nuggets are still a great team. Don’t get too down!

You missed a great game by kufous and a nice 2 points 2 rebound game from nene!

Nuggets need to make a trade!

We will be lucky to win 20 games this season.

SEASON is OVER!!! Book IT!

'scuse me

while I jump off the Brooklyn Bridge

or the OB pier!

SD_Nugget_Fan - February 6, 2012 reply

You can survive that.

If you mention Coronado Bridge then I’ll take you angst seriously.

SDcat09 - February 6, 2012 reply

OT: Colorado State 67, Air Force 49

How did Wyoming beat UNLV at home?

Rams 4-3 through the first round of the round robin. At TCU on Wednesday!

CU also won a key pac-12 game vs oregon 72-71! not to mention DU upset on espn!

I have always hated the Fluffs!

Most overrated university on the States!!!!

I really dont pay much attention to college sports, other than CB... but i am a fan of Ohio state.. kinda tough to be a fan right now

There is some good college bball in the state of Colorado

CU actually is helping CSU out. CSU’s RPI is in the low 20s. They need to go 5-2 to finish off the season. Loses @ SDSU and either UNM or UNLV at home and then CSU should be playing in the tourney!

Thats exciting for them! Didn't they just upset somebody last weekend?

Maybe CSU AND CU will both be in the dance i always go for the underdog in that crazy thing

Rammies beat the Aztec last Saturday!

Thats who! they just need some more conference wins things are looking good for college bball in co!

I live in Las Vegas, so I watch UNLV regularly,

they have some excellent players, but all of them are inconsistant from time to time. Wyoming caught them on a night where too many of them were inconsistant. They also tend to play down to their opponents level a little, and they also seem to struggle in the altitude.

I'm going on the CSU_UNLV game

Watching that game I thought UNLV was an elite eight team but then they lose to the Pokes.

Thanks for your input All Day Jay! I think UNLV is the class of the MWC.

Do you think their the MWC can get 4 teams (Vegas, SDSU, UNM, and CSU)?

SD_Nugget_Fan - February 6, 2012 reply

I'm starting to think that signing Nene & AAA to 100+ Million

is looking like a K Mart max contract…I hope I’m wrong.

Hopefully not! Nene hasn't been horrible like afflalo but maybe he will change that?

Off topic but i hope we change the atmosphere in playoff games here… maybe the crowd wearing powder blue shirts with yellow or white towels… not like before with only little rags

nene's goin to be vaIuabIe, he's not someone you can Iook at just from stats.

aIso b2bs are usuaIIy when nene doesnt show up, so dont make too much out of this game.

Rys - February 5, 2012 reply

Way, way, way too early for that.

First off, neither are missing the year injured – yet (thankfully). And they came in on an even more limited training camp than the guys who were already on the roster. Nene’s had some very good games, too. Afflalo is disappointing so far, but I think given many other variables, it’s far too early to call either contract a bust.

The problem with that I have with Nene...

He is now our highest payed player, we gave him everything we could. He needs to hit the floor with the mentality that he needs to prove he was worth it. Why doesn’t anyone talk about him as the guy who should be taking the crunch time shots? Why isn’t he bashed for not increasing his numbers?

Factoids, observations and questions

Andre Miller: 14 minutes, 2 points. Anybody know what happened to the fellow who averages 30 minutes per game? Yeah, b2b2b, but still.

Corey Brewer: 20 minutes, 14 points 4-10 from the field, 6-7 from the line, 5 rebounds (1 offensive), 2 assists, 1 turnover, 2 steals, 1 block. Bright spot.

Speaking of bright spots, Koufos needed to step up tonight, and he did in a big way. It’s easy to see why the FO locked him up, and he doesn’t take up much cap space. I see him becoming part of the glue in Denver.

Ty Lawson was making things happen tonight, especially for Koufos. They both seemed interested enough in the outcome of the game to play hard all night.

Another bright spot was our 24 free throws (and we made 22) to their 12. Of course, they didn’t really need to take the ball to the hole that much since it was raining threes in the Rose Garden.

Arron Afflalo: 20 minutes, 0 points, 0-5 from the field, 2 rebounds, 1 turnover, 1 steal. Something’s wrong. Big revelation, yes. Soon the team will have to provide some answers about what’s going on.

Nene: The invisible man.

Nuggets 3Pt shooting: 5-22

Portland had 30 assists and 14 turnovers. They shot 53% from the field, 45% from behind the arc. Those stats translate to a poor defensive effort from the Nuggets. Of course, you can’t run as much if you don’t turn them over.

Does Masai Ujiri do press conferences? Some Denver sports journalists need to prepare a few questions for him about this team’s lack of execution. Losses aren’t the issue. But this Nuggets roster is much too good to lose in the manner they lost tonight, regardless of the terrible schedule and the weather that must have compounded the fatigue problem.

If running and three-point shooting aren’t putting nearly enough points on the board, there have to be other ways to score. How will this team get shots in a half-court offense if the defense isn’t producing the running game?

Looking forward to some home cooking, which should help turn some of this around. Yet the questions remain.

LongWindedHank - February 5, 2012 reply

I am shocked at the negative shots at coach Karl.

It was almost 2 yrs. ago that I posted a get well card to coach Karl on Blazersedge. I am glad to see George healthy & back. I was not a big fan of the Nuggets with EgoMello & KMart but as a fan of team basketball, The Nuggs are one of my fav. non Blazer teams. You guys are only a piece or two away & have an entertaining fun team to watch. Good luck the rest of the year & above all beat LA.

We-B-Dunkin - February 5, 2012 reply

Everyone in Denver is glad to see Karl healthy

and was glad to see him beat the cancer – but that doesn’t have anything to do with coaching – and it has been a frustrating 8 years. I went back to the Stiffs posts during the OK City playoff series last year – I suggest you supporters do the same – there was a lot of angst over every single game about what he was doing….

Some are "negative," some are quite substantive

I’m a long-time Karl fan, as you might guess from my screen name. I doubt there’s anyone here who isn’t relieved and thrilled that he has beaten cancer for now, and that he’s thriving as a human being.

But this blog is read by many serious fans who understand the game and the potential of the new Nuggets roster. We’ve watched a new, young GM work a near-miraculous salvage job out of a disastrous situation. We know very well how entertaining this team is, along with how close we are to being able to win it all.

Many of us disagree with how Karl is playing and developing the estimable roster Ujiri has put together. We are frustrated. Many of us aren’t engaged in knee-jerk bitching about losses, but rather about how and why the team looks lost or ineffective, especially in late-game situations. Some of us believe we should be winning or losing with certain key players on the floor, along with particular exploitation of our depth, especially as regards height and rebounding.

Some commenters here just take “negative shots” at George Karl; they look bad doing it, and it does nothing to support their case. Others have legitimate concerns that they express pretty well. It’s good to take note of the difference.

LongWindedHank - February 5, 2012 reply

Anybody Notice

Tyyelling at Karl on the 2nd Q ( Hastings even mentioned it on the TV)? Maybe that is why Karl took the jab at him in the post game!

Details anybody?

Oh man...

I hope not – GK will make him pay….

Koufos is good only in one sided games

For last three seasons (including the current) Kosta posts nice figures only when his team loses or wins by a huge margin. He can help starting “bigs” to catch a breath but he is not even a solid 6th man.

Moskovite - February 5, 2012 reply

This is untrue, at least for tonight.

Koufos was getting paint pts when Denver wasn’t down much in the 3rd. And again when Denver was much closer in the 2nd.

I never said he gets them only at garbage time. Somehow his effort is not making real impact on final result, that’s the thing.

Moskovite - February 6, 2012 reply

All Is Not Lost

The Nuggs have some issues to address, but we should not get into “the sky is falling” mode around here yet. This is a young team, and is probably 2-3 years out from truly contending. My hope is that the Nuggs keep getting better, and give the players who are going to be relied on in the years to come enough minutes so they can grow (Faried). Ultimately, the Nuggs are missing 3 things that I have Masai and Josh address over the next 18 months:

1) A Post Scorer That Demands Double Teams – - The Nuggs lack of post scoring allows teams the luxury of not having to double team, and put more pressure on our perimeter player. I don’t believe there has ever been a championship team without a reliable post scorer. Nene is good off the pick and roll and running the floor, but one probably the Nuggs have is getting a bucket in the post when they really need one.

2) Shot Blocker – The Nuggs could really use someone that protects the rim and allows Denver to pressure 3 point shooters. Maybe Moz develops here, but imagine a McGee or Jordan type player guarding the Nuggets rim.

3) Explosive Scoring at the 2-Guard – The Nuggs consistently get off to slow starts, primarily due to a lack of scoring at 2-Guard. Hate to pile on AAA now, but he does not look ready to play this year, and has shown little signs of improvement. It might be interesting to give Hamilton some run hear, but the long-term answer may be Wilson Chandler. With Chandler at 2, the Nuggets immediately become more dynamic in their half court offense.

All that said, this a young team that will need some time to grow and mature. Not sure Karl is the perfect coach for a young and growing team (cmon GK – - turn the Manimal Loose!) , but he is better than 90% of the other coaches in this League.

ACEIII - February 5, 2012 reply

Spot on analysis....

I’ve suggested similarly. Nuggets lack of interior defense is one issue though I was very encouraged with Mosgov’s improvement. With Nene, he just needs to enhance his game which is doable. He becomes too smooth, but predictable which makes defending him too easy.

Sort of the opposite, but Morrow played terrible for the Nets last year where this year he’s lighting things up, so I’m not panicked over AAA.

I go back and forth on Manimal, but willing to wait.

Morrow didnt play terrible at all

In 58 games, he shot 45% from the field and a blistering 42.3% from 3 in 4.5 attempts. Scored a career high 13.2 PTS/game in 32 MIN. His performance last year pretty much in-line with his career totals, although the 42.3% from 3 was a career low.

zeusmith - February 5, 2012 reply

Wouldn't be surprised to see a different lineup soon...

I say put Chandler at the three and Gallo at two, based on their respective handling abilities. Regardless of what you call it, this would toughen up the lineup and add a little length. Gallo can play 2/3/4 so it’s just a matter of how you stack the others. Chandler can rebound, play defense etc. Fills in for AAA’s current lackluster game.

That actually sounds good...

Wouldn’t be small and would still have the scoring punch….

Luv Gallo but

he cant play 2 except against a few select teams. But Chandler can play 2 and I’m starting to think that Will might be the answer to AAA because this AAA is not the AAA I drooled over when I was a Knick fan

Chandler is NOT the answer

I have seen lots of comments about Chandler coming in and making it all better. It will not happen.

I like the guy, I really do but he is only a marginal player. He sits somewhere between decent and good. He’s kind of a ball hogging brick layer. No offense Chandler, I like watching you.

OMG

Over 36 mins, Will is a 45% career shooter, 15.6 ppg, 6 rebs, 2 assists, and a very good rate of 1 block. Very good defensive player, young, athletic – if thats marginal whats AAA, Rudy, even Gallo et al?

Feelings re Will are very mixed in Denver but it looks like there’s movement to sign him. We’ll see what happens.

If he puts up those numbers, he's the Nuggets third best player.

sign him, plz

Just curious Fly

who’s 1 & 2?

simple. ty, gallo

He sits at about the 1/3 mark of all small forwards in the nba

This is for the 2011 season. Who cares what he’s doing in China it doesn’t count against nba teams.

Like I said, he’s decent to good but nothing that is going to save this team. That’s my point. You think if we bring in Chandler it’s game over for the likes of Portland, LA and LA? If we brought in a slew of superstars that could play together it probably wouldn’t be the answer because our coach stinks.

george karl, you, like the real g.k trend offensively

and fail to understand defensive importance. for one chandler is one of the best shot blocking/rebounding wings in the league.

After watching this game ( and all of the past games), I still feel GK is making lots of dumb decisions on his rotations. We have such a deep bench and yet on b2b2b’s he’s leaving most of them “on the bench”? If he wants this team to play run and shoot BB then why doesn’t he keep bringing in fresh legs on b2b’s so that they can actually run the ball AND finish the play! KK and Ty did well last night. And I’d like to know what Ty was yelling at GK, too. Why do some of you want to trade Brewer? He is definitely working his ass off for this team. He makes things happen; works both ends of the court and can drive to the basket. What’s wrong with our team right now? GK!!! And George – in practice why don’t you teach our guys to follow their shots; plus NO one is making offensive rebounds on a consistent basis.

DenverNative - February 5, 2012 reply

True Story

I like Brewer too. He may not be perfect but he hustles and when the rest of the guys are dead from too many consecutive nights of play you need a guy like that who can spark the fire.

Keep Brewer!!!

Just glad there are no more games on three consecutive nights

But there is still some quirky scheduling to come, especially this month.

Very frustrating game to read the box score and see that while Gallo showed up, as he seems to do every other game now, that Miller was bad and Nene was abysmal.

Clearly the big man is tired. Poor guy probably needs a night off. I bet his heel is acting up, if you know what I mean.

Mostly, I’m sore that I left Nic Batum off my fantasy roster in two leagues. Ugh.

Gallo showed up every game of the 6 game winning streak

let’s not become prisoners of the moment people. This was a bad stretch and the Nuggets have three home games to snap out of it.

I take that back...every game but the Philly game

And like you said...

Gallo should be in the games for big minutes no matter HOW his shot is going. Why can’t GK say “take it to the rack a few times and then go back to your outside shot” instead of benching him? – GK likes to punish instead of coach – these are all young guys…

I don't think Karl is being punitive

So much as he is rewarding the good play of other players.

Yeah, Gallo should be out there. But not over another player who has the hot hand.

I realize this wasn’t the case against the Lakers, where Rudy was stone cold and playing but Gallo had a legit medical reason to be off the floor.

But Fly, there is never a scenario where there are mor than 4 players who merit crunch time

We do not have a great player. Gallo is our best player. Best player should play at crunch time.

If Gallo is our best player we are doomed.

If our best player is hot and cold then ugh!

then we are doomed

hh hmmm. melo?

and melo only played one side of the ball to be hot and cold on.

Melo who.

He has no place in this discussion. He plays for the Knicks I think.

that's where the melo comparison came from. we didn't exactly experience "doom" the last 8 years.

If Gallo is our best player we are doomed.

If our best player is hot and cold then ugh!

Jordan Hamilton has some nice offensive game

Good news for when Fernandez leaves

And I think Stone will replace Miller.
And Chandler/ Hamilton will be the wings off our bench for the future.
Btw, I think Karl is mad at Ty cuz Ty was telling back at him during the game making different calls.
I say good for Ty to start taking a leadership role

JR15 - February 5, 2012 via mobile reply

Good for ty... now maybe gallo can rise up and be a leader...birdman is officially DONE

I also heard from scott hastings that ty was yelling at NENE then GK...

He wasn't yelling AT Nene.

He was yelling…

“Nene….where are you? Nene…Nene…anyone?”

that made me laugh

I think the writing is on the wall for Bird as well

The trade deadline is right around the same time Wilson Chandler will return from China. I figure the Nuggets see if they can at least get a second round pick out of the deal from someone and if no one bites give him the amnesty. Either way Denver will want to free up some cap space to avoid paying some luxury tax when they sign Wilson

Zachm219 - February 5, 2012 reply

Loss wasnt that bad

loss to memphis was the worst.

I checked out schedule for Feb and frankly its not as horrible as many posters suggested. With some home games, a little rest, no reason for us not to improve on 15 – 9. Thats .625, very respectable even after going 1 – 4.

BTW, we are not playing as well as right after trade and its because we are not as deep. Get Chandler ASAP, get Moz healthy, use KK to back up (never use Birdman). We will be fine.

Finally, KK showed what he is. A nice back up who could put up some numbers if he is fed nicely. But we need Mozgov to provide some measure of intimidation and to keep Nene out of Center slot and allow him lots of rest.

Finally #2: I was all in on signing AAA but not even the biggest AAA fan could maintain that we dont have a problem at 2. If Will had most of minutes at 2, we could have 2 or 3 more wins. Worst yet, even if Rudy filled most of AAA’s minutes. we’d be better off.

Karl has to make a decision. AAA is just not right.

Afflalo has been odd this season

I think not having Melo has actually hurt AAA more than any of the remaining Nuggets pre-trade. He can’t get open shots. Has trouble driving the lane and is not benefiting from teams double teaming Melo all the time.

His defense on Kobe a couple nights ago was good. Always has been. But that’s it. You can’t wait until the Nuggets play the Lakers again for AAA to come forward. I’m not saying trade him, that would be misguided…but Afflalo is not the two guard many thought he was.

Still not sure about Chandler. It’s always a bad sign when you think of a player, the first words that enter your mind are bored and disinterested. Once again, I hope he proves me wrong.

AAA has been getting plenty of open shots

the Nuggets movement and passing makes up for Melo being double teamed and AAA being ignored. He missed a ton of open 3s last night and against LA for instance. I think he is a great competitor and is feeling the pressure of his new deal, he doesn’t want to let his team and fans down and wants to show he deserves that money. He needs some confidence boosting games

agreed Phil

there is something mental going on with AAA and, I wonder, if he doesnt trust his body

I maintain hope that he's going to pull it together and start playing better before season's end

ParkHillNative - February 5, 2012 reply

He should start by not dribbling the ball on his foot.

He’s like a shorter version of Kmart with the traveling, missing easy shots, dribbling the ball on his foot and the stupid reach in foul.

yeah

the boneheaded mistakes are pretty aggravating.

ParkHillNative - February 5, 2012 reply

Respectfully disagree Phil

I’m not seeing AAA get as many open shots as he did…and he seems to have completely lost that “brake leading” mentality he had the last few seasons. I can’t believe he is still out of shape after 24 games. I believe that if the pressure of the contract were getting to him he’d actually be forcing his shot more in games. He’s almost non-existent on offense.

It's tough to objectively prove open shots

but even if he has had less, I think we can agree that his shot is off compared to last year. I don’t believe AAA is a force shot type of guy, he rather pass when he is having a bad night to not hurt the team more.

I agree with the low confidence view of AAA

he wants to prove he’s worth the contract, and he’s also afraid to re-tweak the groin. The result is frankly not pretty right now. I hope he will find a way to get his focus back. They could run some plays for him, just to be sure he gets a few quality looks.

I thnk AAA can penetrate and dish or draw fouls pretty well, which plays to the strength of his excellent foul shooting. He’s not a great finisher, but once in the lane he is a credible threat to score either by pulling up or going to the hoop.

He is too smart a player to let this go on indefinitely, so I think he will adapt and improve. In the meantime he is an solid asset on defense – half the game.

slader - February 6, 2012 reply

I don't know Phil...

I’ve been saying the same – without the big offensive threats, AAA has to create his own shots. I’ve always felt he had trouble doing this. He had that one patented move where he would cross over, then between the legs and then if he didn’t have a step on the D, he’d kick it out. He’s a good spot up shooter – his best game was where he was “persisting” in beating his guy one on one. If he can’t learn to create his shot, he’s a defensive specialist – which we don’t need as much as a scoring 2 guard – hence my depression when GK and JR destructed in last year’s playoffs – and everyone said AAA would take over – he just has a different skill set….

good points, though I recall AAA playing well right ater trade

The major disruption was that darn groin. But right now, AAAs performance is so lacking that I dont really see a snap back.

Even if you’re not enamored of Will, he’s got to be better than AAA and really anyone would be more useful.

The thing about Willis, and I agree about how he appeared after trade – like a boy who lost his puppy – but the trade was on the Knicks terms, a resigning would be on his terms.

Look at Wills stats on BBreference. They are very impressive and showed an upswing.

Finally, we werent “wrong” about AAA. What possible reason could we have had for knowing he would tank as he has?

That playoff series against the Thunder really jaded me toward Chandler

He’s going to have to perform out of his mind to win me back.

That's what I'm saying.

I can’t believe I agree with such an old person but there it is.

who you calling old?

Grandpa Jeff!

You like music created before I was born.

But i was just teasing you.

You mean-good music?

Oldies

van halen, queen and so on.

oh god....oldies...I AM old

33 is the new 70! lol

Kidding

We are all goners in December

may as well all be 90

Phil H. - February 6, 2012 reply

what the hell?

Georgekarl has gone crazy

Just like his lineups and comments on Ty

JR15 - February 5, 2012 via mobile reply

That was Chandler's first playoff series

Remember how Melo stunk in his first playoff series vs the friggin Timberwolves.
Plus I like how Chandler is optimistic to sign with Denver. He seems like he is interested in joining the team even in a backup role.
An aside, the AAA hate is really weird, he is a Bruce Bowen type player, yet people want him to be Kobe Bryant or something.
AAA is waay better than Thabo Sefalosha who is the starting 2 guard of the best team in the NBA. AAA’s shot will fall, jeez too many haterz on this site.

JR15 - February 5, 2012 via mobile reply

Those friggin Twolves were the 1 seed weren't they?

Yeah

But they are still the twolves.

JR15 - February 5, 2012 via mobile reply

But those were THE TWOLVES

of KG in prime years, who were pretty good. Not the current thetwolvesmeh

this ^

Nugs just barely snuck into the playoffs that year, right? 42-40 or something.

ParkHillNative - February 5, 2012 reply

Close, 43-39

8 seeds going against 1. I was amazed they won a game that series(they did right?)

JR, like your take on Will but

I am not a hater of AAA. In fact I love AAA but facts are facts.

AAA’s play has been so down this year that he even seems to be mentally affected. In every important category, even controlling for minutes by looking at them over 36 minutes, AAA is down from career avgs.

FG%: 46 – 41.5
3 pt FG%: 42 – 37
FT% 80% – 75
Reb 4 – 3.3
Turnover 1.2 – 1.6
PER 11 – 10
Stats notwithstanding, looking at games, have you seen AAA contributing?

And, since many Stiffs agree with Karl’s tendency to play hot hand, if that was strictly so, AAA would never play.

I understand Jeff

Wills performance in playoffs was putrid

But based on his performance apart from playoffs IMO he is a very valuable player. But, yeah just like Felton’s playoff performance completely made me anti-Ray, I could see how Wills performance and body language…ugh, even hate to recollect it

Ray Felton's shitiness made me anti-Ray

hey Phil

dont forget the constant crying

Wilson did have a good game 5

And his body language is always stoic like Andre Miller.
Don’t take much from that, just a stoic dude.
He said he wants to sign here long term, that’s a better sign than any

JR15 - February 5, 2012 via mobile reply

I think the fact that he want's to sign here long term shows he wants to be here

Good enough for me

great

let’s do it

Has he actually said this?

He said he was optimistic in signing a deal, so atleast he's shown interest in being here

One report did say HE was optimistic

To sign a long term deal here, not the Nuggets which is important in showing thay HE wants to be here.
It is in the fanpost I think.

JR15 - February 5, 2012 via mobile reply

Not "wrong" -

Just a guy who gets his points off fast breaks and open jumpers – nothing wrong with that as long as you have others to pick up the scoring slack AND attract double teams to give him that open shot…. And “attitude” or “desire” don’t mess up mechanics like we are seeing from him – he’s just having to change his game – now, can he do it? And the humorous and ridiculous 14-18 from 3 point line by JR, even if it was in China – is a reminder of the talent driven off. Who in the hell shoots 14 – 18 from 3 land – even just having a court to themselves… or in a pickup game… that is just crazy in any circumstance….

sam perkins and andre miller and sleepy floyd= all LOOK bored/disinterested

looks can be decieving. sam sleepy and andre have killer instinct, and wilson is very athletic defensively so when his streaky shooting is not there he is still contributing.

add that to the fact he is a long 6’8 like brewer and i say sign them and only play rudy in emergencies. too streaky. not good enough defensively. not as big/quick.

1st mised game all year...completely intentional

If I were GK, I would have sat the rotation players and played only the young guys and Bird. Whos would have cared if they lost this game by 50. Screw the league for this schedule.

FYI – I saw Hugo 3d. It was pretty good.

Pusherman - February 5, 2012 reply

What if we forget about Chandler and make a

Run a batum. Portland was not able to reach a contract extension w/ him and his agent said they will test the other 29 teams befor they go back and talk to Portland. I know Masai is has a man crush on him. But what I don’t know is is batum a starter or a 6th man? He’s also friends w/gallo so chemistry would be good. I was never big on these Euro players but I’m coming around. We need a frenchman lol. Lets talk bird now in one of his latest tweets he’s disappointed in not playing and says he needs to talk to the coach about this. As much as I love bird and is probley my most favorite player in the NBA it’s heart breaking to see his diminished skill set/pt but I believe he still is serviceable and has a role with this team he just needs to embrace his role it’s better to ride the bench on a good team then play on a bad team but that’s just me. One day I would like to see the #11 raised up to the rafters of
the can. But once again that’s just me. I still love this team and I’ll tell you what those last two games those guys looked tired.

tknuckle - February 5, 2012 via mobile reply

bird has a twitter?

I think so

It’s his fan account. It’s either him or someone’s tweeting for him.

tknuckle - February 5, 2012 via mobile reply

The only reason we lost is because the D was awful

everyone should act like there on a string one slides the other slides. also this team needs to stop acting like there snowflakes and get up and hit someone

cfact - February 5, 2012 reply

I like your thought..

that someone needs to occasionally be the “enforcer” – all our “nasties”; Chauncey, KMart and possibly JR are going to the Clippers!

Super Bowl open thread on the front page folks

if you wanna comment during the game feel free, or talk about whatever…within reason :)

Nene

I have waited and waited for Nene to be our starting power forward. I had thoughts of him being a karl malone type of player. I watch him even though he is putting up decent numbers. I have to say, I feel sort of let down. He just seems to nice, too passive to be a starter. He don’t seem to have a fire in his belly, that I would like to see from our star power forward. I really thought his scoring numbesr would go up this year.

He so often seems hesitant to shoot, and he is a pass first big man. I love Nene as an individual, he seems kind, and fun and I really have enjoyed cheering for him as a Nugget fan. It seems like he plays tough until the refs get in his way then throttles down a bunch to stay in the game and not foul out.

I would rather him play balls to the wall, flat out give his all and foul out and know he did his part and his best. Seems too often he adjust to the refs, and I end up yelling at my tv.

koufos did exactly what I expected he would do, I love his game he always plays hard, Bird is still in the bird house, AA still hasn’t impressed me much this year, sort of feel let down by him also. He has seen like such a fierce competitor in the past, I just haven’t felt that way this year. I really think Nene, is our key to success, he has to dig deep, man up, have confidence and as duke nukem would say : its time to kickass and chew bubble gum and im all out of gum. Keep at it guys, your off to an unbelievable start.

Nuggets - February 5, 2012 reply

g.k. was far from the MAIN reason the nuggets lost, but as is becoming sadly too common, he didn't help things by going small.especially when my guy, brewer, was hands down the best nugget on the floor.

BAD MOVE: Karl tried to use 6-3 Andre Miller on the 6-8 Batum for a spell in the second quarter. Batum scored 14 of his 17 first-half points in the period, including four treys.By Kerry Eggers, for NBA.com

It's looking almost like sabotage

But of course it’s just plain stubbornness. We have players who can guard Batum. One of them is a starter, the other is on the bench. A more traditional rotation would mean there’s always a player on the floor who can do the job.

LongWindedHank - February 5, 2012 reply

yep... and against the Lakers...

Andre had Kobe down the stretch – crazy.

what a predictable game

yeah anyone could have guessed that batum would have hit 9 three-pointers. and the blazers are only a good (that’s about it) home team (SECOND BEST IN THE LEAGUE). and van halen sucks. the whole catalog, all the way.

onlyjonboy - February 5, 2012 reply

thems fighting words