The team that was built to take advantage of the NBA's lockout-shortened season has suddenly become it's latest victim. A combination of fatigue, injuries and awful execution against the Houston Rockets just handed the Nuggets their first three-game losing streak of 2011-12, and their fifth loss in six games.
Nugget optimists will review tonight's 99-90 loss and point to an injury-depleted, fatigued team that put out a gutsy performance against one of the Western Conference's playoff contenders. And a scrappy playoff contender at that (let's give the Rockets credit where credit is due).
But I saw something different.
I saw an injury-depleted, fatigued team settle for too many three-pointers rather than attack a Rockets squad whose shot-blocking center - Samuel Dalembert - played all of seven minutes. Last I checked, NBA teams weren't afraid to drive inside with 6'9" Patrick Patterson and 6'7" Jeff Adrien guarding the basket. Last I checked, I hadn't even heard of these guys prior to tip-off!
The fatigue of playing a fourth game in five days certainly contributed to the Nuggets' atrocious shooting: 19-33 from the free throw line and 3-22 from three-point range. But the Nuggets' collective unwillingness to drive to the rack and their over-eagerness to continue chucking three-pointers was infuriating. The best shot the Nuggets had to win this game was to be the aggressor and take advantage of the Rockets' lack of size and the altitude. By engaging in a long-range shooting contest, the Nuggets took away their best opportunity to win this game.
Can it get any worse in Nuggets Nation?
Actually, it can. In addition to losing their third straight game, the Nuggets lost forward Danilo Gallinari to a chip fracture in his foot in the third quarter thanks to a turned ankle. I'm not a doctor, but "chip fracture" sounds like Gallo will be missing an extended amount of time. Add Gallo to the walking wounded alongside Nene Hilario, Arron Afflalo and Timofey Mozgov. (The Nuggets were also without Corey Brewer tonight, who was attending to his father's funeral. Our condolences go out to Brewer and his family.)
Seeing a Nuggets bench with only Kenneth Faried, Jordan Hamilton, Julyan Stone and Chris Andersen available was simply surreal. After all, it was this Nuggets team that was supposed to weather the lockout better than any in the NBA, stay healthy and prey on the league en masse. It was this Nuggets team that had the depth and energy to withstand playing four games in five nights. It was this Nuggets team that didn't need a star player to ascend to the top of the Western Conference.
So what exactly has happened to this Nuggets team?
The view from the not-so-cheap seats ...
... with Nene and Afflalo scratched for tip-off, Nuggets head coach George Karl elected to start Faried and Stone so that Al Harrington and Andre Miller could play in their regular, off-the-bench rotation. I completely agreed with this decision.
... suited up - in a suit - Mozgov was gimping just walking. Not good.
... there were a lot of empty seats at Pepsi Center. Getting fans out to see the no-name Rockets on a Monday isn't an easy sell.
... among the many Rockets I had never heard of, rookie (and starter) Chandler Parsons looked gassed from the opening tip and played just 16 meaningless minutes. Who is this guy?!
... it seemed as though Karl wanted the Nuggets to feed Kosta Koufos early, but his teammates almost immediately went away from that strategy and settled for three-pointers early. Gallo in particular was guilty of this.
... it was clear early on that Karl's "trust guys" - Miller, Harrington, Ty Lawson and Rudy Fernandez - were going to get the lion's share of minutes tonight.
... Birdman had a decent game stat-wise, but he has clearly lost a step (or more) and can barely even jump anymore. It's sad to see the Birdman unable to be the Birdman right now, especially when he falls for every head fake thrown his way.
... before Fernandez connected on a three-pointer in the third quarter, the Nuggets were 0-11 from behind the arc. And yet they kept shooting from out there, including Fernandez who made just 1 of his 7 three-point attempts.
... Faried showed bursts of energy but had very little impact on the game. Regardless, knowing his team was fatigued why didn't Karl play Faried more in the second half?
... I'm not sure Stone was actually on the floor but according to the box score he played almost 21 minutes.
... proving why Karl trusts him, Miller came alive in the third quarter and almost single-handedly kept the Nuggets in the game.
... if ever we needed more symbolism for just how ice cold the Nuggets are right now, supermascot Rocky again failed to make his behind-the-back, half court shot before the fourth quarter. Rocky hasn't made his shot since he "Tebow'd" before making one back in December.
Non-Stiff(s) of the Game
-Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry: Scola and Lowry absolutely torched the Nuggets tonight. Scola did a little bit of everything en route to 25 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals and was consistently good throughout the game. Lowry seemed to come on in the second half and finished the game with 20 points, including 5 of 6 three-pointers. And honorable mention should go to Chase Budinger who just killed the Nuggets in the second half, connecting on several three-pointers down the stretch that iced the game for Houston.
Stiff of the Game
-Kevin Martin: It's amazing that the Rockets could win in Denver when Martin - their best scorer - makes just 1 of 9 field goal attempts and even misses a free throw (very uncharacteristic for the 90% shooting free throws Martin). Honorable mention goes to the Nuggets' free throw shooting.
Parting Shot
The Nuggets looked like world beaters-to-be when they took down the NBA Champion Mavericks in Dallas on opening night. Now the Mavericks come to Denver on Wednesday carrying their own three-game losing streak with three fulls days of rest. If the Nuggets think settling for jump shots is a strategy for success, you can pencil in their fourth-straight loss now because the Mavericks will be anxious to be handed theirs.
0 recs | 329 comments
Parsons
He had a pretty good college career at Florida
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Anyone Here
Marco Marco
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Yeah, Parsons was pretty damn good at Florida. He got a haircut, maybe that’s why Andy doesn’t recognize him … that or Andy doesn’t watch college hoops. I was hoping Denver would be able to swing a deal and pick up Parsons in the second round (they did work him out and were said to of liked him).
Nate Timmons - February 6, 2012
Nuggets
I think they should give me a tryout
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
You promise not to clang threes?
Nate Timmons - February 6, 2012
I promise
I would even play for free!
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Those 3's were wide open for the most part too...
Teams are going to just sit back and jam the middle and mess with Ty’s and Andre’s game now – need a half court offense…oh – George Karl -never mind :) Though I didn’t have the burn for George like I have in past games (seasons?)
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Denver is so damn streaky that we’re seeing teams revert to that old clog the lane defense that was around with Andre Miller, DerMarr Johnson, Yakuba Diawara, and the no-long range Nuggets. But when Denver is on … look out.
Nate Timmons - February 6, 2012
Diawara
I haven’t thought about him in ages.
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
You've NEVER heard of Parsons, Patterson, etc.?
How do you write for such a popular NBA blog without paying attention to teams outside of Denver? Damn.
Elias Van Son - February 7, 2012
yeah, Parsons has been having a great season and Patterson was a first rounder last year.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Parsons is pretty fly (for a white guy), here's proof:
http://nbabyelias.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/play-of-the-day-011612/
Elias Van Son - February 7, 2012
So that pretty much sucked
SDcat09 - February 6, 2012
That
sucked indeed
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
What a terrible day
Albafica - February 6, 2012
Dallas
What do you guys think our lineups will look like Wednesday?
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Wheel of Fortune will decide
SDcat09 - February 6, 2012
Reading the recap
Doesn’t look like Moz will be back
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Moz will be out for the whole week
Albafica - February 6, 2012
Damn
that sucks
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Vanna at shooting guard :)
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Gonna be an uphill battle in February
we’ll see what they are made of. Big test on Gallo’s ankle tomorrow, hope the news is good. Anyway, hope Corey is doing OK, that and Amare’s brother keeps things in perspective a bit.
Phil H. - February 6, 2012
I agree
we can’t get too far behind. The west is very tough like it is every year
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Rough Bitter Yuk..
Just a rough game. As said, team looked tired mentally and physically. Need to catch their second wind. When they said there would be lots of ugly b-ball this season, they were not lying.
Nuggets are entering survival mode. And I think that applies to almost every team in the NBA. These home losses especially hurt though. Need to get that fixed ASAP. Not going to think about the Dallas game until Wed. I need a mental break as well.
djyoung71 - February 6, 2012
Corey Brewer's father died?
That’s terrible, I played craps with him for a few hours yesterday in Blackhawk.
donwoe - February 6, 2012
Hate to be that guy
But I called us running our starters into the ground and turning to a bench of rookies who hadn’t been properly developed.
Things will get better, but not all at once. Brace yourselves, Stiffs!
KevinAwesome - February 6, 2012
The rooks haven’t had a ton of court time and Faried looks ready to take Bird’s role. Hamilton should be getting some run this week too. Can’t have a deep team with know how if they don’t get run. Brace yourselves indeed!
Nate Timmons - February 6, 2012
One bright spot
At least George will be forced to give the rooks some run
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Doesn't Faired look pretty small out there?
Can he really play PF?
Pusherman - February 7, 2012
Eh...I thought Faried looked VERY AVERAGE
NugzJunkie - February 7, 2012
Uh what???
Denver starters average some of the least amount of minutes in the league. Right up there with the Spurs. All the injuries may have forced extra minutes.. but mostly for bench players..
djyoung71 - February 6, 2012
If
everybody is out again George will be forced to give all three rookies time
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Oh joy..
And watch us become the Wizards. Really looking forward to it.
djyoung71 - February 6, 2012
Yes, but Karl has been running 8 man rotations
And in some cases 7 man rotations in a compacted schedule. Even the bench looks tired. I don’t want to extrapolate, but had he injected Faried, Stone, or J-Ham a few minutes a game, every other game, maybe these injuries could have been avoided.
KevinAwesome - February 6, 2012
I should have said 7-9 man rotations but 9 seems to be more of a rarity.
KevinAwesome - February 6, 2012
Agee 100%
but George is as stubborn as a mule
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Moz and Gallo's injuries were definitely not caused by fatigue.
With that being said, I think that both Nene and AAA would have benefited from at least one more game off earlier in the year when their injuries first occurred. Fatigue is a completely different story, and this team as a whole appears to be having difficulty pushing through tired legs and numbed minds. I’m not sure that the answer is more time for the rookies, but it might be (and could very well be moot if AAA/Nene are going to be forced to miss extended time).
Russscot - February 7, 2012
The compressed schedule
is a killer. They should have just made the schedule 50 games. The level of play has been awful and the officiating has suffered as well. Mark Cuban and Charles Barkley were telling the truth
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
watching POR vs OKC
KD is scary. not looking forward to our match-up w/o Gallo.
nugz4rollz - February 6, 2012
I hate the Thunder
but Durant is a beast. Westbrook needs to get his head out of his ass and understand it’s Durant’s team
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
shouId teII scott that our 3 point defense sucks because of the scheme, and maybe the other is makin 3s because they are wide open.
aIso teII me why chandIer gets a pass as compIete pIayer, whiIe jr gets criticized.
Rys - February 6, 2012
JR
I’m for him coming back to us
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
we pay him the money and he's here, no other team can compete.
Rys - February 6, 2012
Rys, do we really want to watch Karl torture him again?
I, for one, couldn’t stand it. It was miserable to watch – let’s hope he goes somewhere where he can play without the crap he put up with here for his career….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
I'd sign him
I don’t care if george won’t like it. I would force george to play him or he would be fired
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
yea, it's ridicuIous we have to go around the coach to sign onIy pIayers he Iikes and wouId pIay.
Rys - February 6, 2012
Do you guys think Karl has that much influence over personnel decisions?
SDcat09 - February 6, 2012
no, but the front office probabIy takes note of it, and karI does try to infIuence them Iike the kIeiza ron ron trade, ty Iawson pick, them not draftin anyone for Iike a bunch of seasons in a row.
tradin away earI because he pIays too much.
Rys - February 6, 2012
possibly
He does decide who plays
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
i just dont want this to be a team where they dont get guys who have taIent because karI doesnt Iike them or they have some criticisms on their character.
Iike d. couzins, sac isnt goin to trade him as they shouIdnt.
Rys - February 6, 2012
and he gets a 22 pt 20 reb game.
Rys - February 6, 2012
No, but he makes the bench decisions...
and I repeat – that was torture to watch….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Uggh Hastings
It drives me nuts when SH says that. While opponents do get a lot of open looks, they also hit a lot of difficult jumpers…but you know what? It’s the NBA!!! There are plenty of players who can hit contested threes and long jumpers. It’s just too bad none of them play for Denver.
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
Defense.
Far more consistent.
neumdaddy - February 6, 2012
Birdman
Did the author not watch the game? This article is just flat out wrong as far as Andersen goes. His stats were better than decent and he played great, changed the whole energy of the game in the first. Yes he fell for pumpfakes but has been doing that since he was a hornet. It is worth it for the blocks he gets. I swear some people here are determined to hate; their own biases get in the way of the truth and that is just upsetting…
Hknows - February 6, 2012
a nice put back one handed dunk, he's fine as Iong as he doesnt pIay too much.
and yea he pIayed great.
Rys - February 6, 2012
Thank you...
I was headed for sleep until I saw that criticism of Bird – that one series where he blocked 2 shots and then came up with the lose ball was amazing – I must have missed where everyone gave up on him – he played awesome tonight.
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Birdman did provide a spark tonight. He looked great … 4-4 shooting for 10 points (2-3 freebies), 9 rebounds (2 offensive), and 2 blocks. He still recorded a -7 on the night … but he can’t control the whole game and is just an energy guy. In his 19 minutes, most were quite productive. I still think Faried should be getting Bird’s minutes … one guy has a future in Denver and the other doesn’t.
Nate Timmons - February 6, 2012
If only Denver could afford to play the Bird once every four games …
Nate Timmons - February 6, 2012
Hey Nate...
Faried had some shining moments – but many – quite understandably – where he looked like he was made to look rookie-ish by just average Houston players – we take for granted how good those guys (average NBA players) are – eventually, I hope Faried steps up and into the lineup, but Bird has been there for many seasons, knows the game/pace and usually gives us that shot of energy. I hope he gets back into the sub rotation again for a least a few minutes… When did he become “old”?
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
George Hill suffered a small chip fracture in his left ankle against New Jersey on Jan. 31, and he planned to return before the All-Star break, which starts Feb. 23.
similar injury as gallo`s
Albafica - February 6, 2012
three weeks! that sucks
LEEDS - February 6, 2012
Better than 8 weeks
SDcat09 - February 6, 2012
Wait cat
let’s see what the test tells us tomorrow
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
F&^%&&(*&
Nate Timmons - February 6, 2012
Honestly, if Gallo's only out 3 weeks, that's a major plus for Denver.
It could be far, far worse. And I don’t think it’s something the Nuggets can’t overcome, either.
neumdaddy - February 6, 2012
I'm starting the JR bandwagon
This team does almost everything reasonably well, except they can’t shoot. In the last 3 games alone, the other team has had at least one player (Goudlock, Batum, Buddinger/Lowry) shoot the ball better than any Nugget has in any game this year. I didn’t at all foresee this as a crucial weakness of the team, but in my mind it’s been our #1 issue. We move the ball so well on offense and get great penetration, which leads to solid outside looks.
But when we can’t convert those shots, aware teams slowly sag down into the paint and we lose some of our easy hoops as well. If a guard drives the lane and kicks out to an open shooter, how often do you just ‘know’ it’s going in? Never. But as soon as the Rockets kicked it to Buddinger or the Blazers to Batum, you already knew it was money. To be honest, I don’t really see this issue going away.
I know Karl hates JR and I understand the issues he brings, but we need SHOOTING to make all of our great offensive movement worthwhile.
By the way, this is my first SB Nation/DS post, glad to be here!
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
oh man...
We did that in the “second half” thread!! We took a poll – most of us love JR but know that George ain’t lettin’ JR anywhere NEAR the Pepsi center unless it’s in a different uniform. I’m a JR fanatic and don’t want to watch GK torture him again… we don’t really have a 2 guard, do we?
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
oh - your first.
Welcome! Rhy and I are the resident JR fanatics :)
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Throw me in there
too magic
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Good to know :)
JR haters can be brutal!!!!
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Eric Gordon!
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Gordon works. But can we really outbid Stern?
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
AAA, Rudy, Bird, and a first round pick for Gordon and Kamen
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Stern trying to shed long-term payroll
I think teams should be able to trade their amnesty power like a draft pick or trade exception. So we could send Rudy, Bird, Miller (expiring), our amnesty, and a pick
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
Not to get all mainstream on you in my first day
But I think it’s Bill Simmons that advocates the theory that you can win with a talented headcase, you just can’t win with multiple headcases. JR on this team I believe would be a much better piece than JR on previous teams. I actually thought his final 25 games last year were the most technically sound that he’s played
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
the funny thing about JR is despite all the insanity his approach to offense of only dunking and shooting three pointers is extremely smart basketball. The problem with him is he doesn’t play any defense at all and might come to blows with Karl (though I suppose not everybody would mind that).
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Wait
What? Pretty sure JR15 is the biggest. I have been a long time JR fan and supporter
Army of Nugs - February 7, 2012
you need to look up JR's shooting %s the last couple years
Rainbow skyline - February 6, 2012
Mchale demonstrated karls timeout problem perfectly tonight
In the first half when the nuggs had the lead, he would call one every time they got down by six. Ended up with a two point halftime lead. Nuggets would have been down 10 , had the situations been reversed, which we saw play itself out in the second half as Karl sat on his ass.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
Nice to see you TIDBMTID
I believe you have a strong dislike for Karl as well?
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Yes
We will see lots of excuses about injuries, but nuggs have lost 5 of 6. The difference is the team was good enough to overcome the bad coaching before. Silver lining is we only have 40 odd games of his shittyness left.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
I hope you're right
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
From now on
Anytime g.k. Plays three or more guards at the same time, he has to fly united economy.
Within the next week, I predict a cya interview granted to Andrew where Karl blames the lockout, Melo, and gallo for the losses.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
Ya...
Why in the hell is Rudy getting all these minutes?!?!?!??!?!
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
If I was a reporter, this is what I would ask Karl
Why are you such a dumbass?
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
I kept wondering why KK didn't get back in the second half...
checked the team on the floor and saw Andre, Ty and Rudy and thought WTF?!?
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Too many fouls
Then again, hard to avoid with the 3 whistle fanatics on the floor tonight
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
Ya - George doesn't realize that while he's wearing down the other team...
ours are sucking gas too – it showed tonight….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Not unless Afflalo regains his form and then some
To be fair to Ujiri, it’s supposed to be Rudy. But I have to say, the Blazer fans were right and wrong. His shooting is overrated and he is what his % says he is. But he does play the game the right way and excels much more in the faster Denver style. Overall though, all we really need from him is shooting and it ain’t there.
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
Whoops, missed the reply button....
As Homer Simpson would say…it’s my first day!
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
did you say "the right way" ?
Do you like JR Smith? I’m yankin’ your chain :) Ya, Rudy is actually the only Nugget I’d like to see go – and I like his game and all, but it just isn’t what we need….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Rudy could be better for us than JR
Since in theory he’s a bomber without the mistakes/attitude of JR- I do enjoy guys who play the right way if all else is equal. However, all else is not equal, so bring on the garbage time 3s, spinning layups, and stepback jumpers!!
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
Oh, and those of you calling to amnesty bird
Can go sit in the shut up corner with the people who wanted to amnesty Harrington. Who are you going to call for next?
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
AAA
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Cannot be amnestied
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
amnesty only applies to contracts before the lockout?
Rainbow skyline - February 6, 2012
i am still 100% in the amnesty bird camp
ONE semi good game against an extremely short houston team and he’s magically 3 years younger? hell no. in any condition other than the one we are in (only 9 healthy players) he is not an option.
Patrick KB. Nugget - February 6, 2012
he can't be amnestied till the off season, but i guarantee he will be.
the front office extended kosta for a reason. he is good.
Patrick KB. Nugget - February 6, 2012
Also
Do we really want to pay bird 4 mil for siitting on the bench. Sure he might play a game and do well, but Karl will just sit him for the next 10
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
the thing is, though
If Bird got amnestied, Stan would still be shelling out the $4M. The fact that it wouldn’t be counting against the cap would probably not console him much.
I’m going to keep saying this: I don’t think anyone’s going to get amnestied by the Nuggets as long as Stan is the de facto owner of the team. I think Stan would veto any such move, with the explanation that “If I’m paying a guy’s salary, he’s going to suit up. I’m not paying Bird $4M to sit on the couch playing Call of Duty or whatever.”
ParkHillNative - February 6, 2012
Bird
We are essentially paying him 4 mil to do nothing
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
No
They are paying him $4 million to be there in case of an injury. Now there are injuries and he is playing. And played pretty well last night.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
Exactly
He is a great great Insurance BIG. Who cares about his contract. it is already signed. All they can do now is let it expire. If you amnesty him, you still pay him. Having him on the payroll helps Stan Financially anyways, as Bird sells jerseys and other merchandise.
NugzJunkie - February 7, 2012
reply to TheMozgovCocktail
First of all, I agree with TIDBM, he’s now an insurance big and played well last night, so that’s not nothing.
But even if we accept your argument, then amnestying him means continuing to pay him $4M for doing nothing, and paying more salary to another player who would come in and take his place. That’s my whole point, that’s what I think Stan wouldn’t want to do. “Sorry Masai, I know you’re not happy with him, but we’re not going to amnesty him because I don’t want to end up paying two salaries for one player.”
ParkHillNative - February 7, 2012
How about Rudy instead?
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Rudy
I believe he is a free agent this offseason
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
trade him for a second-round
Albafica - February 6, 2012
When did we give up on Bird?
Is this because of the love for Fareid? I mean, for right now and this season, Bird is better off the bench – I hope/think Fareid will come along,but right now, Bird plays well… I always liked him and missed when everyone tossed him under the bus…
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Bird
He is the new JR. Karl has to find someone to put in his doghouse
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
GK always has some drama going instead of dealing with his players
mano a mano… Why do we see this “stuff” happening – notice when Bird left the game the crowd was silent – normally he is the crowd favorite – but now he’s in the doghouse – I felt for him – he’s a good guy, a hard worker and gives his all – even when hurt….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
No room
I still think Bird can contribute, though his performance is wildly inconsistent. But it’s more a minutes issue. Next year we’ll have Moz/KK at the 5 and Nene/Faried at the 4, plus Big Al plays the 4 too (and in Karl World, sometimes the 5). Gotta develop the young guys and no sense paying him that dough for very situational energy
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
The situation of needing your third string c is pretty common.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
Shoot the Bird
Whether you like it or not… Bird will still be amnestied before the start of next season.
UKnowULovedVanQwik - February 7, 2012
Only if it allows them to make another move
amnesty for amnesty’s sake is stupid. Masai isn’t stupid.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
potentially could save Kroenke some luxury tax as well
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
They aren't near the luxury tax
even if they sign Chandler to a deal, keep everyone, and sign a midlevel guy next year, they won’t be at the luxury tax.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
They will be very close if they sign Chandler
To an Afflalo type contract. Likely at $65-66 million, before signing a MLE type player.
nugzin2040 - February 7, 2012
nuggets have about 54m on the books next year
of course they will need to add a backup PG since that figure doesn’t include Miller and possibly some SG depth, although Chandler and Hamilton could do it there. So it’s not at all out of the realm of possibility that Denver is approaching the LTT next year.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Damn trade him then
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
It seems that he cannot be traded this season.
Albafica - February 6, 2012
I believe
players who signed in the offseason can be trade March 1st
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
I forgot the trade deadline...
my mistake
Albafica - February 6, 2012
It's funny how I really had this animosity towards AAA to offset the lovefest...
people had for him as JR’s replacement which drove me CRAZY!! and now I find myself hoping he gets his game back… I think he’s in there somewhere – maybe he is hurt more than we realize too – that happens a lot – players cover up and we blast them…
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Chauncey tears his Achilles. Terrible luck.
GHill33 - February 6, 2012
That's it, most likely...
Well, maybe he’ll be asst coaching here soon….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Yeah, at that age it would be hard to come back from. Love to see him back in the organization somehow.
GHill33 - February 6, 2012
That sucks. Clippers got him.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
Like Moz said...
All the more reason to get JR on the Clippers….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Then j.r. would blow out his knee
You couldn’t pay me enough money to sign with that team, and my knee is already injured.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
Yeah, all the clippers fans over on their site are already calling for JR.
GHill33 - February 6, 2012
yea funny how so many teams are goin for jr, why Iet other teams have him.
Rys - February 6, 2012
To set him FREE...
Shoot young man, shoot !
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
the thing I Iike about jr is he can win any game for you by himseIf, any game.
any team can use a guy Iike that.
Rys - February 6, 2012
It would be awesome to have him back. From his tweets though, he’s looking at signing somewhere else though.
GHill33 - February 6, 2012
Believe me...
JR is probably my favorite player in the NBA – but I used to get so pissed off at GK for yanking his time, keeping him on the bench ,bad mouthing him,etc and I felt sorry for the guy – he needs a chance to play…
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
I actually hope JR comes to the Pepsi Center...
lays 40 on GK, gives George his pistol routine after 10 three’s, but we still win…
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Or when he’s blowing on his hand because it’s on FIRE.
GHill33 - February 6, 2012
Loved it...
After Lebron’s dunk and the big deal lately, I had to go back on Youtube and rewatch JR’s top 10 dunks to make sure he was as up as everyone thought and that 360 dunk and the one against S.Antonio where he jumped over the guy put these to shame. How quickly people forget….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Karl would get so pissed - it was hilarious...
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Yeah I miss those days…
GHill33 - February 6, 2012
Damn, not even Chauncey’s safe……
Kevin L - February 6, 2012
this day just keeps getting better
Rainbow skyline - February 6, 2012
Why the snub of Julyan Stone
Yeah he didn’t light up the box score, but I thought he played an NBA-caliber game, saying a lot for an undrafted guy with 2 months of practice who was playing totally out of position. Active defense, excellent transition speed, no terrible decisions that I saw. Not quite sure why the recap writer took a shot at him….
10DayContract - February 6, 2012
Probably because we needed someone to step up...
and he had a quiet box score, though a good game… he sure didn’t hurt us….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
I reiterate.....
Kevin L - February 6, 2012
Ya, I think Nugget's nation is coming in for a landing...
to reality…. man are we dinged up too which is killer…
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Well fellow stiffs
My eyes are getting blurry so I think I’m going to shut it down for the night. I’ll be back tomorrow to drop some knowledge on you guys and also argue with that sdcat guy
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Girl.
Kevin L - February 6, 2012
Didn't leave yet
Even better
TheMozgovCocktail - February 6, 2012
Call her a guy to her face
Good way to get a unicorn horn in an unpleasant place.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
I honestly didn't know sdcat was a girl
It’s nice to see a lady who knows her hoops
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
girl -
knows her shit too – and loves JR….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Kmart.
Kevin L - February 6, 2012
and has an awesome tatoo -
terrible all the things we learn out here – kinda like a locker room LOL
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
I do not have any tattoos
SDcat09 - February 7, 2012
What about that unicorn tramp stamp?
Army of Nugs - February 7, 2012
Yes because I would have a unicorn tattoo
SDcat09 - February 7, 2012
probabIy just a postin ro bot that thnks it's a girI.
Rys - February 6, 2012
So...
We’re sitting in the locker room waiting for sdcat? I think I’m heading out too! :)
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
yeah this whole thread doesn't sound creepy at all
SDcat09 - February 7, 2012
Hey Nate....
Do I remember that you might be the owner of a bar?
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Andrew
not Nate
Army of Nugs - February 7, 2012
bummer of a night
Didn’t stay with the game long enough to see the Gallo injury. That’s definitely the worst part.
I really hope, when the end of this season comes, that we aren’t all looking back to the 6-game winning streak in January as the peak. “Yeah, remember how hopeful we were? We kept climbing higher & higher in all those power rankings… We were only a couple of games back of the Thunder… Barkley was talking us up…”
Still a long ways left to go, I’m going to hope things improve. Other teams are going to hit bad stretches too.
ParkHillNative - February 6, 2012
We have seen this script before
The f.o. Will make a trade, the new players will remember their old coaching, and the team makes a run. G.k. Shows up for a first round loss via sabotage.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
oh yeah
to be clear, when I say I hope things improve, I just mean that I hope they go back to winning more regular season games than they lose. I have zero confidence in GK’s ability to win a playoff series in the Western Conference at this point in time.
ParkHillNative - February 6, 2012
If I may interject
Who would everyone like instead of George Karl? I’m not familiar with the NBA coaching landscape.
Fullback U - February 6, 2012
someone Iike hoIIins for me, mchaIe aIso seems pretty competent, just dont Iet him get in the front office.
Rys - February 6, 2012
that's a good question
I’m a bit more on the fence with the whole GK issue than many posters here. I do think he’s a terrible coach in the playoffs, but he does seem to do well in the regular season.
If I could just magically make any one person become the Nuggets coach, it’d be Popovich. My next choice would be Phil Jackson.
Given that neither of them are an actual possibility, the question becomes “Who is available that would be a certain bet to do better than GK all season long and into the playoffs?” I’m not sure. There are people here wishing for Jerry Sloan. I don’t know, though.
ParkHillNative - February 6, 2012
That would be a major coup
Taking Sloan, who coached so long for Utah and making him the Nuggets coach. Still I don’t think he’s coming out of retirement for this team.
Fullback U - February 6, 2012
yeah
apparently, he’s made some noises about wanting to coach again, so it gets people speculating.
ParkHillNative - February 6, 2012
It seems that unlike last year...
this team is ripe for a teaching coach. Last year there were too many “personalities” and problems,but now, there is a good group of talented youngsters with some good vets in the mix. Probably a dream come true for an NBA position – there is still some room to teach and not have mega player attitude….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
no on sIoan, just go with an up and comin coach who's practicaI.
i rather have a fIexibIe coach who Iearns and adjust than one with experience.
Rys - February 6, 2012
Sloan
I would take him in a heart beat over Karl
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
coaches arent pIayers, so just get someone from spurs bench or some up and comer.
Rys - February 6, 2012
Next coach
Our next coach needs to be a defensive genius like Tom Thibadeau. We could really use someone like him
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
Sloan
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 6, 2012
give Melvin Hunt a shot
If we lose in the 1st round again
JBnuggs - February 7, 2012
that's the biIIups trade, in a way that set this team back because karI was on his way out that season.
Rys - February 6, 2012
Again, I don't know why I couldn't get my heat up for GK tonight...
Maybe when the FT’s are so awful, turnovers, poor shooting, poor D happen – I have to lay that on the players – if you haven’t paid attention, I want GK gone 4 years ago, but tonight – damn, our guys looked TIRED!! Bad shooting (legs), D rotations… just bad….
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
I'm out of here Stiffs...
Wed we fight the good fight again… after tonight, not sure what the answer is from this feeble mind…. I think we are headed for the middle of the pack due to injuries and it may be a dogfight…
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Come back JR
That is all.
RoxWS2014 - February 6, 2012
Check this out....
JR’s got the beard – looks good….
http://realcavsfans.com/showthread.php?38782-JR-Smith-60-Point-Game-Chinese-League
mtnmagic22 - February 6, 2012
Hey, if it helps him shoot 14-18 from downtown, i’m all for it.
GHill33 - February 7, 2012
Did you see the crowd
I think JR is " becoming legend" in China. Way to go JR!
Rockridge1 - February 7, 2012
lol
I am imagining he’ll end up getting voted into shitloads of All Star games for the rest of his career now, like Yao.
ParkHillNative - February 7, 2012
It's sweet to see SOMEONE hit a boatload of 3's
Some of the moves are scary – it’ll make you hurt for his shooting….
mtnmagic22 - February 7, 2012
crap...
This video is on the Bull’s SBNation site – they’re drooling over getting him….
mtnmagic22 - February 7, 2012
Meaningless Comment of The Night
1) Happy the rooks got some run.
2) Fingers crossed for Galo
3) These home losses will cost us home court (if we make the playoffs – wow, did I say that)?
4) I would trade anyone on our roster for JR. I know it will never happen but “those were the days”!
Rockridge1 - February 7, 2012
That made my Tuesday LOL
mtnmagic22 - February 7, 2012
Video of JR's "Ankle Breakers" in China -
Hilarious and amazing….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=snuAX-O8D40
mtnmagic22 - February 7, 2012
Finally - 52 point game...
It makes me feel better to just watch someone that used to play for the Nuggets have these moves and shots – can you imagine AAA or anyone on the Nuggets being able to do any of this… sigh… oh well…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=snuAX-O8D40
mtnmagic22 - February 7, 2012
yea those guys who argued with me that gaIIo has moves got nothin on this.
Rys - February 7, 2012
really guys, if you don't know JR by now you will never ever ever know him
JR is not our savior. 3-11 from downtown, turnovers and bad D along with whining and messing up the chemistry is not the answer. Relax…we had half our team, out, we are tired, we missed open shots, it happens, we missed 14 free throws. What needs to happen is that Ty Lawson needs to take this team over, make it his and make it happen. We have Nene inside and Gallo in and out. Then AA will get his 42.3% 3 pt shot going again…
Here is how are shooting is going compared to last year:
AA-42.3,37
Al-35.7,35
Gallo-37,31
Ty-40.4,30
Rudy-32,32
Ty, Gallo and AA will improve their shot, Rudy has been on a decline so who knows. We need to improve our D and everything offensively will take care of itself. We are still a pretty darn good basketball team. If we trade for VAREJEO and sign CHANDLER lookout.
Bigdorph - February 7, 2012
way to make stuff up about jr. Iooks Iike you dont know him i watch him and check out his stats and other things.
chandIer isnt goin to do anything for this team other than be a 8miI back up, and srsIy trade for varejo? dont want any part of that or the money on his deaI, just because he can reb and pIay defense, it’s kind of Iike when OKC traded for perkins, no.
when has ty took controI of this team… missed fts yea, but those 2 fts from aI are a probIem, he shouId have made them.
aa got those 3s because he was wide open, it heIps to have a meIo or jr on ur team to take doubIe teams and open up perimeter shots for ppI. our haIf court offense is stiII avg, nene cant be reIied on Iate in games. caII me when gaIIo goes back and forth with kd and wins the game for this team with a cIutch shot.
Rys - February 7, 2012
Yea, because the Thunder were so much better before they had Perkins
now they have the runaway spot at the 1 seed.. what a bad idea that was to get rid of a guy who hasn’t even played this year for Perkins..ugh.
CloudBurst - February 7, 2012
perkins suck, and they have been dropin games they shouId be winnin, OKC is not that great.
and perkins sucks, watch him pIay.
Rys - February 7, 2012
aIso Iakers and mavs have dropped off, that's why OKC is there, not because they are that improved but because the eIites of the west have dropped off.
Rys - February 7, 2012
How did this whole thread become about JR?
He is very clearly a figment of the nuggets’ past, and a mediocre player to boot.
Rainbow skyline - February 7, 2012
again, if jr goes to another team and gets pt, it's goin to Iook ridicuIous how much money we payed chandIer and Iet jr go.
Rys - February 7, 2012
Wouldn't be too worried about this one guys
It wasn’t a 4 in 5 B2B but it was still a 4 in 5. No Nene (who is probably our most important player), no AAA, and no Mozy.
The most important thing now is to treat games like practices, work on playing together, work on offensive and defensive concepts while we regain our health. We want to be peaking and healthy when the playoffs come.
chantech - February 7, 2012
It would have been a gritty win
But its very clear that this team lacks outside shooting. Teams are packing the paint against us because they know we cant shoot. When Al Harrington, Galo and Rudy are your most dangerous shooters, your team is in trouble. Karls offense is based on penetration and movement, but if there is no one on the team who can hit an open jumper we become one dimensional and very easy to defend. The team is tired and that is part of the porblem but Masai has to find a shooter. A 2 guard who can shoot. A pure shooter is what this team lacks. Gallo doesnt count. We need a shooting guard!
gonugs - February 7, 2012
Jr you mean?
Caseyboo - February 7, 2012
Harrington’s a good three point shooter over the past 5-6 years, as is Gallinari (blurgh). Agree on Rudy, he seems to have forgotten how to shoot the ball since his rookie year. You also forgot Afflalo, who is a career 40% 3 point shooter on a medium number of attempts. So I don’t think it’s all that bad, but those guys are all having tough years from beyond the arc. Part of that is probably tired legs from the schedule, part of it is just randomness. I doubt any of them actually got worse at shooting though.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Those guys are capable shooters
and youre right that they are having down years so far. But none of them are pure shootets from the two spot. AAA is a hard worker who has developed a decent shot but hes not a pure lights out shooter that opens up the court for others. Masai has built a good team, a deep frontcourt, and some nice pieces. But we need a money shooter to keep defenses honest. Its one of the disadvantages of playing Ty and Dre together all the time. Teams dont respect our three point line and clog the paint. Its true that we have guys that can get hot once in a while, but we could really use a pure shooting guard to open things up in the half court set.
gonugs - February 7, 2012 via Android app
Nene and afflalo
Even though I’m down on these guys, I really hope they are back tomorrow
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
This team continues to toss up 3 point attempts
even when they’re cold. we know, the other team knows it, and they know it. Can George just ban the 3 pointer for a game!
Also, Koufos has a pretty decent hook shot from the baseline. Why do we not just have him post up and dump it down to him? It was obvious that our pick and roll sucked last night, but it seems this team cannot adjust at all. Just keep doing it and maybe it will finally work.
haj_saitou - February 7, 2012
Karl’s entire philosophy is 3s and dunks because those are the most efficient shots on the floor. That’s one big reason the Nuggets have been a top 5 offense for several years. You’ll have bad nights with the long ball, but on average it’s a more profitable shot than the mid-range game, so you have to stick with it.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
That's fine to go into a game like that
but in the middle of the game doesn’t there have to be some kind of adjustment made if you know your 3pt shooting just isn’t there that night? You’re shooting over 60% at one point on non-3s and under 20% on 3s.
haj_saitou - February 7, 2012
gambler’s fallacy though, poor shooting on 10 3s doesn’t suddenly make the long 2 more profitable. Obviously layups and free throws are better, but still…
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Fine...
if they made a full-court shot 6 points, does that mean we would shoot those because they are more profitable?
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
My point
is that shooting a 2 or a 3 is NOT flipping a coin. One is far more likely to happen. In any game where your personnel is going to shoot at a 2 pt. % clip that is at over 1.5X that of their 3 pt % clip, then the 2 pt shooting will be more efficient.
Example: on a night when the Nuggets are shooting 30% from the 3, if they shoot anything higher than 45% from mid-range then mid-range is more efficient.
Unlike flipping a coin, you can accurately predict the outcome of a shot based on who’s shooting the ball and where they are shooting from.
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
45% from mid-range is really, really good.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
And in many games we are nowhere near 30% from 3 pt range
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
nuggets are under 40% from 10 feet to the 3 point line.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
38% from between the restricted area and 10 feet.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
And what about last night?
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
My point is not that 3 pointers aren't efficient
It’s that you have to gauge how your team is doing and, dare I say, adjust to the probabilities of THAT game.
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
After missing the first 8 or whatever 3 pointers
It was gambler’s fallacy on the Nuggets’ part to think their next 8 would go in.
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
no it’s a fallacy to believe 8 shots will affect the probability that the next one will go in. Career percentages are much more indicative than the few shots taken in that game. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot-hand_fallacy
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
I disagree
In-game trends are far more telling
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
meh, I’m a firm believer in the powers of randomness, especially given the small sample size of single-game three point percentage, the lack of an intuitive connection between different players’ ability to shoot 3s within a game (why would Al being cold be connected to Gallo being cold?) and the research indicating that this is mostly randomness as linked above.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
it's funny how that works the opposite direction
if a %15 3PT shooter is hot that night, they keep going to him until he cools off.
haj_saitou - February 7, 2012
andre miller, lol
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
no kidding, lol
haj_saitou - February 7, 2012
An excerpt below:
“In fact, statistics show that the events in sports are nearly independent; however, when skill is involved, hot players are more likely to have longer good streaks, so betting on a longer streak continuing is sometimes sensible.”
There were no hot streaks, in fact there were cold streaks. Why wouldn’t the inverse be applicable?
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
I agree that it sucks to rely on the 3 when they aren’t falling, but in my opinion the mid-range game is no more consistent. Obviously the best thing to do is get to the rim, but the Nuggets are already the best team in the league in % of shots at rim, and #2 in FTs (I checked like a week ago, but I’m pretty sure that’s still true). So it wouldn’t really be fair to say they generally don’t drive enough.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
They definitely drive enough
But they need a legitimate 3 point threat before they can rely on that aspect of the game. 3 pt shooting teams will never be elite because it is too erratic of a shot. Even the Celtics only settle on them when they are wide open. The Magic were the best 3 pt shooting team for a couple years, and never got too far with it. I know that’s not what you’re arguing. I’m just saying to be a great team, you need to win consistently, and shooting 20 3’s will do a team no service for consistency.
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
yeah, it works both ways
three point shooting is incredibly high-variance, which is good if you’re trying to cause an upset, but bad if you’re trying to win as a favorite. That’s why the Mavs shooting a lot of 3s was a great strategy against the Heat. But maybe not a great strategy for the Nuggets against the Rockets who they need to be better than. Of course it doesn’t help that you lose your best guy for getting at rim looks (Nene, both from his passing and post moves) and Gallo, along with a couple of your better 3pt shooters (Afflalo/Gallo). Overall I think this is probably not the best game to judge the Nuggets’ offense on, though a high-volume, high % three point guy would be nice (say rookie Rudy or JR :P).
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
JR fo sho
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
someone like Anthony Morrow might also be nice.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
3s are 3s if you have the shooters Iike a terry, kidd, dirk, and they are open you take the shot.
it’s part of the game, idk why you make it seem opponent reIated.
Rys - February 7, 2012
This
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
Unfortunately
We have struggled with the 3 all season long
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
this is no doubt a problem.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
and what's bad is we shots that are wide open
those have to fall.
haj_saitou - February 7, 2012
*we miss shots
haj_saitou - February 7, 2012
Everything
sucked last night
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
You have to shoot the threes
otherwise the other team just packs the paint, as the nuggets have been seeing, and you can’t get any shots.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
they packed it in
and we still got 50 paint points.
haj_saitou - February 7, 2012
Is
Rudy ever going to hit a shot? Seems like everytime we’re close in the past 2 weeks and just about to get over that hump it’s Rudy putting up bricks. I realize the whole team is struggling w/ the 3, I’ve just notived Rudy’s more.
NewEraNugg - February 7, 2012
My takes
Can’t indulge in Nugs talk today; too much work to do but my quick takes after reading my fellow Stiffs from last night and today:
First on Andrew’s why didn’t we drive the lane last night?: We tried, but the Rockets played the Rope a Dope defense that is now the Book on Denver. Sag in, play the zone, block, hack, harrass, make them shoot from outside.
Julyan Stone: Nice kid, nice defense, pass, hustle. Proved why no one drafted him. No O.
Rudy: I see why GK goes to him. Good floor game, passer, trustworthy I guess. But Rudy eschews contact, unless he’s flopping. He refuses to play ball defense and hasn’t shot well all year. So why Rudy? I don’t see it.
Flopping: I’m just glad I don’t have to watch the Floppets all year. That is absolutely disgusting and the league should instill a diving penalty as in the NHL. What do you think?
Work on shooting: Are the Nuggets staying after practice and coming in before to take extra shooting? Didn’t think so. They can’t even make free throws and that’s cost us 3 games I can think of. Mike Newlin, the old Houston guard, made himself into an All-Star by sheer practice. Larry Bird always worked harder than everyone else.
The return of JR: Seriously. Never, except for in a different uniform.
Sloan: Intriguing. But GK with all his faults, is still the glue with this franchise. I just wish he would help his players with a time out and some in-game coaching. But that has never been his style. He lets them play.
I remain entertained and interested in the possibilities of the Nuggets this year. Go Nuggets!
Plea for Intelligence - February 7, 2012
good point on the defense against the nugs
but it’s also easy to defend this team when all they run is pick and roll and they are not very good at it. I think they should use more post up, even when Nene is not in the game.
haj_saitou - February 7, 2012
Flopping
Couldn’t agree more about making it a foul. They changed the calls on the fake and rake and on continuations this year. Here is hoping flopping is next.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
Make your FTs
please Nuggs….all this talk and comes down to FTs
NewEraNugg - February 7, 2012
Trades
Do you guys think we need to make a trade if Gallo is out for awhile?
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
I think there is a good chance of a trade
even if everyone is healthy. They could really use a backup PF, and if Chandler arrives they’ll have a bit of a logjam.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
Anderson Verajao?
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
what is Voshon Lenard
up to these days? Or hell, even Marcus Liberty?
not_karl - February 7, 2012
How about
Demarr Johnson or Greg Buckner
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
i think the real problems are in the PG's miller has never been that great he is honestly a back up and ty has been worthless this year
they both do not play D and ty shouldnt be starting hes a come of the bench energy guy
cfact - February 7, 2012
Billups
We really miss him
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
"Ty has been worthless this year" is a little strong.
Namklak - February 7, 2012
when you take in the D that he plays yes
cfact - February 7, 2012
I don't
see Ty being a problem to this team
to me he’s one of the bright spots
NewEraNugg - February 7, 2012
I don't remember which the number is
but you are clearly violating one of the primary rules by engaging with this guy.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
oh
I did not know
NewEraNugg - February 7, 2012
Rule #14
http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/rules-of-the-internet
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
so you cant have a convo and disagree with someone?
cfact - February 7, 2012
yeah but you’re going to have to bring some serious ammunition to call a guy with a 20.3 APER “worthless.”
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
i agree worthless is a strong but i was more talking about his D and him in late game
cfact - February 7, 2012
I thought he did a good job on Chauncey and CP3 against the Clippers
That was the last time I really took note of his defense.
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
Ty has struggled recently with his shot
But I think when he is confident with his shooting, he can be a great starting point guard. I also think he would break double digits on most nights in assists if we had better outside shooting.
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
miIIer has pIayed great, but i wouId not reIy on him, besides he's probabIy on another team next season.
Rys - February 7, 2012
Gallo out with a chip fracture to his ankle
three weeks to a month. I’ll make a fan post if it isn’t one already
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
That's not good
NewEraNugg - February 7, 2012
Gallo
Did he get the MRI yet?
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
getting a CT scan today.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
So
We still don’t know the results and how long he will be out
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
Not for sure
typical time for this type of injury is 3 or 4 weeks. Not going to be quick.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
Gallo sacrificed his foot/ankle
Trying to drive through the stacked defense. They were sticking their legs out and tripping him. Guys used to do that to me all the time when they couldn’t get in front of the body off the drive. This happens when you don’t make your shots.
Plea for Intelligence - February 7, 2012
Shouldn't intentionally tripping a player be like illegal?
SDcat09 - February 7, 2012
Better than I thought it would be
Thought it would be around 6 weeks based off of a google search I did (those are usually so accurate!)
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
Rudy and Bird in rotation
1. I’m confused – it seems like the same people who complain about GK playing a short bench also complain about GK playing Rudy. Rudy has a decent knowledge of the game. If not Rudy, who? AAA has shown very little this year. KF will have his day, but looks a little lost at times. We all like Brewer’s energy, but the book on him is correct – he is a defender.
2. I’m guessing Bird has tendonitis in his knees. When GK plays him, he gives him 20 minutes, then doesn’t play him for games. He has definitely lost an inch on his vertical. That’s generally the way you deal with tendonitis. Will Bird ever be Birdman again?
As stated above, opponents are clogging the lane, cause our boys can’t hit +14’ jumpers. As also mentioned above, shooting can be slowly improved with correct form repetition – it seems to me that’d be a low impact practice tool, during a season where you have to limit practice time.
Namklak - February 7, 2012
Good point on shooting
It is killing us right now. If we were half-way decent at it, we’d be able to do what we do best: drive the lane. But defenses are clogging the lane. Aside from the fact that our “shooting” guards can’t hit a shot, I think Ty was playing so well at the beginning of the season because his jumper was falling and making defenders pay for not covering him.
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
The compressed season contributes to the shooting woes
as players with tired legs get less lift and are less accurate. Nuggets penetrate and kick offense is not a good design for this type of season.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
The Playoffs
it won’t be any better because they have to play some games back to back nights
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
there is generally a lot more rest in the playoffs
at least a day between each game, sometimes 2-3.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Not this year
I believe I heard that they ar egoing to play games back to back
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
are
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
playoffs are running april 28th-june 26th
that is like 58 days, four rounds, a maximum of 7 games each so a total of 28 games, maybe there will be the odd back to back in there, but it sounds like generally a game every other day or so for each team.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
it says it is “possible” there would be b2bs in the 2nd round, so that would probably depend on first round series going 7.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Haven't considered that til 'now
You’re probably right and it’s too bad. That’s how Ty is most effective.
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
Seems like the entire NBA is in shambles right now
The schedule has been tough on everyone. Too bad.
Pusherman - February 7, 2012
It's crazy
Gallo, Melo, Rose, and Billups all went down last night
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
Not OKC
There doing great with the no injury dept. They have only lost a back up pg maynor. Who’s probley back by play-offs.
tknuckle - February 7, 2012 via mobile
Yeah
they are about to run away w/ the division & conf. IMO
NewEraNugg - February 7, 2012
Fuck the Thunder!
Maynor tore his acl he won’t be back
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
OKC is not really playing great basketball atm
they are winning a lot of close (and lucky, like last night) games and overcoming pretty horrible execution with pure talent. They will probably get the #1 seed but there is a good chance they will get outcoached and outexecuted by a team like the Spurs in the playoffs.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Last night watching the OKC game
brought flashbacks of game 1 of the playoffs last season. That was not goaltending. The refs are really shitty this year. The thunder will lose because Westbrook thinks he’s really great and he’ll jack up shots without getting the ball to the real star of that team Durant
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
It’s not really Westbrook’s fault. Brooks is a horrible coach and the plays he calls in late game situations don’t use Westbrook and Durant’s talents together. They should be unstoppable but instead they run a clogged toilet offense.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Disagree
Durant is the star. Westbrook should stop trying to be like derrick rose
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
They should be able to review goaltending
Official review
Rockridge1 - February 7, 2012
So...who steps up now that Gallo's out?
My hopeful bet is Ty.
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
I'm worried
about where our scoring is going to come from
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
nene?
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
I'm down on Nene
He’s a big softy
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
I am worried about this heel thing
it is sounding like plantar fasciitis which means he won’t be 100% until next fall probably. That’s what was wrong with Al last year (well, that and being way out of shape).
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Yeah me too
This team is just so beat up
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
Agree, his heel is a real problem
Pusherman - February 7, 2012
Captain Jax
What are your guy’s thoughs about him?
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
Who's that?
RoxWS2014 - February 7, 2012
Stephen Jackson
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
Um. No way.
neumdaddy - February 7, 2012
No
If you are looking for a SG/SF, there are better options….W. Chandler comes to mind.
Pusherman - February 7, 2012
I was just saying
he’s rotting on the bench in Milwaukee. Plus Will might not come back until mid march. Who’s going to score if Gallo is out for a month
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
I think we can make better efforts to find guys who are scorers but not also black holes
Like Captain Jack is.
neumdaddy - February 7, 2012
Eric Gordon
I say we make a play for him
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
that would be awesome but will never happen
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
It could happen
He rejected a contract extension from the hornets so they could be willing to move him
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
he'd be a horrible fit
nuggets have plenty of guys to use possessions efficiently, don’t need one who uses a lot of them inefficiently.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Heh. Some of you guys and your amusing trade thoughts. It's like you're picking players at random.
neumdaddy - February 7, 2012
Granted, last night was a big blow, esp. with Gallo going out...
…but I find a lot of this reaction – incl. “desperate” trade suggestions – a bit dramatic right now. We probably need to make a deal, but it has to be more SG or Center (like Varejao), IMO. (I guess it also depends on how long Gallo’s out)
neumdaddy - February 7, 2012
Eric Gordon
I’ve been clamoring for him here
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
A guy who can really get his own shot would be nice but those don’t come cheap. Varejao would be dreamy and really lock down the middle on defense.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
Hey
I’m just thinking of guys. I didn’t say we should trade for him. I’m just worried about who’s going to score for us
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
Fair enough.
neumdaddy - February 7, 2012
It's the Roster Sorting Hat. It works
SDcat09 - February 7, 2012
I want tacos dammit
but with who we have left, I don’t think I will be getting any for awhile
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
Just as well
you really didn’t need another case of food poisoning.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - February 7, 2012
Hochman tweeted
Gallo is taking his tests. Should take about 2 hours
TheMozgovCocktail - February 7, 2012
Maybe
w/ the way the team has been playing, Nuggs will be in the lottery and they can get their scorer that way?
NewEraNugg - February 7, 2012
The biggest thing that bothers me
is Denver slashing and driving, having layups, and not even looking to score. They are always looking to dump it to someone with a harder shot or even worse a three, which prove to be impossible for this team to hit.
maahalo - February 7, 2012
this is a big problem with Lawson especially, and with Gallinari out he will absolutely have to be more assertive.
atomiccafe - February 7, 2012
I was going to say this is a big problem with Nene....
Namklak - February 7, 2012
Agreed
Lawson’s speed is negated when he’s not even a threat to finish. Rudy also has the same problem…instead you either have a struggling team clanking an open three or they dish it off to a big guy who gets fouled and usually makes one of two…
maahalo - February 7, 2012
I see Nene
do this also. Looking to dish before ever being a threat to score
The only guy on the team that is not unselfish to a fault when it comes to scoring is Al
NewEraNugg - February 7, 2012
True,
and i posted yesterday that Nene has done it his whole career. I noticed (and I don’t know if anyone can remember) about two years ago he came out of the gates strong, he was the dominant center, not so much snagging boards but putting up 20 a night. Dunking left and right, and then he banged knees with some Jazz player, Jefferson? and he was out for about two weeks and then came back and just was never the same person.
maahalo - February 7, 2012
New Thread Up
Rockridge1 - February 7, 2012
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