This fan since 1969 believes the following:

!) most of the Nuggets players that matter the most going forward (Nene, AAA, Harrington, Lawson, Forbes) will develop better without Melo, as was demonstrated in recent games where he was absent or ineffective;

2) j.r.,smith will not grow up on this team, and any trade(s) before the deadline will give us more reliable perimeter shooting and overall play. it is absurd to keep rationalizing his inconsistency at this juncture.

3) a playoff berth (followed by early exit )in is possible without Melo, and the cap room should enable major acquisitions during the summer to fill the talent gap with Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks and Thunder

4) george karl is not being extended to preside over a losing team and with a few less egos to manage he will have a shot at getting consistent effort on both ends of the court. His voice should be heard in key player personnel decisions.

5) the superior front office experience/savvy elsewhere around the league is a significant threat to the Nuggets as they try to remain competitive--especially with the financial constraints imposed by de facto owner Stan Kroenke.

For those worried about an imminent Melo departure,don't forget he sells tickets and the Nuggets appear likely to hold on to him until very near the trade deadline.

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