We all know the story of the Denver Nuggets last two seasons; as talented as any team in the league, but for every bit of talent, just as volatile and inconsistent. Some nights they come out and beat the Lakers, in LA, sans their best player. Others... Well... Let's just go through what they have.
Legit NBA Superstar in Carmelo Anthony? Check.
Coach with over 900 regular season wins in Geroge Karl? Check.
6th Man of the Year candidate in JR Smith? Check.
One of the most fearsome and versatile defenders in the league in Kenyon Martin? Check.
One of the most steady, consistent PG's in the game, and widely considered the league's best leader in Chauncey Billups? Check.
Arguably top 5 Center in the league in Nene? Check.
Former Executive of the Year in Mark Warkentien? Check.
Lockdown perimeter defender in Arron Afflalo? Check.
Those are all very good pieces, and most of all, they are all integral parts in any championship team. The scorer, the leader, the voice, the brain, the x-factor, the fallback option and the supporting cast.
Carmelo Anthony, undoubtedly the most well-rounded offensive player in the game, still gets questioned on his leadership abilities and defense.
George Karl, despite being 14 wins off 1000 career coaching wins, has never made the NBA Finals.
Chauncey Billups is soon to be 34, and has visibly been tired in the Nuggets' last two playoff campaigns.
The Nuggets seemingly have the talent, and they no doubt have the desire. Who knows, if George Karl wasn't suddenly ripped from his troops due to cancer late this season, who's to say they don't go back to the Conference Finals? No knock against Adrian Dantley, but he's not in the mold of George Karl, and whatever it is that Karl does for the Nuggets, it works.
So, the question inevitably looms: What's next for the Denver Nuggets?
- Do they stay still, retain the core of the team, and hope health prevails in players and coaching staff and gear for another run? Their current free agents are Anthony Carter, Joey Graham, Johan Petro, Malik Allen and Kenyon Martin has an Early Termination option in his contract, though it is highly doubtful he exercises that option. Graham showed that he can be a valuable bench player while spelling Melo, Carter provides a veteran voice, Petro provides rebounding and length and still has upside. Malik Allen gives you Tacos.
- Do they make a couple of solid moves, get the defensive bigman and consistent inside scoring the fanbase has been screaming for the last 2 seasons to help take the weight off of Melo? The team has recently tried to acquire Tyrus Thomas from the Bulls, but he ended up in Charlotte, though it should be noted he is a restricted free agent this offseason. Michael Beasley could also be had for the right price, and with many Denver fans calling for the ouster of JR Smith, the Nuggets do have pieces.
Or...
- Do they make a big trade to land a prime player? Amare Stoudemire is not exercising his player option this offseason, and the word is being thrown around amongst Denver fans how his ability to finish inside would keep the defenses honest.
Personally, I think option #2 is the most viable, when Denver's two biggest needs are taken into account. They need a lengthy defensive bigman, and another versatile inside scorer, so the defense cannot key in on Carmelo Anthony.
Miami is listening to offers for Beasley, and Denver has expiring contracts and JR Smith. Tyrus Thomas is, as aforementioned, a free agent that Denver will no doubt be keeping tabs on. Jermaine O'Neal is another guy who could help. A defensive minded, lengthy inside defensive presence that can also score.
Something I think has some merit to it. Trade JR Smith in a package to somehow get Xavier Henry. He is basically JR with his head screwed on, and he has gobfuls of potential, and he wants to be the best. Bring in Tyrus Thomas or Michael Beasley, and that there gives us youth, and also fixes two of our biggest problems.
Denver, we have one interesting offseason ahead of us, and personally, I'm expecting big things.
