After acquiring Chauncey Billups, everything clicked for the Denver Nuggets. One of the strongest second half teams in the NBA made a remarkable playoff run, breezing past the Hornets and Mavericks during the first two series of the NBA playoffs. The Nuggets eventually met the Lakers, and put on a pretty respectable effort before bowing down to the would be champs.
After Chauncey Billups put on a show against New Orleans, Carmelo finally got to work against Dallas and kept it going. Melo was simply in a zone; Carmelo was averaging 27.3 points, 4.2 assists and was shooting 45% percent from the field. The Nuggets main problem was inbounding the balll in my mind, the Lakers wouldn't have even gone to the finals if not for the Nuggets' poor inbounding. Two proper inbounds passes instead of the ones they threw away could have easily sent the Nuggets to the finals.
If the Nuggets lineup were to stay as it is right now, I expect big things from the Nuggets.
Point guard- Chauncey Billups. What can be said about Billups, the point guard who is seemingly responsible for so much of the success in Detroit during years past (look at what happened to the team after he left it), and an incredible second half in Denver last season. Billups is entering the twilight of his career, but still has the speed and the skills to be as effective as ever before.
Shooting guard- JR Smith was one of the best sixth men last year. I think should be moved up to starter at the SG position. He was putting on a show in the playoffs,which showed his true ability, and I was impressed.
Small forward- Carmelo Anthony is, in my opinion, the 2nd best SF in the league behind LeBron James. Now I don't think Melo will be better than LeBron, but Melo is great. If he hits three pointers more consistently he could be in the MVP race this season in my eyes.
Power forward- Kenyon Martin was more of a defensive player for the Nuggets but scored when needed, averaging 11.5 points last year with 6.0 rebounds- but his defensive effort was felt most by playing excellent low-post defense.
Center- Having shot over 60% from the field in 08-09, Nene Hilario finished second in the NBA, with a 60.4 FG%, not to mention career highs in points (14.6), rebounds (7.8), and blocks (1.3). A career year for the 27 year old, and another player whose health is vital to the team's success.
Other- Chris Anderson will continue to play a major role as defensive spark plug off the bench. His blocked shot totals last season were outrageous, and factored very heavily into the Nuggets' playoff run. Ty Lawson should be a nice backup point guard.
The key to Denver's success may be the team's health. Kenyon Martin and Nene Hilario are both injury prone, but invaluable to the Denver squad. Chauncey Billups typically stays healthy, but any aging player becomes some kind of a concern in the health department. Chris Anderson will need to stay out of trouble, as will JR Smith. If all of the stars align, Denver could easily contend with the best for a championship.
After Chauncey Billups put on a show against New Orleans, Carmelo finally got to work against Dallas and kept it going. Melo was simply in a zone; Carmelo was averaging 27.3 points, 4.2 assists and was shooting 45% percent from the field. The Nuggets main problem was inbounding the balll in my mind, the Lakers wouldn't have even gone to the finals if not for the Nuggets' poor inbounding. Two proper inbounds passes instead of the ones they threw away could have easily sent the Nuggets to the finals.
If the Nuggets lineup were to stay as it is right now, I expect big things from the Nuggets.
Point guard- Chauncey Billups. What can be said about Billups, the point guard who is seemingly responsible for so much of the success in Detroit during years past (look at what happened to the team after he left it), and an incredible second half in Denver last season. Billups is entering the twilight of his career, but still has the speed and the skills to be as effective as ever before.
Shooting guard- JR Smith was one of the best sixth men last year. I think should be moved up to starter at the SG position. He was putting on a show in the playoffs,which showed his true ability, and I was impressed.
Small forward- Carmelo Anthony is, in my opinion, the 2nd best SF in the league behind LeBron James. Now I don't think Melo will be better than LeBron, but Melo is great. If he hits three pointers more consistently he could be in the MVP race this season in my eyes.
Power forward- Kenyon Martin was more of a defensive player for the Nuggets but scored when needed, averaging 11.5 points last year with 6.0 rebounds- but his defensive effort was felt most by playing excellent low-post defense.
Center- Having shot over 60% from the field in 08-09, Nene Hilario finished second in the NBA, with a 60.4 FG%, not to mention career highs in points (14.6), rebounds (7.8), and blocks (1.3). A career year for the 27 year old, and another player whose health is vital to the team's success.
Other- Chris Anderson will continue to play a major role as defensive spark plug off the bench. His blocked shot totals last season were outrageous, and factored very heavily into the Nuggets' playoff run. Ty Lawson should be a nice backup point guard.
The key to Denver's success may be the team's health. Kenyon Martin and Nene Hilario are both injury prone, but invaluable to the Denver squad. Chauncey Billups typically stays healthy, but any aging player becomes some kind of a concern in the health department. Chris Anderson will need to stay out of trouble, as will JR Smith. If all of the stars align, Denver could easily contend with the best for a championship.
About the Author:
David Placter appreciates all NBA drama and can't wait to see the 09-10 season kick off. He's added more thoughts about the team at his favorite Denver Nuggets forum and has submitted plenty of sports trivia questions about the Nuggets at RootZoo, a leading sports platform.
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