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.
Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony seemed to improve throughout the season (and the playoffs), as their chemistry on the court progressively grew. If not for two questionable inbounds passes in separate games during their series against the Lakers, the Nuggets easily could have changed the outcome of the series, and possibly could have beaten the Lakers.
If the Nuggets lineup were to stay as it is right now, I expect big things from the Nuggets.
Point guard- Chauncey Billups was the perfect addition to this Denver season. His experience and poise took the team to new heights.
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's averages may have been down a bit, but he improves as a player with every season in my mind. His game is more well-rounded and he's more responsible on the court, meshing with his teammates for better results.
Power forward- When Kenyon Martin is healthy, he's undeniably one of the best defensive players in the league. The big if with Martin is his health, but when on, he brings this team to another level.
Center- Nene seems to be rebounding well off of his injury and if he plays the way he did in 08, averaging 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds, he would be a needed big man on the Nuggets roster.
Other- Chris Anderson. Talk about a comeback season! With 2.5 blocks per game, Anderson was second best in the NBA, and he did this in just 20.6 minutes per game, off the bench. Anderson posted numbers that any team would be thrilled to have, and will continue to feed into Denver's success.
If the Denver Nuggets play the way they did in last year's playoffs, I can see only one team getting in their way - the Lakers. And if given this rematch, I look for the Nuggets to take their opportunity and get redemption from LA for the two blown inbound passes that may have very well cost them the series.
Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony seemed to improve throughout the season (and the playoffs), as their chemistry on the court progressively grew. If not for two questionable inbounds passes in separate games during their series against the Lakers, the Nuggets easily could have changed the outcome of the series, and possibly could have beaten the Lakers.
If the Nuggets lineup were to stay as it is right now, I expect big things from the Nuggets.
Point guard- Chauncey Billups was the perfect addition to this Denver season. His experience and poise took the team to new heights.
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's averages may have been down a bit, but he improves as a player with every season in my mind. His game is more well-rounded and he's more responsible on the court, meshing with his teammates for better results.
Power forward- When Kenyon Martin is healthy, he's undeniably one of the best defensive players in the league. The big if with Martin is his health, but when on, he brings this team to another level.
Center- Nene seems to be rebounding well off of his injury and if he plays the way he did in 08, averaging 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds, he would be a needed big man on the Nuggets roster.
Other- Chris Anderson. Talk about a comeback season! With 2.5 blocks per game, Anderson was second best in the NBA, and he did this in just 20.6 minutes per game, off the bench. Anderson posted numbers that any team would be thrilled to have, and will continue to feed into Denver's success.
If the Denver Nuggets play the way they did in last year's playoffs, I can see only one team getting in their way - the Lakers. And if given this rematch, I look for the Nuggets to take their opportunity and get redemption from LA for the two blown inbound passes that may have very well cost them the series.
About the Author:
David Placter appreciates all NBA action 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 a handful of sports trivia questions about the Nuggets at RootZoo, a leading sports community.
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