Just as it seemed that Nuggets were unstoppable, blowing past the Hornets and breezing by the Mavericks, they hit a wall (LA). The Lakers were able to derail the Nuggets right in their tracks and moved on to the finals with ease.
The key to the team's success was the Chauncey Billups acquisition. Billups was clearly a better fit for the team than Allen Iverson, as evidenced by the team's win-loss record after the trade. Chauncey knows how to bring out the best in his teammates, and we saw Nuggets like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Anderson, and others bring their games to new heights.
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 seems to steadily improve with each year. He's been in the NBA for over five seasons now, but he's amazingly only 24 years old and should continue to improve. A great threat from three point land, he'll provide the team with a healthy dose of offense.
Small forward- One of the game's premier players, Carmelo Anthony has adjusted his game by figuring out ways to bring out the best in his teammates. His game seems to be more well rounded with each season, and at just 25 years of age, Anthony too has plenty of room for improvement.
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- Nene Hilario had a career year, leading the NBA in field goal percentage and putting up great rebounding and blocked shot averages. Nene also must stay healthy, as his role is vital to the Nuggets' 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.
The key to the team's success was the Chauncey Billups acquisition. Billups was clearly a better fit for the team than Allen Iverson, as evidenced by the team's win-loss record after the trade. Chauncey knows how to bring out the best in his teammates, and we saw Nuggets like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Anderson, and others bring their games to new heights.
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 seems to steadily improve with each year. He's been in the NBA for over five seasons now, but he's amazingly only 24 years old and should continue to improve. A great threat from three point land, he'll provide the team with a healthy dose of offense.
Small forward- One of the game's premier players, Carmelo Anthony has adjusted his game by figuring out ways to bring out the best in his teammates. His game seems to be more well rounded with each season, and at just 25 years of age, Anthony too has plenty of room for improvement.
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- Nene Hilario had a career year, leading the NBA in field goal percentage and putting up great rebounding and blocked shot averages. Nene also must stay healthy, as his role is vital to the Nuggets' 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 action and can't wait to see the 09-10 season begin. He's added more predictions 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 platform.
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