The Denver Nuggets Will Contend in 2010
on Aug.10, 2009, under Gambling
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 seems to be fitting into Denver’s system and he very well could lead the nuggets to an NBA title.
Shooting guard- JR Smith will be 24 years old next season. A longtime prospect with much talent and much attitude, I believe that he’s finally matured to the point where he can responsibly assume the starter’s role. He was a valuable 6th man in Denver last season.
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- 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- let’s not forget that the Nuggets also re-signed Chris Anderson and traded to get Ty Lawson, who could develop into a fine tuned point guard in the NBA.
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.