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.
The 2009-2010 season in Denver should be another great one if last season's second half was any indication. Let's have a look at the key components to the team's roster.
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- 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- 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- 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.
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.
The 2009-2010 season in Denver should be another great one if last season's second half was any indication. Let's have a look at the key components to the team's roster.
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- 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- 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- 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.
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 enjoys all NBA action and can't wait to see the 2010 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 involving the Nuggets at RootZoo, a leading sports community.
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