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No more excuses for Karl and Melo...

I want to double down on Tuesday's Mark Kiszla column in the Denver Post in which he set his sights on Nuggets head coach George Karl, but I'm throwing in Carmelo Anthony, too.

Despite being paid $3 million to coach and $14 million to play for our Nuggets, Karl and Melo have been able to skate by on an assortment of excuses since their remarkable 32-8 run in 2005 upon Karl's arrival.

In 2005-06 it was injuries to Nene, Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin.

In 2006-07 it was "the brawl" (for which Karl and Melo shoulder equal blame along with worst-person-ever Isiah Thomas), integrating Allen Iverson plus more injuries to Nene and K-Mart.

In 2007-08 it was injuries to Nene and Chucky Atkins plus "conditioning."

And this season it was going to be cost cutting by upper management, stripping the team of their best interior defender and hustle player off the bench.

But with the acquisition of Chauncey Billups (and possibly Antonio McDyess), it's clear that Nuggets management is committed to winning now. And thus, Karl and Melo are out of excuses.

An NBA squad that starts Melo, Nene, K-Mart, Billups and J.R. Smith, and has a bench featuring McDyess, Anthony Carter, Linas Kleiza, Renaldo Balkman and Chris Andersen shouldn't just be a playoff team. It should be a dangerous playoff team.

Read: it's a team that - at a minimum - wins a first round series if your coach and superstar player are worth their salt.

With the Suns, Mavericks and Spurs looking old and slow, the Rockets struggling out of the gate to mesh their "Big Three," and the Trailblazers minus Greg Oden for about a month, the Nuggets shouldn't be focused on just making the playoffs but getting home court in the first round of the playoffs.

And I won't accept the "we didn't have a training camp to work together" excuse because, in my opinion, Billups only has two good years left before he becomes the 2010-2011 version of Michael Finley (i.e. an overpaid former All-Star guard). So we have to get what we can out of Billups this season and next.

While I still have no faith in the Kroenke Cronies ability to build a championship caliber organization, they deserve credit for making the Nuggets as competitive as possible given the restraints imposed on them by K-Mart's contract and AI's that was due to expire. In fact, this new edition of the Denver Nuggets should be able to beat anyone on any given night except perhaps the Lakers and Celtics.

But whether that happens or not is up to Karl and Melo. No excuses.

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amen to that. it shouldn't take too long for chauncey to adapt.

i hope antonio mcdyess decides to suck it up and stay in denver. he could be the difference between a solid team and a solid contender.

by andrew fisher on Nov 5, 2008 1:43 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

anybody knows if Mcdyess is gonna stay and play tonight?

billups is playing isn't he?

by Lucas Navarrete on Nov 5, 2008 6:07 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

The big thing to me is that Karl seemed out of his element coaching to the players he had here, or didn't have the players he needed for his system. Now? He has what he needs.

by Eric K on Nov 5, 2008 7:57 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

I think you are blind!! No way are you guys gonna make it out the first round when you have the Lakers\Hornets\Jazz\Rockets\Spurs\Suns\Dallas who are all better than you. Maybe you could beat Dallas at a push, but in two years when you are bounced from the first round every time and Billups and
K-mart are ancient you will regret this trade.

by Simon on Nov 5, 2008 8:15 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

Simon you're an idiot.(No offence) Lakers, Hornet, And Jazz are all a shoe in for seeds 1-3. However, Shaq is an aging leech on the Suns, and a garaunteed problem later in the season. Mavs will not make it out of the first round. Dirk is just not driven anymore, and Kidd is a lot less effective that he use to be. You can never count the Spurs out of a top seed, but I think the refs have finally figured out the Duncan Face effect. As Andrew stated the Rockets Big 3 could have a meshing problem. Not to mention that T-Mac and Yao are just as injury prone as K-Mart and Nene.

I doubt any REAL Nugget fan will see this as a regretful trade. We tried the AI/Melo experiment and it failed to yield any resounding results.

This gives the team the best mix of talent for the money available.

Good post Andrew. It's about time for the coach and captain to take the load of responsibility for this teams success and failures.

by joelsopinion on Nov 5, 2008 9:07 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

We can beat ANY team, including the Lakers and Celtics, on any given night. Now, beating any team in an extended playoff series, that is a different question.

by Brian on Nov 5, 2008 9:07 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

It's easy to be hopeful this time of year and I'll agree we have a shot at getting out of the first round if we can ward off injuries and DUI's AND if the Texas NBA meltdowns continue. But, frankly I'll settle for just being competitive in the first round given recent history.

Okay, I'm easy.

by JTR on Nov 5, 2008 9:37 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

I'm feeling the 6th seed. Houston's only loss so far is by 4 to the Celtics, and as old n' busted as Shaq may be, the Suns have looked solid so far.

by Chris on Nov 5, 2008 10:58 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

Where's the poll option for "I'm a douche bag and my polls are cynical and smarmy"? They only have a chance to improve one spot with Billups?

by Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 11:04 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

"STIFF #5: Chucky Atkins
-Takes up a valuable roster spot and has absolutely nothing to show for it. At least his contract is up at season's end." Technically, his contract runs through next season, but the Nuggets can buy it out for the final season price of $760K (approx.), which will still count against the luxury tax next season.

by Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 11:24 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

I think what you have pointed out Andrew has been a relavent issue since AI got here. There should be no excuses for Karl not to make it out of the first round given AI and Melo on the same team. AI made it all the way to the Finals with a much worse team than he had in Denver. I agree though that if we don't make it at least past the first round there should be no tolerance from fans for Karl to stay around. People underestimate the power of the fans, we can change things too just by demanding excellence, just like we do with the Broncos where anything less than a playoff berth is considered a total failure. Though with all this said I truley believe we are going to make the playoffs. The Spurs have looked terrible, and honestly I don't think they can overcome the hole they will be in once Manu comes back. The Suns look really good in my opinion and the Mavs just look OK. I think the only teams that are better than us in the West at this point in time are the Lakers, Rockets, Jazz, Hornets and Suns. But other than that I think it is all up for grabs. Oh yeah, I liked this one "Simon you're an idiot(No offence)."

by Goldennugget on Nov 5, 2008 12:08 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Whoa, whoa Andrew. I just took a look at your updated "Stiff List" and I am kind of offended (which is wierd for me because I really never get offended). There is no way in hell anyone other than George Karl should hold the #1spot, PERIOD! Stephen Hunter is not exactly my favorite player on the team but he doesn't even get a chance to play! So how can you say he deserves the highly reguarded #1 spot on the "Stiff List"?! It's not like it's his fault he got the contract he did! I am just saying, I don't think it's right that you are blaming the players now when we all remember what this site was founded for in the first place, right!? I don't mind Kiki on there but Patterson isn't even on the roster anyways.

by Goldennugget on Nov 5, 2008 12:30 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Good post and on point. I agree totally.

by DeAngelo Starnes on Nov 5, 2008 7:21 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

I agree Andrew, cut Hunter some slack. He's being subjected to the same BS that JR was. Who knows what this seven footer can do? Don't you think he has pride and in the summer trys to improve his game? Now the Nuggets have to seven footers, will either of them get minutes? NO! Karl's an idiot that's why you have this site, thank you very much. Kliza is cool for calling George out I didn't want to start in on Melo. I knew he wasn't going to do shit his first game back. I'm surprised the game didn't slow down like it does when he's normally in the game. NO MORE EXCUSES GEORGE, MELO. Shit or get off the pot.

by samiam on Nov 5, 2008 7:28 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Just when I thought I couldn't dislike Karl anymore, he's starting Dahantay m-f-ing Jones over JR. Seriously, fire him. There can be no argument that he puts personal vendettas over the good of the team. I still will not get caught up with this team until he's out.

by Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 9:46 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Seriously - How the hell can you conclude that Dhantay Jones is better than JR Smith. George Karl is a complete asshole. If he continues to sit JR with Chauncey on the floor - I'm done. DONE.

by Maxwell on Nov 5, 2008 10:11 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

http://www.freep.com/pistons

^^^ lol checkout the comments from news there.

Everybody seems to be hatin' on CBill because of the physical... one piston fan called him.. Mr. Big Slow for example...

by Anonymous on Nov 5, 2008 11:26 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

I can't believe I just sat thru that Golden State game. Thank God for last.fm. This team is lost, pathetic. Here is hoping that the new, old crew can right the ship. hey Altitude...WE KNOW AI DID NOT PLAY IN DETROIT TONIGHT. stop insulting the viewers with the lead all night. Hastings, Dude, c'mon what is with the mop. Man I'm just pissed.

by markp on Nov 5, 2008 11:48 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

Absolutely, Karl and Melo have no more excuses left...What a way to start it off with a loss to the Warriors minus Maggette... Melo tried to get 44 points or was it to chuck up 44 shots? LOL

by Anonymous on Nov 6, 2008 12:13 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

think you are upset about jones instead of JR? wait ill he pulls his stupid AC and Chauncy starting. i swear if he starts that line up i'm flying back to denver next day and run my car into his house!!!!!

by Anonymous on Nov 6, 2008 12:59 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

After watching the Nuggets play against the Warriors tonight I've realized that (a) Nuggets fans are truly blessed to have gotten rid of AI in return for a defensive minded leader who plays the pure point position, and (b) naming your blog "firegeorgekarl.com" may have been a huge mistake.

Hear me out. I do think that some of the blame for the Nuggets consistently sloppy play falls on Karl's shoulders. The reality, though, is that Carmelo Anthony is the laziest player to ever build a franchise around. There really is no excuse for his all around lack of hustle. I watch a player like LeBron, or Wade, or any other superstar, and they make themselves a part of every play, whether it is attacking the boards, chasing down a loose (or even almost loose) ball, moving without the ball on offense, or playing defense.

How does this relate to George Karl not being at fault? Well, I'm going to speculate a little here, but I'm fairly confident that there is a lot that Karl does not come out and say publicly about Carmelo because of team policy and professionalism. I can virtually guarantee though that Karl tells Melo to improve these critical aspects of his game every day in practice. We'd be kidding ourselves to think otherwise. Melo's response, and here is probably why it is so difficult to coach this team anywhere, is probably that of indifference. Without consequences to his actions, which there certainly aren't (bench him? HA! That won't happen until he falls completely out of favor with the fans) Melo is free to put forth a half-hearted effort into any area of basketball that doesn't see him in direct possession of the ball.

I will give Melo this, his one on one defense has improved. But I cannot forgive him his faults. They are too glaring and costly for the Nuggets organization. When he jumps out to defend a Stephen Jackson 3, and then proceeds to cherry-pick on the other side of the court while both teams are struggling to determine who is going to get possession of the rebound, there is something fundamentally wrong with his attitude. I could not believe that play. He literally did not return to play defense for a solid 6 seconds. The result ended up being positive for the Nuggets, a fast break basket, but it is still a heinously misguided strategy to pursue.

My best guess is that when George Karl's tenure as Nuggets head coach is over, there are going to be interviews conducted which will reveal the serious disconnect between the coaching philosophies Karl probably correctly preached and the players' (primarily Melo's) capacity to show enthusiasm and acceptance for these critiques and strategies.

I can tell you this much for certain: Melo is in serious danger of becoming a has-been over the next few years. If he does not improve his attitude, his hustle, and his willingness to learn, he cannot expect to achieve anything great in the NBA without someone carrying him to the accomplishment.

One last tangent: his laziness and disinterest with being a professional basketball player is reflected even in his blog. Take a look at it: its a complete eyesore which could only appeal to immature high school girls that have not realized the value of typing out words instead of short-handing them with numbers. Compare Melo's blog to Gilbert Arenas's blog. Gilbert's blog gushes sincerity and a real desire to grow as a player. Melo's blog seems an afterthought, a joke. It's almost an insult to his fans. I'm still waiting for the day that this premier talent finds the time to grow up.

by Demitrios on Nov 6, 2008 1:02 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

completely agree demetrios.

think back to that dagger that stephen jackson hit late in the game to put it away. melo was playing up on jackson nearly as much as jackson was playing up on him. jackson accelerates a little bit and melo flops and falls back. biedrins comes and sets a pick and melo flops again. leaving nene on jackson. an obvious mismatch (not dissin nene). jackson does a little dance in nene's face and drills the dagger. game over.

melo needs to friggen watch lebron and wade and kobe and his old friggen team mate AI on how to be a SUPERSTAR player.

by andrew fisher on Nov 6, 2008 3:57 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

I'll put it this way about last nights game. Melo is probably one of the most naturally gifted people to pick up a ball, when he wants to be.(Which is rare)

Stephen Jackson lacks the natural ability that Melo wastes every game, but his coachable nature and commitment to a task pushes him to a level that Melo has yet to reach.

I agree with Demitrios, Melo is flat out lazy and unmotivated. It maybe just me, but a 7 figure salary to play a game I love is pretty damn motivating. I think you hit a note with his half hearted playing also. I thought I was the only one completely upset at his flop. His half hearted flop.

Interesting that you mentioned Karl may have underlying tensions about Melo also. I totally agree. If I were in Porky's shoes I'd be yelling at Melo on a constant basis.

Anyway I hope Melo can break out of his mellow slumber, otherwise I fear he may be destined to be an over-talented sidekick.

by joelsopinion on Nov 6, 2008 8:44 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

I find it amazing that you still think the Nuggets have the talent to compete for a championship. I understand you being a homer, but come on. And talent isn't just the problem, the entire team plays basketball like morons. The first open shot anybody gets, they jack it up. Nobody has any idea on how to create a shot for a teammate. Nobody has any idea on how to play defense as a five man unit. They play defense like five men playing one on one rec center defense. Just face the facts, the Nuggets are a fringe playoff team, and its not going to be any better anytime soon.

by Anonymous on Nov 7, 2008 6:11 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

Drew. You created this blog as the fire George Karl Blog... But you have given him pass after pass. There was no excuse for the Denver Nuggets, Who in the beginning of the season, had been predicted to be 4th or 3rd in the West and was said to have the BEST starting Lineup in the NBA (AI, JR, Melo, Nene, Camby... The Best FRONT court in the NBA (Melo, Klieza, Camby, Kmart and Nene). They was even predicting 60 wins. There was never an excuse... No excuse that in the beginning of the season AI started at PG and they were 8 and 3, Winning 6 games straight (Longest streak of the season), then without provication Carter comes back and starts and they lose 3 games in a row and never won over 3 games in a row after.

No excuse for the fact that the best 3 man combination on the Nuggets last year was AI, Klieza and JR... No Excuse for the gaudy win/loss record when AI had over 10 assists... Just absolutly NO excuse for wasting a year of Melo and AI time by refusing to coach. Cause thats all it was. AI at the point meant he'd have to create plays more often... do a little work now and then and he's not willing to do that.

He basically blamed them not winning because of AI. Everything he said pointed to that.

Sorry but, Chauncey is Miller with a better 3 point shot and less speed and athletisicm. The Nuggets will not reach a new level.. they will go back to the level they were b4 AI arrived. Period.

by chillz on Nov 7, 2008 11:24 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

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THE STIFF LIST (as of 2/7 by Andrew)

STIFF #1: THE FUTURE OF THE NBPA
If the NBA owners opening proposal for the new collective bargaining agreement is any indication, we're heading for a lockout in 2011 and after that, smaller contracts, smaller salaries and less revenue shared with the players.

STIFF #2: THE CLIPPERS
After correctly kicking Mike Dunleavy upstairs and rightly installing Kim Hughes as head coach, why are rumors of Isiah Thomas joining the Clips circling around already?

STIFF #3: THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
Rumors of the re-birth of the Eastern Conference have been greatly exaggerated.  Yes, the Cavaliers are awesome but the sixth playoff seed might be sub-.500.  And do you think any of the West's top six teams fear the Celtics, Magic or Hawks?  No chance. 

STIFF #4: ANKLE INJURIES
First Carmelo Anthony.  Then Chauncey Billups. And now possibly Arron Afflalo?  Tape those ankles up, dammit!  

STIFF #5: NEW JERSEY NETS
4-46 and losers to the lowly Pistons on Saturday night.  But Lawrence Frank was the problem, right?

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