Deal or no deal?...

by Andrew Feinstein on Feb 15, 2009 11:05 PM MST

I'm still recovering from wall-to-wall coverage of the All-Star Weekend. If you ever wonder why NBATV shows the Legends Brunch, the commissioner's annual press conference, the All-Star Game practices, three days worth of All-Star interviews, endless highlights of past All-Star Weekend memories and so on, it's because degenerate NBA fans like me actually watch all this stuff. I can't help it. (On a side note, it was pretty cool seeing former Nugget Walter "The Greyhound" Davis get honored during the Legends Brunch.)

And of course, I watched every minute of J.R. Smith's disastrous decision to incorporate Sonny Weems into his dunking exhibition (um, didn't he know that Chauncey Billups was there?) and Chauncey's golden sneaks in tonight's All-Star Game. Thanks to J.R., the Nuggets futility in the dunk contest continues. Maybe next time he'll have Rocky pass him the ball.

But as All-Star Weekend concludes, it's time to look to the future. Namely, this Thursday the 19th: the NBA trade deadline.

As usual, the NBA media pundits around the country are forecasting a flurry of trading activity. But given the disastrous economy we find ourselves in and numerous owners (like the Nuggets' Stan Kroenke) wanting to shed payroll and not add it, I don't see this year's deadline being as active as last year's.

The Nuggets in particular find themselves in somewhat of a curious spot in regards to the trade deadline. On the one hand, they're playing way, way better than anyone expected. Going into the season, most of us would have been happy with a playoff berth. Now, anything short of a first round victory will be a huge disappointment.

But on the other hand, the Nuggets are in that in-between phase as a franchise where as good as they're playing, they're not beating the Lakers (or the Spurs probably) to go to the Finals, and there isn't a magical trade out there that would enable them to beat the Lakers (or Spurs). At least not this season.

Therefore, I say NO DEAL and focus on getting to the conference finals with what we have. I know that sounds like the attitude of a loser fan of a loser franchise, but I have to be realistic. And yes, it's somewhat sad that the Nuggets are off to their best start in NBA franchise history and yet they still seem miles apart from the Lakers. But this incarnation of the Nuggets hasn't even won one playoff series yet and they need to do that first before making proclamations about championships (unlike last season's arrogant squad that talked a big game and did exactly nothing to back it up). Moreover, you can tell that the current Nuggets players genuinely like each other and I'd hate to see the chemistry altered with just 29 games left in the season.

I'm certain a lot of Nuggets fans disagree with standing pat and will point to a Nene or Kenyon Martin injury with no insurance plan ending any chances the Nuggets might have of making postseason noise. But doesn't fear of an injury to a key starting player apply to any team? If the Hornets lose David West or Tyson Chandler for a long stretch, they're done. If the Rockets lose Shane Battier or Ron Artest, they're done. If the Spurs lose Manu Ginobili or Roger Mason, Jr., they're done. And so on. The only reason the Lakers can withstand the Andrew Bynum injury is because they were so much more stacked than any other NBA team to begin with. And frankly, by losing Bynum it only makes it a little more fair to everyone else in the league.

Deal or no deal, I'd still love to see the Nuggets add a P.J. Brown or Kurt Thomas or Juwan Howard (wait, didn't we let him go for nothing??!) type player just to give the Nuggets a puncher's chance should one of our starting bigs go down. But other than that, I say we ride this thing out and learn how to win a few playoff series with the team as presently constructed.

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Comments

I love that Mighty Mouse goes out and pulls a weaker version of what JR does in the same round and scores higher on it.

Ricky Martin had the best stuff out of anyone on the court though.

God no, it's not rigged at all.

by Dova on Feb 16, 2009 12:14 AM MST reply actions

it's a popularity contest man. what do you think?

anyway, lets bring shawn kemp outta retirement. dominique played alright in the celebrity game haha

by andrew fisher on Feb 16, 2009 12:32 AM MST reply actions

Yeah the dunk contest was garbage. Last year's was only 10 million times better.

As for the trade, I say ship of Kleiza for whatever we can get. Probably a bag of chips or something.

by Chris C. on Feb 16, 2009 7:10 AM MST reply actions

I think J.R. did the right thing by asking Sonny to help him. They were working together. Sonny won the college dunk contest, so I guess that's why J.R. wanted to work with him. I think it was a class move.

Regardless... this is the first All-Star Weekend I have ever watched and it is the LAST All-Star Weekend I will ever watch. In fact, I would prefer to watch the Nuggets LOSE than go through that again.

What's MORE - you can keep all the STARS. If the difference between last year and this year proves anything it is the difference between having stars and having a TEAM. I'll take the team. Anyone who wants them can have the stars.

AND - you can keep TNT while you are at it. They are condescending band think too damn much of themselves.

ALSO - I'll make a prediction. If the Nuggs are successful in the playoffs, everyone (in the media) will suddenly discover "team play" and talk about what a "team oriented" program the Nuggets have. Fact is the NBA runs on STAR POWER. They are a bunch of hypocrites. Maybe they will throw in the necessity of team play and how the NBA stresses team play.

It's a buncha crap.

From where I sit the Nuggets have put their egos aside this year and have been treated with NO RESPECT for doing just that.

Just like J.R. and Sonny. Two guys working as a team and not needing CB. Sure they lost, but these are two guys I would stand behind. They are my idea of what's good in professional basketball.

by Anonymous on Feb 16, 2009 8:22 AM MST reply actions

Despite JR's floundering in that last attempt, we should be giving him credit for using Weems. As ill-fated as it was, it shows a level of maturity that we've never seen out of JR, to bring in a guy to let him experience All-Star weekend in a grooming sort of sense (rather Weems will ever set foot in another All-Star game is highly unlikely and yet to be seen, but we should not forget this aspect of a guy in JR that we are looking to see take "the next step".

Will this help his passing? His defense? No, but the kids growing up and for all it's futility, I admire the attempt. Chauncey could have cared less if he was in that contest.

And yes, that was one of the worst dunk contests ever, so bad in fact that LeBron couldn't think of a single thing to say other than "Yes" (I'll do my part to save the NBA in this realm next year) regarding the 2010 contest.

by Eric K on Feb 16, 2009 8:31 AM MST reply actions

We aren't that far from the Lakers! The Lakers are plus 14 (road wins minus home losses). We are plus 10 and should be plus 12 by the end of the week, if we can win 2 of these last 3 road games. The Lakers have played a home-heavy schedule so far and have a lot of road games in the final 29 games of the season. The Nuggets OTOH, have a lot of home games left and fewer road games. I still think we can catch the Lakers by mid-April for the #1 seed. Oh, and no trades needed.

by Anonymous on Feb 16, 2009 9:06 AM MST reply actions

I think to throw all the all-star hate mail on the NBA is wrong. What professional sport doesn't parade it's stars out to the public? Even actors have their stars on every check-out counter. Why would the NBA be any different?

As for JR, I agree. He did the right thing. I think we are so used to seeing the wrong thing, that when the right thing comes along - we miss it.

by Anonymous on Feb 16, 2009 9:14 AM MST reply actions

The fact that Weems won a college dunk contest makes the choice of Weems to help JR sensible. I think it was a good team building move.

I'm inclined to come down on the side of no deal, but the weakness inside in case not only of injury, but also fatigue makes me think that they really need another big guy that Karl will actually play. If they could package Balkman and some other player to get a quality big man maybe they should do it. I'm not down on Balkman, In fact I like him as a bench player, but if Karl refuses to play him, what's the point? We need another big guy that Karl wont hesitate to put in a game. Maybe Karl is warming up to Petro a little, but even with that we could really use another quality big that Karl will play. If we can't get a guy like that then I say no deal.

by Anonymous on Feb 16, 2009 10:25 AM MST reply actions

I would like the Nuggets to trade for Renaldo Balkman. He is a guy who can play for the 4, give Kenyon and Nene some rest, and do all the little things we need done. Hopefully, we don't have to give up too much to get him, he would really be a perfect fit. I know he's not the prototypical rebounder, but he seems to get the job done.

by John on Feb 16, 2009 12:50 PM MST reply actions

LOL John!

Anon- I'll eat my hat if the nuggets catch the lakers. Since it's winter, it's a wool hat and will be scratchy doing down. I'm just hoping they can catch the spurs for 2, but as long as they don't slide to 4 or 5 they have a good shot to win a series for a change.

I'd like to see Kleiza and the trade exemption for Rasheed Wallace. Can you imagine Wallace and Martin on the same team? And he already knows how to play with Billups. Won't happen because of the salary cap.

by KarlSucks on Feb 16, 2009 2:56 PM MST reply actions

KS - there is no way they are falling any where in the standings below #3. They have a few tough games left (Lakers, Celtics @ Pepsi), but they have a pretty favorable schedule the rest of the way. They really should finish #1 or #2 in the conference, but it would take a total collapse to finish lower than #3. The Lakers have some tough games coming up and by the time they are in Denver at the end of next week, look for them to be only 3 games ahead of the Nuggets in the standings. A Nuggets win @ Pepsi would put the Nuggets 2 games back with one and a half months left in the season.

by Anonymous on Feb 16, 2009 3:52 PM MST reply actions

Anon-

I like the optimism! If the Nuggets pull within 2 games, then maybe I'll start to believe. Through 50 plus games, the Lakers have lost 10. In the same span the nuggets have lost 17. I don't see the Lakers losing 8 more in the reamaining 30 games, or the nuggets going undefeated.

I hope your right!

by KarlSucks on Feb 16, 2009 5:06 PM MST reply actions

Ive never been more excited about denver basketball then i am now. If we keep playing the way we are we have a great chance of winning anywhere from 55-57 games. That being said we would be fighting for the number two spot with San Antonio, which would be nice since we have the tie breaker against them (Thanks Pop). All in all I don't think we will catch the Lakers but I think (fingers crossed) we will catch San Antonio. Go nuggets, go Melo you finally are doing what you said you would do and being a well rounded player. Thanks for coming home Chauncey.

by Anonymous on Feb 16, 2009 5:12 PM MST reply actions

"Therefore, I say NO DEAL and focus on getting to the conference finals with what we have. I know that sounds like the attitude of a loser fan of a loser franchise, but I have to be realistic."

I'd advise watching Semi-Pro and adopting the Flint Tropics' anthemic ABA chant of "Fourth place! Fourth place!"

by Petey on Feb 16, 2009 6:53 PM MST reply actions

What is that? An elephant in the room? The task at hand is to hold off the Trailblazers for the 3 spot (2 is a great goal), go into the playoffs healthy and produce when we get there. Trade Steven Hunter to Sacramento for Spencer Hawes and Quincy Douby, stay under the LT and get tougher and quicker.

by Anonymous on Feb 16, 2009 8:52 PM MST reply actions

Screw a role-playing veteran. Chauncey provides the leadership intangibles while not sucking on the court like the crap you listed does.

Package Kleiza and the Charlotte pick for a legit big. Kenyon's knees are a ticking time bomb.

George Karl (aka your daddy) admitted this team has to add a piece to go anywhere in the playoffs.. especially to have a chance against the Lakers.

The Nuggets can mind the salary cap while still improving the team. Treading water after the wrist scare with Birdman is UNACCEPTABLE. That was a clear wake-up call to Kroenke.. he's playing with fire with such a brittle and undermanned front court, and the basketball Gods will not stand for it.

by My name is Luke. on Feb 17, 2009 9:36 AM MST reply actions

...mind the luxury tax, is obviously what I meant...

by My name is Luke. on Feb 17, 2009 9:36 AM MST reply actions

Hold off the Blazers, who are supposedly gunning for the 3?

I say this will all honesty.. the Blazers will collapse in the second half. They're rumored to be trading from about every player available and that locker room will implode.

Will they miss the playoffs? Probably not. But I won't be surprised if they fall to 6 or 7 and the Nuggets get to sweep them in the first round.

by My name is Luke. on Feb 17, 2009 9:38 AM MST reply actions

So much for the Hornets being afraid of losing Chandler. At least that is one more team we will now be happy to see in the first round.

by Zachm219 on Feb 17, 2009 3:19 PM MST reply actions

Zachm219 makes a good point. The Hornets have inexplicably thrown in the towel with that trade of their only 7 footer. David West's comments indicated that they know they can't compete without front court size and Joe Old Man Smith and Chris Shoot at the White House Wilcox ain't gonna get it done... not that Chandler was anything less than a disappiontment this year, but bye bye Hornets. What were you thinking??? (Aside from the salary cap stuff of course)

What I'm really scared of is if the Rockets go get Vince Carter... they'll be the M*A*S*H unit, but still dangerous if healthy.

PS, Andrew, you need to modify this site so that we can have some sort of discussion thread section where we can talk "trade deadline", "the draft", "Laker fans are homo's", etc... ya feel me on that or what!?

by Eric K on Feb 17, 2009 3:49 PM MST reply actions

I thought of something last night, and it wasn't a good thing. You guys all realize Boozer is now comming back right? Not to mention Porter got fired and the Suns will possibly return to the "old" Suns, AND the Mavs have been playing really good lately. I think we are getting a bit complacent if you ask me. There is a lot of talk about us winning a series or even two this year. I have to say, if we get matched up with Utah who will have a healthy AK, Booz and Willimas we are going to have our hands full. And if Phoenix suddenly gets their mojo back it could be the same story. All I really have to say is the next 30 games are going to be a whole different season and come playoff time I think anything can happen. We have to play even better than we did already if we want to win a series. Something to think about.

by Goldennugget on Feb 17, 2009 4:49 PM MST reply actions

Lakers fans ARE homo's! Not to be Debbie Downer, but I agree with GN. Making it out of the first round has happened once in the last 20 years. Let's not take for granted this regular season.

by john on Feb 17, 2009 10:44 PM MST reply actions

Big Ups to Andrew for the chat box. Now I can hate on Laker fans in real time.

-Djoel

by joelsopinion on Feb 18, 2009 12:48 PM MST reply actions

Deal?
I don't really think we need a major shakeup, but I would like to see a minor one...

Kleiza to the Clips
DeAndre Jordan & Brian Skinner to the Nugs.

This would give us two decent big man backups in case of injury to Kmart or Nene this season and give us a potential BIG front court of Jordan, Nene, Melo in the future. (Jordan has to learn to really play the game, but he has rediculous potential, is a big rebounder/shotblocker, VERY athletic and already his PER is 0.4 lower than Kleiza's).
Skinner's contract comes off the books after this year and Jordan makes $550k for the 2 years following this season.
Add to this the fact that Balkman would get more minutes and it doesn't seem like a bad deal to me.
I would miss Kleiza's aggressiveness and 3pt ability though.

by CSB on Feb 19, 2009 5:04 PM MST reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

STIFF LIST (as of 4/26 by Andrew Feinstein)

1. METTA WORLD PEACE

Metta resorted back to Ron Ron last Sunday by clubbing James Hardenwith an "inadvertent celebratory elbow", landing him a 7-game suspension. Apparently, changing his name didn't prevent NBA commissioner David Stern from overlooking Metta's past behavior problems.

2. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

The 'Cats are on the verge of securing the worst winning percentage in NBA history. Given that the guy who runs the team - Michael Jordan - had previously drafted Kwame Brown and Adam Morrison, should this really be a shock?

3. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
The team that was supposedly built to overcome the lockout-shortened season managed to lose 7 of its last 14 games, ceding the Western Conference's 1-seed to the Spurs in the process. Their reward might be a first round matchup with defending champion Dallas.

4. BILLY HUNTER AND DEREK FISHER

With report after report coming out about NBPA union head Hunter's shady, nepotistic dealings and questions arising about Fisher's own role in dealing with NBA owners behind Hunter's back during the lockout, this off-the-court scandal could prove to be more exciting than the playoffs themselves!

5. STEVE NASH AND THE PHOENIX SUNS
The Suns are on this list for squandering the last few great seasons from Nash. Nash is on this list for his stupidly stubborn loyalty to a franchise as awful as the Suns.