Disgraceful...

by Andrew Feinstein on Feb 23, 2009 6:02 PM MST

Nuggets/Celtics Recap...

Are we sure this game wasn't on TNT? Because the Nuggets played as if they were.

Or perhaps the Nuggets mistook the Celtics' green and white uniforms for the Lakers' purple and gold, because this mirrored their typical outing against the Western Conference champs: scared, out-of-sync, whiny, dreadful shot selection and only J.R. Smith and Linas Kleiza bothered to show up.

All I could think about while watching this game was of all the fans who must have spent their hard earned money on their lone Pepsi Center visit of the season - maybe take their kids, etc - only to see the Nuggets reward them with a dog@#$% effort.

Denver Stiffs has been very bullish on the Nuggets all season and won't give up on them because of a three-game losing streak. And of course, all teams go through ups and downs. But this recent spate games are alarming in how badly the Nuggets are being exposed on both ends of the floor...and not against necessarily good teams (remember, the Celtics didn't have Kevin Garnett tonight). Fans don't expect their teams to win every game, nor do we expect every game to be close. Some nights you just don't have it, especially against the NBA's elite. But the Nuggets have had one too many nights where they "just don't have it" against the NBA's best and, worse yet, these games have been at Pepsi Center. The evidence...

12/4 vs. San Antonio - Nuggets lose 91-108 (17 point defeat)
12/19 vs. Cleveland - Nuggets lose 88-105 (17 points)
1/17 vs. Orlando - Nuggets lose 88-106 (18 points)
2/23 vs. Boston - Nuggets lose 76-114 (38 points)

How can the Nuggets expect to contend in the postseason when the NBA's premier outfits routinely clobber them in Denver? The only answer is: health. I know it sounds ridiculously obvious, but the Nuggets have to be at full speed with a fully healthy roster or this team is doomed. Not unlike any other NBA team were it to lose a key starter, the Nuggets can't seem to get by with Kenyon Martin or Nene. They must have Kenyon Martin and Nene. Somehow, they were able to go 6-4 without Carmelo Anthony for a 10-game stretch, but most of those games were at home and early enough into the season that the team wasn't worn out. Now I'm scared stiff of how this team will play without K-Mart and Nene for a prolonged stretch. I guess we'll find out this week, with Nene expected sit out through the Lakers affair on Friday.

Continually perplexing is George Karl's refusal to build consistency in the rotation and not play Renaldo Balkman. On a night when the Nuggets were clearly gassed and in dire need of an energy boost, why the @#$% wasn't Balkman on the floor and on the floor early?! I know its ironic that the lone Rastafarian on the Nuggets roster happens to be the guy with the most energy (along with J.R. and Birdman), but that's the truth. In his 17 starter's minutes the day before at Milwaukee, he put up 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block. I'm pretty sure he'd have been helpful tonight as a thorn in the Celtics' side.

I never thought a random regular season game against the Atlanta Hawks would be a "must win" for the Nuggets, but it's almost come down to that. From a psychological perspective, it's imperative that tonight's loss to the Celtics merely tie the Nuggets longest losing streak of the season at three games, rather than be one loss among five straight. Because when the team that actually wears purple and gold shows up on Friday night, the Nuggets better not be pressing to avert their fifth straight loss.

Nuggets/Celtics Preview...

Entering tonight's game, the Nuggets and Celtics have two things in common: they'll both be without their best big man and both played yesterday afternoon. Other than that, they have nothing in common. While the shorthanded Celtics waxed the improved (but shorthanded) Suns in Phoenix yesterday, the Nuggets found themselves in a prolonged and unnecessary dogfight with a less-than-mediocre Bucks team. And while the Celtics continue to exude confidence when they play, confidence appears to be completely absent from the Nuggets.

Making matters worse, the Portland Trailblazers are breathing down the Nuggets' necks and the Utah Jazz are about to be at full health. So the Nuggets recent reversion into the same team we saw last year (regularly giving up 70-point halves to bad teams, inconsistent rotation patterns, no cohesive offensive sets, and so forth) has arrived at the most inopportune time, and I'm concerned that the Nuggets know this and could play tight all week as a result.

But heretofore, the Nuggets have rebounded from these types of situations all season long. Over the course of their first 56 games, the Nuggets have lost twice in a row only three times, and have lost three games in a row just once. So while we're all very frustrated with what went down over the weekend, I'm okay with giving them the benefit of the doubt until this week plays itself out when three very good teams come to town: Boston, Atlanta and (oh lord) the Lakers.

That being said, it is at moments like this where George Karl, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups need to earn their multi-million dollar salaries (that we pay for, mind you). They've given us very little - if any - reason to abandon our faith in them throughout the season thus far. Don't let this be the week that the fans lose hope.

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Comments

Amen. Nothing else to say.

This is the game where Kenyon Martin has to step up... let's hope we don't come flat in the first half.

I'm a little bit hopeless about this game and the whole week, but, I guess we'll have to wait and see

by Lucas Navarrete on Feb 23, 2009 6:29 PM MST reply actions

LaPhonso Ellis is the guest in the studio on NBATV Gametime tonight. Love that guy. Ahhh... 1994.

by Drew on Feb 23, 2009 6:48 PM MST reply actions

referees fucked us today.

by Anonymous on Feb 23, 2009 8:09 PM MST reply actions

simply put, we suck and the Boston crowd was treated to a fine Boston win. What a fucking insult to the Denver fans who paid good money to watch this shit.

by markp on Feb 23, 2009 9:34 PM MST reply actions

This was a game I would gladly pay money to hear Dino Costa comment on tomorrow.

What a disgrace!

PATHETIC!

Championship timber?

NOT.

by Dino on Feb 23, 2009 9:34 PM MST reply actions

I've never seen such one sided officiating. The Nuggs get so morally dejected by the refs that they just fold like an old woman getting hit in the stomach. WTF was up with Chauncey? I hate the C's and the NBA for that matter. I f'ing give up on professional basketball. Any one else wanna start watching the Rapids? Shit this game sucked. I should have just watch Lucky Number Sle7n on Spike. The only redeemable moment was in the 4th when AC gave Ray Allen something to complain about, when he charged him like a line backer and knocked him in to 1st row. Pardon the rant.

If anyone else out there still supports that fat ass waste of skin, please don't post here. I will make you cry. I don't care if he some how rights the ship and the Nuggs win it all, I will blast him in any way I can. I will commit all of my mental power (2%) to defaming his name and character. I plan on actually losing sleep over this.

He never got in anyone's face. Boston bullied the Nuggs and the refs AND KARL let it happen. He waited until the C's had a commanding lead at the end of the 1st to stand his big ass up to call a time. What did he expect would happen once they entered half time with a season tied low of 37? Did he hope they would bounce back? You figure he would have at least coached them into a 103 point game to get his Tacos tomorrow morning.

Hastings never had much to offer, but he's become like a John Madden of the Nuggets. Constantly commenting on the same thing over, and over, and over again.

The mattress king rejection was however priceless. I never thought poking fun at a 12 year old could be so funny.

I'm almost afraid to watch the next game. Again I apologize for the rant, but I am dead serious about blasting Karl and any supporters.

by joelsopinion on Feb 23, 2009 9:49 PM MST reply actions

Horrible couple of games, but if you are looking for any sort of bright spot, Petro played quite well. 9 points, 10 reb, and 2 blocks, in 20 min. Of course we will probably never see him play again once Nene comes back.

I just don't understand how you can start players because of injuries (Balkman and Petro), who end up doing fairly well, but then completely fail to utilize them at all in subsequent games.

by Cessair on Feb 23, 2009 10:10 PM MST reply actions

This team looks physically and mentally exhausted. Its like last year all over again. Three straight games with no effort on defense, and no continuity on offense. And our coach has no clue how to fix it.
But despite this horrible 3 game stretch, there is still hope, and its not too late if somehow Karl can just make a few changes.

1) Stop the two point guard lineup.

2) Start using a consistent rotation that includes Petro and Balkman so that guys can get healthy for the stretch run.

3) Call timeouts to stop runs, and make adjustments when we have matchup problems.

Its too late to install a new system, but if he just did these three things I would lay off him a bit.
This is a very talented team and could still make a run if we get/stay healthy and Karl pulls his head out.
The players have to pick it up too, but its the coaches job to steer the ship and its heading off course.

by go nugs on Feb 23, 2009 10:46 PM MST reply actions

By the way, Karl will never do any of those things so were probably screwed.

by go nugs on Feb 23, 2009 10:50 PM MST reply actions

Looking at some of the postings here and the anger displayed, I can't stop laughing my ass off because of the humor injected during the rants and overall pissed off comedic comments.

Here's to the Stiff Nation !!!

Nuggets suck now - but we don't.

by markp on Feb 23, 2009 11:17 PM MST reply actions

Disgraceful it was. You know the saying if you keep banging you head on the wall expecting different results is the definition of insanity. The selection of the roster to do certain tasks is insanity. A Carter keeps making bad passes and turnovers. D Jones keeps making bad jump shots he shouldn't shoot. I mean what is wrong with this picture. Those are proven methods that don't work. Also when anyone is having a bad game...find the hot hand...don't keep giving it to the person who misses the shot. This is not rocket science here. Just simple common sense and observations. A good coach a good leader can make people undermanned, under strength defeat people who are stronger and larger in number. That is a sign of a good leader. I am so frustrated cause...the nuggets are a couple of losses from being with Dallas. It seems like such a waste...and a wasted effort is a waste of my time and all the other times I spent my energy worrying or concerning myself about the success of this team. You it really comes down to good coaching and good ownership.

Also I am so sick of players whining and moaning...it gets ridiculous to have them whine on every stupid call....at the same time the charges were ridiculous the NBA needs to do something about all this acting...pushing yourself into a foul and flopping like dominoes...just play the game...instead they encourage player and reward them to take advantage of the spirit of the game....They need to redeem themselves while shorthanded.

by Anonymous on Feb 23, 2009 11:20 PM MST reply actions

God this is getting rediculous. I didn't like the loss to the Bulls, I hated the way we lost to the Bucks and I am just depressed at how bad we lost to the Celtics...on our home floor...without KG. It has simply gone too far, yet again sadly. I mean how much more of this do we have to go through as fans? It is simply not right. Karl is for all practical purposes f*ing with our heads. Every season it seems like for the past 3 years we start off great, with a great group of some of the most talented players in the league only to drastically underachieve and give up in most cases. This year is by far the worste. Our ironman and Finals MVP, Chauncy, is even loosing his heart and all for what? What are we getting out of this fat P.O.S. who could care less about our passion and love of our team? This was our worst loss on our home floor in over a decade. The funny thing is that we have had 10 times worse teams in the early part of the decade then we did this year. In fact this is one of the best teams the Nuggets have ever had. I could go on for hours covering the different points and reasons to why I hate George Karl, but I won't. I can't expend that much effort any longer on someone I despise so much. And again for what? All of our efforts to get this man as far away from our team as possible have gone unnoticed for the most part. I don't know what more to say other than I can't take this anymore, I don't know about you guys.

by DepressedGoldennugget on Feb 23, 2009 11:51 PM MST reply actions

Agree with goldennugget and joelsopinion (that was hilarious but disturbingly true).

Fire Geroge Karl. Can I get a T shirt or something?

by The Lark on Feb 24, 2009 1:31 AM MST reply actions

fire george karl t-shirts. beautiful. how about it Andrew?

by kenoshakid on Feb 24, 2009 1:35 AM MST reply actions

I remember when A.I. first arrive and he commented about the teams lack of discipline or drive to win games. It took a little while, but he eventually succumbed to the lack of coaching.

When C.B. first got here, he started talking about the "freedom" of playing under Karl. That worried me, but the team was winning. Well, the "freedom" of not being coached has caught up with C.B. and the team is back to under achieving.

I know I'll read a bunch of quotes in the paper today from Karl blaming the players for poor shot selection and poor defense. Those things happen when there is no system so the players don't know what is expected of them. Bad coaching results in bad play...

Forget the 2 seed, that's over. Winning the division is probably over. When they lose the next two games they'll drop all the way to 6 or 7. Looking more and more like 0 or 1 win in the playoffs, then go home as usual.

Have I mentioned that George Karl Sucks and should be fired?

by KarlSucks on Feb 24, 2009 8:21 AM MST reply actions

Here is a link for Fire George Karl! T-Shirts. $18.95. Please feel free to customize further!

http://studio.choiceshirts.com/ChoiceStudio/orcad.aspx?guid=79a9043f-eda4-4f6c-b7a5-d90911dd5802&emailAddress=tedcarney@msn.com

by KarlSucks on Feb 24, 2009 8:26 AM MST reply actions

I've had a chance to simmer down over night, but I awoke just to see so many upset fan comments that the fire has been rekindled.

Depressed GoldenNugget, I think the reason we as fans have become so very angry, is because we know what this team IS capable of doing. And when we see them go out and routinely under achieve it's just frustrating. It's like a father watching his son, whom he potty trained, stand in the middle of the guests in the living room and let 'er rip. (Sorry Dad)

There's no way Chauncey intentionally played that bad last night. Even on an off night he can muster a better preformance. A +/- of -38. 1 of 8 shooting, and a total of 3 points. He must have just found out about some illegitimate kids or something. Maybe he had the flu. Or maybe just maybe it was a real cry for help. 'Help get me a damn coach who can coach damn it!'

You raised another good point GN...All for what? I think at this point Nugget Nation has realized that GK will infact F this city over. I really do think it's revenge from 94'. If so he's a mad genius. Most likely though it's incompetence. Andrew posted agood one back in Feb 08' I think about Karl's infamous record of implosions. And I think this season will round out the top 5.

-I'm still praying for an elevator shft accident. (hint hint)

by joelsopinion on Feb 24, 2009 8:42 AM MST reply actions

It is time for George to earn his paycheck and start kicking some butts around teh locker room. That was a disgrace.

by Anonymous on Feb 24, 2009 8:56 AM MST reply actions

Performance based pay for coaches.
Refs should be fined for obvious bad calls that are reviewed after the game with an escalating $ amount per week.
Take away George Karl's chair.

by oldfan on Feb 24, 2009 9:59 AM MST reply actions

I have a personal policy that whenever I see Anthony Carter guarding Kobe Bryant or Lebron James, not because of a switch, but because that is who George Karl has assigned them to guard, I simply stop watching. Last night, I added Paul Pierce to that list. It's just inane, and there's no possible justification for it.

by Kieran on Feb 24, 2009 10:10 AM MST reply actions

Part of the problem is that GK has created a shallow bench by refusing to use all of his players regularly. This is nothing new for him. In the first half of the season (and the season before, and the season before ...) the players had enough physical and mental enegry to play exetended minutes. But right about now, they are just burnt out, beaten up and unfocused. Kenyon looked as if he could barely walk last night. Chauncy was gassed from the opening tip off (tell tale sign - short on his jumpers) Melo was not in the mood for the taking it to the hole, getting hacked and then getting called for chippies on the other end. Even Birdman looked tired. I thought Petro did a decent job (well rested). OK, so Weems is a rookie, let him run around with Ray Allen for a while. The Balkman thing is truly baffling.

Being a fan of this team is like being in a bad relationship; you don't know why, but you just can't stay away.

All of that said, how is it possible to have four offensive fouls called in one quarter and NO REACTION from your coach? The players lose their energy when calls are going the worng way and the coach just sits there. He let Chauncy pick up a technical rather than do it himself. It's just plain lazy and apathetic.

ARGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!

by imnogm on Feb 24, 2009 10:36 AM MST reply actions

This shows how valuable nene is to this team. He is an unstoppable force inside that can be guarded by players like timi and howard. everyone else has to double team him or pay close attention to him.
If nene is back for lakers game I think we can win that game.

by Riso on Feb 24, 2009 10:59 AM MST reply actions

So, uh, does anybody on the Nuggets coaching staff watch NBA basketball? Do they know how to prepare for teams that they will be playing? Do they learn how they function, and then make adjustments based on that?

Based on the past three games, I don't think so.

Do any of the players actually get coached? Like, say, when they make a bone headed move or take a poor shot. Does someone commit to develop that player by taking them aside to help, you know, improve them?

I realize that fundamentals go out the window when we're talking NBA, but you need to build off of them to develop your talent, but if those fundamentals don't exist you have to start there. Boxing out, passing (I'm looking at you, AC), running a fast break (AC again).

But alas, this takes effort. Effort that the coaching staff would rather not put in, evidently.

Even if they had a system they could fall back on, then they could phone it in when they are tired. "There they go again, pick and roll between KMart and Chauncey."

But no, there is no system. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Nothing!

It's coaching. Time to get these jokers in front of a panel just like we did the auto makers. Change up the culture in the organization before it's too late. We have a good team, but nobody to lead them.

/rant

by Do We Have Any Plays? on Feb 24, 2009 11:37 AM MST reply actions

How about sending a certified copy of the Blog to Karl.
Especially what IMNOGM SAID.
However that is assuming he can read.
You ever notice when Karl is interviewed he doesn't look at the interviewer, he looks over their head at the ceiling. What does that tell you?

by oldfan on Feb 24, 2009 12:11 PM MST reply actions

I love rants. I don't think we sound off enough in America. That's what built the country up was speaking up and demanding more. Thus in the spirit of American culture "Mr. Kroenke, knock Humpty Dumpty off of that wall." That's American for get Karl's A$$ off of this team.

For all of you GK fan boys, there are worse coaches out there. I just don't think we should settle on Karl. Don't think the players are exempt either, but they will only do what's asked of them. They will only react if they've been taught. If GK and his assistant coaches aren't helping the team to recognize exploitations on the court, or mismatches, or traps, then the guys are going to walk right into it. Only with training can a soldier become a warrior.(not the G.S. kind) Karl IMO does not provide that training.

by joelsopinion on Feb 24, 2009 12:33 PM MST reply actions

joelsopinion (love your blog btw) leaves out one important factor; This is a coach who has coaches that communicate with the players. He cannot be trifled with such things. After all, there are mints to be chewed and speaches to be made. I don't understand for the life of me how you can motivate, re-direct, challenge or by any other means "coach" (there, I've said it) when you do not communicate with your players. Perhaps the Zen Master can operate this way, he has rings which command respect, but I don't think Sloan or Popovich have their coaches communicate with the players. And their teams play defense! Then again, this is the modern NBA, what do I know.

by imnogm on Feb 24, 2009 2:46 PM MST reply actions

I guess we're just asking too much. I grew up watching Riley frequently lose his cool and WIN. Coach K, Bobby Knight, and Sloan are what I remember about what a coach should be. I'd love to see Avery Johnson take the reigns. He preaches defence and hustle. Hate him or love him at least he is passionate about the game. I don't know if we can say that about Karl. At this point I'd take Samuel L. Jackson as Coach Carter over Karl. Emilio Estevez in Mighty Ducks had more heart. Gene Hackmen in Hoosiers is what we need here. Or maybe just a coach we believe in.

Thanks for checking out the blog too.

by joelsopinion on Feb 24, 2009 3:48 PM MST reply actions

Here. here. I'll drink to that!
It is Fat Tuesday after all.

Mind you, leadership comes in many forms and there's nothing wrong with bridled passion a la Doc Rivers either. But at least you know the guy cares and is willing to stand up for his players when they need it most. How many times have you seen Pop take a T when he needs to turn the momentum around? Or D'Antoni for that matter (let him go too, didn't we).

You're right, I guess we're just asking for too much. Shameful.

by imnogm on Feb 24, 2009 4:44 PM MST reply actions

Nuggets Fans and Karl Haters,

I am a long time follower of the blog and know that we have some loyal Nuggets fans here. I am a season ticket holder and won't be able to make the game tomorrow night vs the Hawks. I will sell the 2 tickets for face value. ($109 each + $15 Premier Parking Pass...$233 total) I am not looking to profit off of these, but want a Nuggets fan to go. I have these listed on ebay for a higher price, but if someone contacts me by e-mail (p_mac20@hotmail.com) prior to their sale, I will meet them somewhere tomorrow. I am in Loveland, CO...but will meet in Denver if needed. Just leave me your telephone number if interetsed. Thanks Guys...Fire Karl, play Balkman.

by Kaley on Feb 24, 2009 5:39 PM MST reply actions

I forgot the most important part. The 2 tickets I have available are in section 128, row 16. They are great seats, basically right at half court behind the scores table.

by Kaley on Feb 24, 2009 5:57 PM MST reply actions

Wow, this is bad, I haven't even been drinking. I make more mistakes than Karl. The section is 148, not 128. Thanks!

by Kaley on Feb 24, 2009 5:58 PM MST reply actions

GK has no balls: "Renaldo [Balkman] was very good in the second alf. I should have had the courage to play him a little bit more."

I'll be coach next year

by Julian from Australia on Feb 24, 2009 8:29 PM MST reply actions

I agree with most of what's been said here about GK and AC. Two worthless pos, however you we can rant until we are blue in the face Stan Kronke don't give a damn as long as you keep filling up the Pepsi Center. Nothing is going to change as long as you keep filling up the Pepsi center. You want to be heard and acknowledge. QUIT BUYING NUGGET MERCHANDISE. BOYCOTT! STOP FILLING UP THE PEPSI CENTER. SEND STAN THE JERK A MESSAGE! This will never happen, because most of the fans settle for mediocrity and complancency. You rant and rave but you won't take a stance. Shit or get off the pot.

by samiam on Feb 24, 2009 8:30 PM MST reply actions

I'm with you samiam. I DID give up my season tickets. And boycotted the playoffs last year too. I am a fan of the TEAM but not the ORGANIZATION. I have long held to the ideal that I will support a team as long as the players give 100%. All things being equal, if all of the players gave 100% the winner would be determined by talent and coaching. But that just doesn't happen in the modern NBA. Does it?

by inmogm on Feb 24, 2009 10:26 PM MST reply actions

Two Thoughts.

Head Coach J.R. Smith.

GM: Kenyon Martin.

Just sayin. Party.

by Drew on Feb 25, 2009 1:26 AM MST reply actions

I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Kaylee

http://www.craigslistdecoded.info

by sheela on Feb 25, 2009 1:47 AM MST reply actions

I am with mmogin and samiam. I have it before. The executive management needs to get the message. The fans are the customer and as long as we support them then nothing changes. It needs to be conditional love. We oughta get heard. I hope that the coaches and players and management read this blog to get objectionable opinion about how they are doing. Based on the lack of feedback...with A Carter still making bad pass, bad fast breaks, with Balkman still not playing....still a lack of game plan...I mean most of the points Melo has to score are difficult one or two on one shots. Nene makes the easier ones...but with good play making it makes it easier on everyone. Anyways the Avery Johnson suggestion is a great idea.....young. good defense mindset..I imagine a much better teacher and communicator...his record speaks for himself. We oughta capitalize on this great opportunity. I mean if Mike Shannahan won championships and got fired, why in the world does George Karl have is job. If they can't make past the first round this year...that needs to be the case......Anyways..it is not about the first round...wrong goal...championship....a championships takes a complete successful system from top to bottom. How can we communicate that message so we are not just talking ourselves to the blue...I mean get the word. Like sell Fire George Karl hire Avery Johnson T-shirts...and have half the people wear them....not to sell as profit but to spread the word.

by Anonymous on Feb 25, 2009 9:30 AM MST reply actions

I think I found a reason why Balkman never plays and even Petro a little. GK is so stuck on his bench rotation that he keeps a couple of players not playing just so he can plug them into the starting lineup and keep his 4 second stringers on the bench.

This was evident the last few games, when Kmart was out he plugged in Balkman and then petro for Nene. I bet if Weems wasn't a rookie he would have started when Melo was out to keep Smith and Kleiza coming off the bench.

This is the only reason I can think of for Balkman's sporadic PT despite how productive he is on the floor.

by james b.(seattle) on Feb 25, 2009 12:35 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.