Remember the disrespect (Nuggets/Hornets Game 5 Preview 8:30pm MST)...

by Andrew Feinstein on Apr 29, 2009 1:02 AM MDT

If there's one thing that's all on the coach of an NBA team, it's getting your team to focus on the game right in front of you. And on that card, Nuggets head coach George Karl gets an A grade thus far in this first round series against the New Orleans Hornets. I think it's fair to say that we've never seen a Nuggets team this consistently focused throughout a prolonged stretch of games since the second round of the 1985 playoffs when the Nuggets trounced the Jazz in five games (after a dogfight with the Spurs in Round 1).

But just in case Karl needs an extra piece of motivation to get his players fired up for Game 5 against the Hornets - who might show some life after being humiliated by a record-tying 58 point blowout at home in Game 4 - he should point out how no one who follows or works within the NBA has given the Nuggets a morsel of respect all season.

As has been well documented on this blog, before the season began not one NBA "expert" - including the local reporters who cover the Nuggets - had Denver making the playoffs. Then, as the season went on, we witnessed Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich resting his three best players in an important game at Pepsi Center on February 3rd, followed by Phil Jackson calling the Nuggets February 27th victory over his Lakers a "garbage game". Adding further insult to the Nuggets cause, as the playoffs approached and the seedings were in doubt the hosts of ESPN's "NBA Shootaround" routinely had the Nuggets finishing sixth or seventh in the Western Conference despite the Nuggets demonstrating that they could beat anyone (well, except Cleveland).

Then, when the playoffs began, some of the same "experts" had the Nuggets/Hornets series pegged as one of the likely upsets. And even during this series, Hornets head coach Byron Scott has referred to the Nuggets physical play as dirty and rarely gives the Nuggets credit while citing his own team's deficiencies as to why they're in a massive 3-1 hole. (And although this is a stretch, we could throw in Karl finishing behind the Magic's Stan Van Gundy in Coach of the Year balloting as another sign of league-wide disrespect for our Nuggets, even though Van Gundy's Magic completely choked away the end of their season with unacceptable losses to the Nets and Knicks.)

In fact, up until last night's 58-point historical drubbing, TNT's Charles Barkley - who clinged to his season long prediction of only Utah or San Antonio being worthy of giving the Lakers a fight - didn't give the Nuggets a chance to do any damage in the playoffs.

But that 58-point destruction of the Hornets will mean nothing if the Nuggets don't take care of business at home tonight in Game 5. And that can't-get-out-of-the-first-round monkey affixed to the backs of Karl and Carmelo Anthony will remain in place until these Nuggets indeed move on to Round 2.

We as fans have no reason to doubt that our Nuggets won't come out victorious tonight. But just in case Karl needs a little more motivation to re-focus the troops after Monday night's laugher, he should remind them that no one outside the Denver metro area ever gave this team an ounce of respect and many still don't.

GO NUGGETS!!

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Comments

Too true Andrew, good blog. It's great to see these Nuggets performing the way they are for me, let alone you old fellas that have seen the good and bad. Lol. Once again, thanks for doing this blog.

by Jack on Apr 29, 2009 2:42 AM MDT reply actions

That is the mentality you have to have in the playoffs, that "us against the world" mindset. That is the only thing that really matters when it's all said and done. The media has a job to do and all they do is call it how they see it. We all here knew the Nuggets weren't going to be that bad but then agian we might have if we hadn't traded for Smooth. I really hope the guys just come together like brothers and go out there and prove everyone wrong like they have already. They deserve it. I was listening to some interviews after the game and it was really great to see K-Mart excited about finally doing something here after how many years. And as much as I hate to say it, same goes for Karl. But he has kind of been the guy in charge so he can only blame himself. Anyways, I can't wait for the game tomorrow, it's going to be a historic night.

by Goldennugget on Apr 29, 2009 3:17 AM MDT reply actions

However, there is one group in the NBA that is starting to respect the Nuggets and their recent effort......the referees!!! It seems to me with a combination of hard, tough, and gritty defensive play mixed with a surprising lack of whining and complaining for bad calls. I call it the Bruce Bowen effect. Understanding that the refs swallow their wistles in the playoffs and using that knowledge to aggrivate and even bait the CP3 and the Hornets into whining more. The best part, when the refs make a bad call or no call there has been little or no reaction from the Nuggets (even Nene).

by Jon on Apr 29, 2009 4:13 AM MDT reply actions

I could see it on all of the Hornets players' faces. They had "given up" look in their eyes. I think we win tonight without much guff at all.

Too bad the Spurs couldn't stretch the series any further than 5 games. I think this puts a little bit of pressure on the Nugs to close it out tonight.

by Robin Z on Apr 29, 2009 6:58 AM MDT reply actions

In all fairness to the national media Melo, JR and Kenyon have made some really bone-headed decisions in the last couple years. That being said the talent level of this team is obvious. Most other places Melo, JR, Nene and even Kleiza get 5 more shots per game.

What I've been seeing the last couple days is comments on how badly the Hornets played, not how well the Nuggets played. That is patently ridiculous. They played poorly because we knocked them down and they never really got back up.

Right now I bet most of the national media picks the Mavs to beat the Nugs even though the Nugs are clearly more talented.

Well finish them off, at least by twenty.

by NugzD on Apr 29, 2009 8:30 AM MDT reply actions

Dear Nawlins,

Please pack your golf clubs on your trip to Denver so that you may continue on to Scottsdale's wonderful weather, because your offseason starts Thursday.

Thank you,
Management

by MJKeenan on Apr 29, 2009 8:49 AM MDT reply actions

I have been listening to the radio and watching the TV (well, ok, i got laid-off and i have plenty of time...) and i have heard PLENTY about the 58 point loss. Plenty! And they give the Nuggets lots of credit for flying to New Orleans and showing up at the Bee Hive. And they give them credit for not trying their shoes together. Sure they do. The funny thing is Charles "Nope (I don't have any love for the Nuggets)" Barkley is about the only person who gives the Nuggets any kudos for flat out kicking the shit out of the Hornets. Go figure. To an announcer, sports columnist, or TV talking head they have ALL said NO sucked and made no mention of the GAME the Nuggets played. It is almost like how bad of a game can you actually play to have the lowly Nuggets win? Now I don't know if this is simply a case of these overpaid under worked media morons covering their ass, or if they really think you just wake up one day and hold the (arguably) best point guard in the league to 4 points. I guess like an unplanned pregnancy this kinda thing just happens. . .

BUT - you see - these guys have an ace in the hole. And that ace is Los Angeles. They are sure that if Denver smokes NO tonight, beats Dallas (and their what’s-his-name owner), and then manages to play LA, that LA will certainly win and then they can say - "I told you so...

The Nuggets suck."

So, there's no need to get behind Denver. Even if these morons are wrong, they are right - except for -

Charles Barkley...

Go figure...

by SpokenWar on Apr 29, 2009 8:53 AM MDT reply actions

Last night on TNT:

Ernie Johnson: "So Dallas advances and will face either Denver or...New Orleans. I think I'll go with the Nuggets on that one."

Charles Barkley: "Way to go out on a limb there Ernie."

by MJKeenan on Apr 29, 2009 9:05 AM MDT reply actions

To be honest, at an earlier time I would most assuridly say that Denver would drop this game and be forced to win in 6 on the road. I just don't see that happening with this bunch. In fact I think they put the Hornets into the history books tonight. N.O. is done. They know it, their fans know it, the league knows it, and the Nuggets know that look all too well.

The Nuggets smell blood, and they will finish it tonight in front of thousands of Nugget die hards. Thousands more will inevitably wake their neighbors by screaming at the top of their lungs. If history holds true, their will be many arrests tonight in LoDo due to the drunken celebration after a huge win. Sadly the great majority will be Denver Stiff readers.

I just hope that in round 2 we get some good game times. This Wednesday night stuff is killing me Thursday mornings at work. You can only claim to have the Powder Blue flu a couple of times a year.

by Joelsopinion on Apr 29, 2009 9:07 AM MDT reply actions

Andrew, great post. I found myself getting irritated by the lack of respect, then started to think about it. I recalled the last 5 years of failure:

03-04 - Lost in 5 to the T-Wolves
04-05 - Lost in 5 to the Spurs
05-06 - Lost in 5 to the Clippers
06-07 - Lost in 5 to the Spurs
07-08 - Swept by the Lakers

I think that you have to actually do something to garner respect, and even though they finished 2nd this year, let's face it, they haven't accomplished anything yet. It's small wonder that people were picking them as a likely upset given their past history.

I might also point out that every year it's been the same story - loads of talent - talent enough to beat anyone, yet always ending in dismal failure. So, while Barkley has been a huge critic (figuratively and literally), I think it has been deserved.

Now, that said, I think it's going to be different this year. I think that the Nugs will finish off the Hornets, pound Dallas (I really see either a sweep or another 5 game series), and give the Lakers a run for the money, possibly coming down to the 7th game. Then, I think we'll see some respect. If we don't, then yeah, it's BS.

I am really rooting for the Nugs (as I do every year). It is great to see them doing so well and seemingly growing up before our eyes. Here is the proof, and why I think we have a real shot this year:

"Anthony averaged just 3.4 assists in the regular season, and had two assists in Game 1 when he struggled working around double teams. In the following three games, he's tallied nine, five and seven assists, and has shown the ability to pass out of pressure. Asked about being unselfish, Anthony said: "I think that's a big key for me, personally." "

If Anthony can keep up this level of play, we'll cruise until we hit LA or Houston.

by grantarchy on Apr 29, 2009 9:12 AM MDT reply actions

By the way, can just anybody become a three point specialist/good shooter these days? Dahntay Jones of never been seen to hit a jumper infamy? Birdman hitting fadeaway jumpers for consecutive games. (I yelled "bad shot" at the TV both times.) Anybody on the Magic? Trevor Ariza? Jason Kidd??? Jason Kidd who couldn't hit a three pointer for 10 years in the NBA? Where is this coming from? Is there some shooting guru running around from team to team charging 2 mil to "fix a shot?" "Look what I did for Battier!"

When Dampier hits back to back threes on us next series I won't even blink.

by NugzD on Apr 29, 2009 9:14 AM MDT reply actions

Some of us in Wyoming gave them a chance. We drive 2 1/2 hours to watch the Nuggets play. Looking forward to the game!

by Brian on Apr 29, 2009 9:25 AM MDT reply actions

LETS GO NUGGETS!!!

Lets make history and finally move on to the 2nd round tonight. Lets do it tonight in front of the home crowd and get them all fired up to kick the shit out of Dallas in round 2.

by CO_Nugs420 on Apr 29, 2009 9:34 AM MDT reply actions

The disrespect argument doesn't seem all that valid to me. Maybe in the case of Barkley I can see it, but he has made some valid points in his trashing of the Nuggets. The main point that I have seen him make is that the Nuggets don't play the type of defense they are capable of playing for entire games, and their lapses will cause them to lose games (Game 3) and series (Lakers).

There was no reason for the experts to believe the Nuggets would make a serious effort going into this season after that playoff exit, and losing Camby for nothing. Especially with Portland expected to be on the rise, and the Clippers and Suns expected to do much better than they did.

After the Billups trade almost everyone at least had us making the playoffs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-081104). At the time of the trade Utah and Portland were playing extremely well, and there was no good reason to believe the Nuggets could win the division over those teams. It wasn't until late November that the national media started giving the Nuggets their props.

The Nuggets only held the second seed briefly, and San Antonio dominated that spot for much of the season (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2009_NBA_Western_Conference_Playoffs_qualifying.png). The Nuggets finished with the same record as Portland and San Antonio, and grabbed the second seed only through tie breakers. How much better could we really be rated over those teams? At times this season the Nuggets reverted to their old ways, and it didn't seem like they were seasoned enough to make a lot of noise in the playoffs.

The regular season series between the Nuggets and Hornets was tied 2-2 with both teams going 1-1 at home. It seemed to be one of the closest matched series in the first round, but nine of the ten experts on ESPN gave this series to the Nuggets (http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/matchup/_/teams/hornets-nuggets). Right before the playoffs started an upset analysis was done showing that the Nuggets win 72% of the time in their situation, and the upset potential was slim (http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/news/story?id=4069997). The only upsets that were predicted were the Bulls and Mavericks.

The Nuggets went 4-0 against the Mavs in the regular season, and I don't think there is anyone in the national media who will pick Dallas. Remember that Golden State had gone 4-0 against Dallas in the regular season before "upsetting" them as an eight seed.

After we beat Dallas I think the Nuggets will be hugely overrated going against the Lakers. The Nuggets beat a poorly coached team riddled with injuries, and then would beat a Dallas team that doesn't match up well with us. I get the feeling that people in the media will overrate the Nuggets physical dominating play in the first two rounds, and wrongly suggest that the Nuggets have a chance against the Lakers. A Lakers team that has look vulnerable against Utah, and will get beat up badly against Houston or Portland. One of my friends from LA already told me this week that he likes our chances of going to the Finals, so buzz is catching on. Though I will be rooting for that to happen all the way I think it is only fair to put things into proper perspective.

George Karl was on PTI yesterday (http://insider.espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4108685&categoryid=2957357), and said all the right things about staying focused. He even made a disrespect joke towards Wilbon at the end.

by Shane on Apr 29, 2009 10:23 AM MDT reply actions

Denver is looking good. But still, you have to admit that they have no shot against the Lakers. It's like watching a race for 2nd place. How can you get excited about a playoff run that you KNOW will end short of a championship. Is it all about the effort?
-Matt

by Anonymous on Apr 29, 2009 10:32 AM MDT reply actions

And let's not forget about the disrespect from this blog...or at least the original blog. If you were a zoo animal, you'd be a hypocritappotamus.

by George Karl's Lawyer on Apr 29, 2009 10:32 AM MDT reply actions

Sorry Matt, have to disagree with you there. That's why they play the games right? If we have no chance then why even have the playoffs? Might as well just mail in the first 3 rounds and start the Lakers-Cavs finals and be done with it right? Hell why don't we just skip the finals and just give Lebron the trophy now and just say the season is over. Again, that is why the games are played. NBA playoffs, anything can happen.

by Anonymous on Apr 29, 2009 10:57 AM MDT reply actions

@ gk's lawyer

this blog wasn't about disrespecting the nuggets but improving the nuggets for the fans who support the team.

ever think that maybe this blog got the coach and the org. to pay attention and do things the right way? huh?

jerkoff

by j stevens on Apr 29, 2009 10:58 AM MDT reply actions

I really disagree with Matt and Shane. I do appreciate the digging up the facts Shane, but By-and-large the national media is and will always be geared towards the money. Kobe and Lebron sell more shit PERIOD.

Look at Detroit of yesteryear. A great team, tough, gritty, and a workhorse mentality. They won consistantly. The only mention they ever recieved was about their defense and team play. They were still over-shadowed by ANYTHING LBJ and Wade did. i.e. An injury or a loss in the playoffs. Last year nobody cared that detroit made it to the ECF. All the talk was about getting LBJ help for the next year.

It's a shame that MOST NBA journalist and tv anchors are all about the hype, not the substance of a team. The only mention of "lesser" known teams is in the event of an "upset" or in the face of controversy. No one will talk about how well the Nuggets played this series or the next. They will talk about how poorly CP3 and the Hornets played. Or about Mark Cuban's future remarks to JR. If a fight breaks out that will make the top story for every sports broadcast...not the outcome of the game.

@Matt- C'mon man, have fuckin back bone, pick a team and stand by them. That's what the playoffs are about. Any realistic person will agree that the finals will most likely be between Lakers and Cavs, but as mentioned above anything can happen. Look at the Spurs and Celtics. One of their stars is unable to play, and the Spurs are done, and the C's are in a dog fight with the 7th seed in the East.

If Gasol get's hurt or suspended, how long can Kobe shoulder that team or vice versa? The Nuggets have proven that they can beat the Lakers and Houston. So that "send LA to the finals " mentality is shit.

by Joelsopinion on Apr 29, 2009 11:42 AM MDT reply actions

George Karl's Lawyer
There are many of us who still say he sucks. If it weren't for Chauncey your boy might be looking for a job right about now with his AC. I for one think that GK is ridding on CB's coat tail and "In Chauncey We Trust"

by SamIam on Apr 29, 2009 12:01 PM MDT reply actions

SAMLAM -
"There are many of us who still say he sucks. If it weren't for Chauncey your boy might be looking for a job right about now with his AC. I for one think that GK is ridding on CB's coat tail and "In Chauncey We Trust" "

that's true, and that's not. if karl was intimidated by CB, he wouldn't allow him to put in 2 cents. he could say, "I'm the Coach, Bubba. You're the player!"

and that's that

by SpokenWar on Apr 29, 2009 1:28 PM MDT reply actions

Denver fan,
You are right, anything can happen in the playoffs. But in a 7 game series, except for the NHL, what almost always happens is the better team wins. This, however is not the NHL.
Wins agianst other teams prove nothing about the Nuggs ability to beat the Lakers. Fact: this season the Nuggs were 1-3 against the Lakers, winning an ugly one at home. Its tough to use such evidence to prove that the Nuggets can beat the Lakers.
Call me when the Lakers get to a game 6 and I'll tune in. Otherwise, I'll save myself the time and just watch the finals.

The best part is that after such a fine Nugget season, George Karl will probably get to keep his job for a few more years.
-Matt

by Anonymous on Apr 29, 2009 1:28 PM MDT reply actions

Ok, *IF* the Nuggets meet LA in the Conference Finals, the only thing I dread is the Pepsi Center.

It's going to be filled to the brim with all of those LA transplants and bandwagon Lakers fans.

*shudder*

by Do We Have Any Plays? on Apr 29, 2009 2:35 PM MDT reply actions

I miss the 5 game Round 1 playoff series. Then anything *really* could happen, and often did.

I think this made for a more interesting postseason, and basketball ended before the end of June.

by Do We Have Any Plays? on Apr 29, 2009 2:38 PM MDT reply actions

SpokenWar
I think he does show his authority and it's illustrated by the weakest link (AC)having all those minutes.

by SamIam on Apr 29, 2009 2:42 PM MDT reply actions

Matt-

Obviously you are not a fan of the game of basketball, just a bandwagon fan of big market teams. So basically your opinion is very biased. If you think regular season stats play into the playoffs, then the Lakers have no hope of beating Cleveland if both teams meet in the finals. Seeing how Cleveland holds home court advantage and have only lost 2 games at home in the regular season (one of the games being when they were already guaranteed home court advantage). Given that, there is no way the Lakers will beat the Cavs in the finals. But I find it much more interesting to see how the playoffs play out, because I am a fan of the game, not just a fan of Kobe or Lebron. The team with the better regular season record usually does win, but that is not the point. The point is to watch the games and see what the outcome is.

If I had money that I wanted to lay down in vegas, I would bet the Cavs win the championship all the way. But I am a nuggets fan, and intend to support them from now till I die, and don't really give a crap what a bandwagon Lakers fan really thinks about the nuggets. The lakers might want to concentrate on the Rockets before they start thinking NBA finals. They aren't going to coast through that series as easily as they did against Utah. They will probably win, but its not going to be handed to them on a silver platter.

by CO_Nugs420 on Apr 29, 2009 3:38 PM MDT reply actions

60% of the Nuggets starting lineup is different than, "07-08 - Swept by the Lakers" & "06-07 - Lost in 5 to the Spurs."

How can you evaluate this team from past experiences in the playoffs? You can't, they aren't even close to the same team.

We have a much different team than past years. (Mentally and Physically) GK (Chauncey) is coaching. Melo is playing defense and passing out of doubles. JR is on fire....and the team actually believes in themselves this year.

THEY CAN AND WILL compete with the Lakers in the WCF.

We Believe in Section 148!

Go Nuggets!

by Kaley on Apr 29, 2009 4:16 PM MDT reply actions

Close Out Games are tough. But better at home than in a someone else's barn.

The team down is scratchimg and clawing through their last desperate breath. And the team up strains under that extra notch of pressure. This is where Chauncey can really help his team mates STAY FOCUSED!

PULL US THROUGH IT 7!!!!!

by My3Cents on Apr 29, 2009 5:03 PM MDT reply actions

@Matt- Why are you on a nuggets blog talking shit about the Lakers superiority to the Nuggets if you aren't worried about us? Maybe your just a troll trying to get reactions, or maybe you are scared, knowing that the Lakers looked weak against Utah and they might not be as good as you thought.

by Anonymous on Apr 29, 2009 5:12 PM MDT reply actions

I don't see how everyone is so positive we are going to beat the Mavs. Remember, this is still the core Mavs team that went all the way to the Finals a few years ago. And they handled the Spurs, a team with the same regular season record as, pretty handily. As for L.A. if we make it that far, they are just a terrible matchup for us. They have size, we don't, they can match our fast pace, they can play defense, and worst of all they have an coach (one of the best of all time) instead of a guy who sucks on hard candy all game and looks like he doesn't know what is going on half the time (how you like them apples George's Lawyer). This isn't to say we can't beat L.A., but it's still very unlikely.

by Goldennugget on Apr 29, 2009 5:27 PM MDT reply actions

Dear CO_Nugs420,
Fact, Lakers won both games agianst Cleveland this year. That, not Cleveland's regular season record, is evidence that L.A. has an edge on Cleveland.

And I'm not bandwagon, I am a Laker fan. I think the Nuggs are a heartwarming story this year. I like Karl, especially when he is your coach!
-Matt

by Anonymous on Apr 29, 2009 6:28 PM MDT reply actions

It's sad how true this post is. I remember at the end of Game 1 Reggie and Marv were discussing why it's better to get blown out than lose on a last second shot. Miller was saying how it's easier to recover and the team getting blown out has nothing to worry about because they'll wipe the slate clean and start over for the next game. Then of course Barkley seconded that notion of idiocy. It's unfortunate how the national media has to always discount any success the Nuggets ever have. I still can't believe that this team wasn't picked to even make the playoffs by the experts following a 50 win season in 07-08. Even with Camby gone and not knowing we'd get Chauncey I still thought they'd get in at least 7 or 8 seed

by denvermickey on Apr 29, 2009 7:52 PM MDT reply actions

Who cares what kind of Laker fan you are. Why the fuck are you posting on a nuggets blog. Lots of free time due to lack of a life I would say. Fuck the Lakers, and the entire state of CA, hope it falls into the ocean.

by Anonymous on Apr 29, 2009 7:56 PM MDT reply actions

Although I think the Nuggets have been properly respected this season, and don't see the same level of disrespect some of you are seeing, Bill Simmons is causing me to reevaluate what I wrote today. He was one of the first to talk about how well the Nuggets were playing in November, and said many good things about Anthony and Billups during the season. He and Mark Stein disrespected us a lot on his podcast today. I can expect that from Stein since he is such a homer for Dallas, but I thought after looking at the series subjectively that he would realize the Nuggets should be favored. Neither of them have the Nuggets beating the Mavs, and didn't even give us a chance. They both just dismissed the Nuggets as an opponent, and started talking about a Lakers-Mavs meeting. Now I have to retract my statement that no one in the national media will pick Dallas. I was wrong about that.

If the Nuggets don't close out the series tonight then I think experts will be justified picking Dallas, and it won't be a matter of disrespect.

by Shane on Apr 29, 2009 8:16 PM MDT reply actions

Andrew for MVB (Most Valuable Blogger). I can't help but feel that this blog, along with GK's reaction(s) to it, helped tune this franchise up.

MVB! MVB! MVB!

And I'll paraphrase a "prayer" about Mr Big Shot.

"Our Chauncey, who art in Denver.
Hallowed be thy game.
If rings should come, it will be done,
On the road as it is at home."

Melo was on the attack and you can see that this one was over when the Nuggets went on their run in the 3rd. It was just good to see an all around good effort from the entire team.

And I even have to give props to Karl for sitting through JR's wild play. He's come to deal with it, but you can still tell it makes him very uncomfortable. You get the feeling that he's not really the one steering the ship though (it's pretty obvious).

Anyway, congrats. And let's hope the Nuggets stay focus and take Dallas apart.

by E on Apr 30, 2009 1:46 AM MDT reply actions

Denver Fans-

I am a complete idiot. Don't listen to a thing I say.

-Matt

by Anonymous on May 1, 2009 8:32 AM MDT reply actions

Guys what do you think of George Karl now? Saying he sucks look at how far there going. 2nd round they havent seen those days in years...all because of george karl. i bet you feel stupid for those of you who want him to get fired. Because if it wasnt for him the nuggets wouldnt be here. No would they? NO

by Anonymous on May 1, 2009 9:18 AM MDT 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.