Watching a victory from five feet away... (Nuggets/Jazz recap)
by Andrew Feinstein on Oct 28, 2010 12:38 AM MDT
in Denver Nuggets: Game Recaps
Email
PrintThe last time we saw the Utah Jazz face off against our Denver Nuggets a short-handed Jazz squad ran circles around us and walked away with a playoff series victory. What a difference a little coaching makes.
Of all the things I discussed with Nuggets head coach George Karl on the eve of the team's opening night game, the one that jumped out at me most was when Karl referenced the Nuggets 144-106 beat-down of the Phoenix Suns - sans any of the Nuggets key players, mind you. Karl said that that performance would be an indicator of things to come this season and boy was he right after witnessing Wednesday's 110-88 walloping of the Jazz.
I was fortunate enough to watch the home opener from a courtside seat thanks to an invitation from my friend Kevin Preblud, the publisher of InDenverTimes.com and a great photographer as you'll see below. Not only was it special to sit so close for the first time in my life, but it was even more special to high-five Coach Karl and pat him on the back as he made his way onto the court for pre-game introductions. Karl gave me a wink and a smile - he was confidently ready for this one.
The game turned out to be a snoozer, but the night was unforgettable.
The View from the Not-Even-Close-to-Being-Cheap Seats (with photos courtesy of Kevin Preblud)...
...before lineups were announced, Chauncey Billups was honored for helping to bring home the gold medal in the 2010 FIBA World Championships.
...not surprisingly, the biggest cheers from the crowd came when Carmelo Anthony and George Karl's names were announced. Denver basketball fans - at least those in the Pepsi Center audience - clearly want Melo to stay for good.
...former Nugget and NBA great Dikembe Mutombo presented the game ball before tip-off. The mere sight of Mutombo brought a raucous cheer from the crowd.
...in addition to Mutombo, the crowd consisted of a "who's who" in Denver, including Broncos rookie quarterback Tim Tebow, wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, running back Laurence Maroney and cornerback Champ Bailey. Also spotted was former British Open champion David Duval and former Colorado governor Bill Owens, a regular at Pepsi Center for Nuggets games.
...the new Jazz uniforms, like the new Golden State Warriors jerseys, are awesome - a great blend of the 1980s style with a modern twist. The Nuggets should consider doing something similar and incorporate the rainbow/skyline pattern from yesteryear.
...Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke and GM Masai Ujiri watched the entire first half from seats set up by the home locker room entry way. For the second half, I didn't see Kroenke but Mutombo joined Ujiri. While seated, Kroenke and Ujiri engaged with the fans sitting around them and that was good to see.
...the Nuggets new assistant coach, Melvin Hunt, has been relegated to the "second row" of assistant coaches behind the staff brought back from last season. I understand that where assistants sit is somewhat political, but I saw Hunt do a masterful job with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season and wish he was Karl's number two on the bench.
...Ty Lawson came in early for Billups who sustained a nasty cut on his lower lip. Billups was bleeding so much that he had to be tended to in the locker room, but he looked fine as soon as he returned.
...Al Jefferson is no Carlos Boozer and I may have been foolishly too bullish on the Jazz this year.
...Jazz rookie Gordon Hayward has surprisingly long arms and big hands. Hayward looks to have a good NBA body but he couldn't shoot straight in his debut game.
...Melo had a very pedestrian first quarter-and-a-half, letting the refs and the Jazz's physical style of play get to him. But when he finally got into the groove late in the first half, the trademark smile was back, he let the game come to him and ended up having a productive evening.
...Karl worked the refs in defense of Melo earlier than I've seen in years. Karl was also up on his feet and barking orders at the players a lot. It was as if he had been storing all this energy for months and was just waiting to unleash it on opening night.
...Jazz rookie Jeremy Evans is a skinny kid but has tremendous leaping ability and I believe big upside. He had a nose for the ball and seemed to fit into Jazz coach Jerry Sloan's system early, in addition to crashing the boards well.
...Pepsi Center's in-game scoreboard entertainment remains atrocious. They showed a poor resemblance toFunniest Home Videos when instead they should be showing NBA bloopers (in addition to highlights, "this night in Nuggets history" and the endless other ideas I've given them for free over the years). I'm convinced whomever picks the in-game entertainment has no idea what he or she is doing.
...seeing Renaldo Balkman sulking on the bench early and often, I turned to Kevin and said: "Karl will never play Renaldo." Then Balkman got into the game, but Karl started yelling at him right away for not being in the right place on the court. It was pretty comical.
...Jazz backup center - and former Nugget - Francisco Elson fell victim to the NBA's new "no tolerance" policy. He got tee'd up for saying "Come on now!" to one of the officials after a play in which he thought he had been fouled.
...I couldn't tell what happened to Nene in the first half that caused him to miss some action and be attended to by trainer Jim Gillen, who was honored for kicking off his 20th season with the organization.
...Arron Afflalo's to-the-basket game has improved dramatically. And I mean dramatically. Last season, Afflalo would routinely miss chip shots around the rim on breakaways or cuts to the rack. Not tonight. Afflalo looks like a new player and this bodes well for Denver.
...maybe it was his very stylish suit, but Kenyon Martin looked super thin to me tonight. Not necessarily a bad thing, but he looks more like a small forward than a power forward from a few feet away.
...cognizant of the new "no tolerance" policy, a number of players consciously caught themselves before ranting too much to the refs. Maybe this could be a good thing for the NBA after all?
...Lawson's spacing when taking the ball to the basket has improved greatly. We should all be excited about the season he's going to have.
...I think six of Shelden Williams' seven offensive rebounds came on the same play in the first half as he was tipping the ball up-and-down to himself trying to get a hold of it...and never did. Kudos to Williams, however, for playing hard all night and being very productive on the glass and on defense.
...Melo was all business coming in and off the court. Never smiling and looking as serious as possible.
Non-Stiff of the Night
-George Karl: After battling cancer for the second time in his life, a thinned-out Karl had his team much better prepared than his opposing coach's team. Moreover, Karl was energetic throughout the game, supported his players against the refs and never sat still. Could "Fiery George" be back?
Stiff of the Night
-Al Jefferson: My third round fantasy "steal" laid an egg in his Jazz debut, mustering just six points on 2-6 shooting, a mere seven rebounds and had a plus/minus of -17.
Final Thought
As predicted by Karl - and I have to give Nate and Jeff credit here, too, for being more optimistic about the 2010-11 Nuggets than I've been - the Nuggets look damn good. They clearly had a solid training camp and are ready to prove the NBA wrong again, just as they did in 2008-09. It all hinges on Melo staying, though, an unfortunate circumstance that will be in play all season long.
But for now, we'll savor Karl's return to the bench and an ass-kicking over the Jazz.
120 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Nice recap
hearing about GK brings a smile to my face, great to have our leader back and doing so well. This team is for real and if they play as well as they should it probably means they can’t trade Melo because they would be blowing a real chance. But maybe that real chance keeps Melo in Denver. Either way it was nice to hear about Melo in a non-trade related subject again. Solid game by almost everyone.
"We like to do the things that nobody else has the courage to do. If you copy some else, you're always one step behind. We like to be one step ahead."
-Angelo Zomegnan
Quitter's People United member # 42
Could it have started any better?
Clearly the Nuggets are the team to beat in the NW Division when healthy, even though they arn’t even that quite yet. So many things to talk about tonight, so I’ll just follow a similar pattern to the one Andrew displayed…
- Battery Man, as I’m calling him, or Aaron Afflalo as you all know him, looked like the most improved player in the NBA tonight. I loved his game, and though it sounds stupid to say, he reminded me a lot of Kobe. He never forced anything, and just let the game come to him the whole night. His confidence and ball handling look worlds apart from what they were last year. I already mentioned this but in the Daily Dime on ESPN someone asked if Afflalo could average 15 ppg this season and the dude replied “In the D-League.” F*ing tool. I know it’s kind of taboo, but is it fair to say Afflalo is now better than JR?
- Depth. The depth of this team is incredible. Next to the Celtics and Lakers I’d say we’re the deepest team in the entire league, if not the deepest. The crazy thing: K-Mart and Bird were still out and we looked like we didn’t even need them with Sheldon playing like a revived man on a mission. Can you imagine how awesome we’re going to be when fully healthy? I know it’s only been one game, but that was a damn convincing game. I’d say we’re the 2nd best team in the West with Melo, and even if he does get traded we’d still be a dangerous team and possibly a contender depending on who we get back. That’s how deep we are. One more thing; most underrated move of the offseason might very well be the signing of Al Harrington. I was super excited when we signed him because I knew how good he is. This guy might be the game changer we need to get to the Finals. No, he’s not a 7 ft banger, but he’s a damn good basketball player and looks as comitted as anyone on the defensive end of the floor. Enough said.
- As much flack as it’s gotten, the new “no-nonsense” technical policy is good for the league. These players arn’t dumb (well, most of them arn’t at least) and they’ll figure out that if they want to play they have to behave. There are a few of the rules that I disagree with but the refs appear to be lenient. I like them, and think it’s nice not having our entire team complain after every call.
- Andrew, you should consult with me next time before your fantasy draft. Al Jefferson hasn’t been the same since that knee surgery. He’s still a nice addition to that team, but he’s a downgrade from Boozer. While on the topic of the NW Division, Portland looks pretty nice. They have a ton of depth like we do, and also have injuries to some of their key players, but when healthy they might be just as good as us.
Should be a great season. I’m excited for whatever it holds. If Melo still wants to leave after how good this team will be, he clearly isn’t in it for the winning like he’s always said. The Knicks are not even close to being on the same level as we are, even with Melo.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
it's hard for me to see you calling some nba players dumb
when you spell “aren’t” “arn’t”
you mispelled "ain't" as "aren't"
+1 on our depth this year. Fingers crossed, when we get back healthy Bird and KMart, watch out Lakers. In any case, this is going to be a fun team to watch. The sense of urgency and uncertainty only add to the excitement.
by Artimus Mangilord on Oct 28, 2010 10:38 AM MDT up reply actions
Typo
Come one, are really doin the whole Thursty routine here?
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 10:57 AM MDT up reply actions
I have to agree about the technicals … it’s nice to see guys zip it up and keep playing. David Stern said the other night something to the effect of, when has arguing with a ref ever led them to change a call? Never. And while they typically don’t complain to get a call changed, but rather to get something in the refs mind for later in the game …. maybe this new rule will lead players to figuring out a better way to talk to the refs.
I will be upset if celebrations after dunks get T’d up, but I’ve yet to see that myself.
Denver Stiffs.com
Denver.SBNation.com
by Nate Timmons on Oct 28, 2010 8:18 AM MDT up reply actions
when has arguing with a ref ever led them to change a call?
I present the case of David “that’s my sixth foul” Lee…
by Artimus Mangilord on Oct 28, 2010 10:39 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
the thought is
that doing it correctly does two things. First, it makes them less likely to call a foul on your player the next time. Second, it gets them looking at what you want them to look at so you get a foul called on the other team. See Greg Popovich.
Formerly KS and CS
by ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown on Oct 28, 2010 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions
HAHA YES!
Thank you for remembering the most atrocious call of the year last year! CHARGE!, oh wait, that’s your 6th foul you say? BLOCK!
by love4nuggets on Oct 28, 2010 10:57 AM MDT up reply actions
the A hound
walter davis was called the greyhound. aaa had a very walter davis type game tonight. agree with andrew about his drives to the basket being much improved. last season he would step out of bounds with his back foot when he would try to drive from the perimeter. denver beat the jazz at their own game. they out executed them in the half court by making the extra pass. the defense was way improved in transition and on the perimeter. nuggets guards constantly fought over and aound the jazz picks all night. denver had no problem defending the pick and roll. derron williams finished with only 6 assists. the best 2 things to happen to denver tonight was when melo was teed up and billups was hurt in the 1st quarter. ty lawson looks primed to play heavey rotation minutes with chauncey at shooting guard. nuggets have a very versitle and deep team. the best part of shelden williams game was when he set picks for melo away from the ball. he was making contact and gave melo a few close in catch and shoot chances. jr is still not on track yet. when he starts playing his game along with the return of andersen and kmart this is a deep team that can go far.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
we're on a mission from god
I like the fact that we can just go about our business without the spotlight on us.
We will quietly make our way through the season while all the focus is on miami, boston and the lakers, but when playoffs roll round, we will be there and we will be ready!
Quitter's People United member #7
"Every morning we wake up we got two options, you get better or you get worse. What you gonna do today?" - Steve Hess
BTW
My friends and I were discussing who has the best bench in the NBA earlier this week and one of my friends and I said the Nuggets, they all laughed.. well who’s laughing now?
Quitter's People United member #7
"Every morning we wake up we got two options, you get better or you get worse. What you gonna do today?" - Steve Hess
Clearly it's the Heat!
"We like to do the things that nobody else has the courage to do. If you copy some else, you're always one step behind. We like to be one step ahead."
-Angelo Zomegnan
Quitter's People United member # 42
Great win
I love the contribution we’re getting from Shelden Williams. 16 total rebounds, 7 were offensive.
Chauncey Billups with 8 assists. I love it Not to mention he didn’t play anymore then 30 minutes.
Arron Affalo: terrific!
Ty Lawson is freaking fast. 10 points, 4 assists.
Al Harrington is doing what is expected: rebounding.
Bad spots:
Nene with only 4 defensive rebounds? Really? Kenyon Martin won’t be around for a while ya know. I’m not joking when I say this, Nene HAS to be getting a double double in every game. There’s no excuse right now.
J.R. Smith: nothing out of the ordinary. Only 1-7 from the field today. Meh.
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
BTSC's little enforcer!
"God created a light, fluffy, white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake", and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food." -Tamera Mitchell-
Nene was good
they didn’t need his rebounding tonight and he didn’t play as much. I think needing a double double every game is unnecessary but when we need him more then yes he should get more than 4.
"We like to do the things that nobody else has the courage to do. If you copy some else, you're always one step behind. We like to be one step ahead."
-Angelo Zomegnan
Quitter's People United member # 42
He's a starting Center
I dunno. Maybe I’m being a little to hard on him. It’s the first game of the season after all.
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
BTSC's little enforcer!
"God created a light, fluffy, white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake", and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food." -Tamera Mitchell-
You're probably being hard on him considering...
…Sheldon Williams sucked in just about every last ball near the rim while Nene was in the game. It’s hard enough to out rebound the opposing team; I don’t expect him to have to out work his own team too.
Nene brought a really polished looking offensive game tonight. He also never got frustrated with physical contact, which has been his downfall the past couple of years. I, too, am a giant fan of the new arguing rules and I think Nene will directly benefit from their implementation.
Nene not pulling down rebounds is directly related to a lack of intensity
And a lack of intensity was evident a few times around the basket when he layed it up instead of slamming it home. C’mon, Big Fella, bring the toughness!!!
by Artimus Mangilord on Oct 28, 2010 10:43 AM MDT up reply actions
Nene was very intense
prior to the eye poke. His eye was probably bothering him the rest of the game. That’ll slow you down a little.
Formerly KS and CS
by ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown on Oct 28, 2010 10:45 AM MDT up reply actions
Consider that Nene only played 23 minutes … down from his typical 30-32 minutes. Also, with Harrington, Melo and Williams grabbing 20 defensive boards between them it wasn’t like Denver was getting killed on the defensive glass. But yes, I hope Nene stays in rebounding mode or gets in rebounding mode when he needs to!
Denver Stiffs.com
Denver.SBNation.com
by Nate Timmons on Oct 28, 2010 8:36 AM MDT up reply actions
and they all lived happily ever after
it all started with firegeorgekarl.com. congrats adnrew on your article from a year ago before coach karl got sick. the situation has come full circle with coach karl’s return to coaching. there could never be another nba team that has had such an up close and personal interaction of their head coach. george karl allowed people into his life at it’s darkest hour. to wittness him being introduced tonight was special.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
we're on a mission from god
I really appreciate that!
And it was great meeting you after the game, as well. Thanks for introducing yourself! (And your real identity is safe with me…)
Andrew Feinstein | DenverStiffs.com | denverstiffs@gmail.com
by Andrew Feinstein on Oct 28, 2010 12:48 AM MDT up reply actions
and one more thing
while i was looking for you after the game in the blue sky grill i walked passed former colorado govenor bill owens. i said good to see you govenor. he said good to see you and pat me on the back. meeting bill owens and the feinstein in the same room on the same night. why does melo want to go to ny and la for the celebrities when we have are own big timers right here.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
we're on a mission from god
a regular nice guy
and probably colorado’s last 2 term govenoer for a while.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
we're on a mission from god
The crazy thing
Is JR only had 4 and we still put up 110 points.
Man I cant wait to see Harrington, Bird, Lawson, Williams, and JR off the bench. Karl should think about spot minutes for Forbes at SF b/c he can contribute too. Our bench has the right mixture of defense and offense.
Our scrubs deep on the bench this year are Balkman, AC, and Ely?? Ely is much better than Malik Allen so I am really happy about that. We are deeper than I thought. Don’t hate on Ely yet, I liked his 3 point play today and he can rebound, just give him 5 min max and 10 min on a really good day.
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
by JR15 on Oct 28, 2010 12:47 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
Don't stop there.
The team, as a whole, didn’t have a very good shooting night. Take away Afflalo, and the team shot under 40%. That’s not going to happen very often. This team struggled shooting and still put up a pretty effortless 110 points on a Jazz team that has demonstrated that it can play defense.
+1
nobody really lit it up and that’s what so great about that performance. i hope the balance we have stays.
I'm not a Ely fan
But, yeah, loved his and one last night.
by Artimus Mangilord on Oct 28, 2010 10:45 AM MDT up reply actions
And one subject I'd like to discuss...
…is how much do you think this team will actually miss Martin/Anderson once it discovers how much more effective it is with 4’s that can actually rebound, make jumpshots, and intelligently rotate into helpful defensive positions?
If I’m Coach Karl, the Birdman (as he becomes healthy) gets what Ely got to play tonight — nothing more.
by jmpmk2 on Oct 28, 2010 1:38 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Last two cents before I hit the books
i) Kinda funny when I thought about it, but didn’t KMart break Melvin Ely’s orbital socket with his elbow. The injury was so bad that KMart got suspended. Do you think they are friends now? Lol
ii) I am not going to let this Melo stuff bother me, if we get off to a good start with Bird and Kmart ready to join maybe Melo will have a change of heart. I think trying to convince Melo to stay by making him play is the best strategy. Hope it works, but I think we as fans should take it one day at a time and not worry what is going to happen in February, tha is the GM’s job. For all we know, Artest could get himself suspended along with Kobe and Bynum could be out for the rest of the season. Although I think that Blake sigining was clutch, Kobe could start to show signs of aging this year.Without him there are no Lakers. I don’t care what talent they have around him, it starts and ends with Kobe. If Gasol leads that team, they will be the Grizzlies of 2005.
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
by JR15 on Oct 28, 2010 1:44 AM MDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
AAA is now better than JR Smith
he has a much better head on his shoulder and a better 3 point shot, now he is a better slasher than JR and has much more upswing, AND much more consistent. JR should be traded now for whatever we can get for him, it makes much more sense if you think about it.
Quitter's People United Member #00
"Cleavland got 99 problems but a bi*ch ain't one"
Trade JR for what?
If we get someone legit then good, otherwise why trade him when he is coming off the books anyway.
I might agree with you that AAA could be better than JR, but why get rid of JR just for the sake of getting rid of him? The bench will just keep the pressure that the starting lineup placed with JR, Harrington, and Lawson. You lose JR for say Brandon Bass and the bench loses a significant amount of its punch.
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
by JR15 on Oct 28, 2010 2:46 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wouldn't be apposed to trading JR
But he’s great insurance in case someone like Chauncey, Al, Afflalo or Melo goes down because he can step right up and score. I think he’s still a good fit with this team, but if the right deal came along I’d certainly consider it.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 11:22 AM MDT up reply actions
Plus he's the one man come back
Not many teams have that.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 11:23 AM MDT up reply actions
Also
If WIlliams keeps this up, I would rather play him over the Bird, there are things Bird is better at like shot blocking and put backs, but Williams has much more basketball I.Q and it showed tonight, much better rebounding and on-man defense as opposed to Bird who, even if he does stay with his man and not go for the pump fake like he does most of the time, he still has trouble defending. I say if Williams keeps this up, Bird will be reduced to the role he should be given, which is the 10-15 minute energy guy so he doesn’t become wearied down and useless like he does when he plays too much and his role is increased from the energy guy to the 15-25 rotation PF.
Quitter's People United Member #00
"Cleavland got 99 problems but a bi*ch ain't one"
by CloudBurst on Oct 28, 2010 2:16 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree that Bird should play in limited minutes
I do think he played all of last year with an injury in his knee and he just toughed it out. If he comes back at a 100% this year, he will probably be better than his ‘09-’10 version and maybe even his ‘08-’09 version.
Don’t give up on Bird yet. He could come back to surprise all of us. Same goes for KMart.
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
AAA extension
why has the nuggets not extended his contract yet? I read somewhere that some of these contracts need to be done by oct 31. now if i where the nuggets i would get to working on that right away. maybe someone here who nows how contracts work or maybe knows what could possibly be the hold up. from what I see from AAA we need to lock him up for a long time.
I got you tknuckle!
From Chris Tomasson’s Fanhouse piece on AAA:
You can sign me now or you can sign me later.
That’s the thinking of Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo, who will become a restricted free agent next summer if he’s not signed to an extension by the Nov. 1 deadline.
Afflalo said he knows of nothing being close regarding an offer being made by the Nuggets. But even if the deadline passes without anything getting done, he expects to re-sign next summer with Denver.
“Not that I know of, not right now,‘’ Afflalo said of the Nuggets having made any offer to his agent, Sam Goldfeder, who did not immediately return a message. "It would be nice (to sign an extension by Nov. 1). I love Denver. I love the situation so I’d rather it happen now than later. I’m sure it (signing at some point with the Nuggets) will happen.’’
Denver Stiffs.com
Denver.SBNation.com
by Nate Timmons on Oct 28, 2010 8:51 AM MDT up reply actions
If you sign AAA
…do you piss everyone else off that doesn’t have an extension…namely, JR and KM. Some consideration has to be given to chemistry if these guys are still on your team.
On the other hand, hard work should be rewarded.
I Think KMart
is sufficiently pissed already. Who cares if you piss off JR. What is he going to do? Throw up a bunch of questionable 3’s? AAA is part of the Nuggets future, KMart and JR, not so much.
2 things
AAA is incredibly underpaid compared to K-Mart and JR, who have both already gotten lucrative contracts from the Nugs. Afflalo is on his rookie deal, he’s a rock solid starter and he needs to be part of the future. Signing him is a no brainer. K-Mart and JR already have a ton of baggage, and you can’t say that the Nugs have gotten what they paid for out of either of them. That makes talking about yet another contract a complicated question for them – there is a lot to consider.
Signing AAA is a no-brainer though. There’s literally no cons, potential concerns, or downside to not doing it. It’s something you shouldn’t even have to think about or have a debate about
twitter.com/skitalicious
Quitter's People United Member #13
by runningdonut on Oct 28, 2010 9:42 AM MDT up reply actions
F**k that!
We’re not in the buisness of protecting people’s feelings. This is the NBA we’re talking about. You get what you deserve and right now AAA deserves an extension. He’s already improved more in one year than JR has in 6, and K-Mart knows damn well that no NBA team can afford to sign him to a long term deal with his health. I understand what your saying Pusher, but if I we’re GM, that would be the least of my concerns.
I really hope we sign AAA either now or at the end of the season. I’m worried though that if we wait he’ll get more lucrative offers from other teams that we can’t match. We need the Battery Man to be a Nugget for a long time and the best way to do that is to offer him a contract now. We won’t have to pay nearly as much if we do it before Nov 1st too.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions
I think it has to do with the new CBA
After this year who knows what the payscale on contracts will look like. I think he will get resigned after the the season
by gnarlybroncodude on Oct 28, 2010 11:39 AM MDT up reply actions
you and me the same andrew...
I too “stole” aljefferson in the third roundand suffereda siginificant hit tonight (although jkidd and westbrook keptme in it). But to be honest I would be perfectly happy to see aj give me nothing on the fantasy end when he’s playing the nuggs. Very excited about the nuggets this year…
those new jazz jerseys are hella sweet.
i WISH denver would put something like that together for the rainbow throwback. id love to wear a nuggs jersey, but i just cant rock the ucla colors. and the navy alternate is pretty “meh” to me as well.
DENVER UP!!!
Great first game
A few things stood out to me:
1) On TV, Melo and Harrington are nearly twins from the regular tv angle. Need to get harrington to change is sleeve or headband.
2) Nene looked more aggressive than I’ve seen him, probably ever, on the offensive end.
3) 9 man rotation before garbage time was good to see.
4) A.C.- DNP – coaches decision
5) Balkman still in the doghouse
6) Billups – 28 minutes despite missing time for the stitches and leaving early for the blowout. Too many minutes, Coach. He would have been in the 30 to 35 range without the injury or if the game was competitive. Let’s keep him to 25 and under, please.
7) If this team comes together like it appears to be doing, I say keep Melo and make a legitimate run for the title this year, regardless of losing him for nothing at the end of the year.
Formerly KS and CS
by ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown on Oct 28, 2010 8:27 AM MDT reply actions
My thoughts exactly on Billups
Early in the 4th, Chauncey had 28 minutes and Ty had 13. If you can’t save Chauncey in a blowout game like that, when can you? Sheesh.
by afanfromafar on Oct 28, 2010 9:33 AM MDT up reply actions
i was at the game in the nose bleed section.
with all the nuggets players wearing headbands it looked like melo clones. it just might confuse the other team and the refs. 9 player rotation was great to see and the team is deeper than that.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
we're on a mission from god
Melo quote from last night
"They want to sit down and talk, but my thing is it’s way beyond this year," Anthony told Yahoo! Sports after scoring a team-high 23 points in the Nuggets’ victory. "It ain’t got nothing to do with the new GM, (incoming owner) Josh (Kroenke), the players. For me, I feel it’s a time for change.
"If I do nothing now, I’m never going to do anything. I feel like my time is now to make a decision if I want to leave or if I want to stay."
Formerly KS and CS
by ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown on Oct 28, 2010 8:39 AM MDT reply actions
Weird. The top part makes it sound like he wants out. The bottom part makes it sound like he isn’t sure but feels like he needs to decide one way or another soon. Wtf?
Your 2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: Reaching Up to the Cap Floor
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 28, 2010 10:01 AM MDT up reply actions
yeah that quote is extremely confusing to me.
by black_knight101 on Oct 28, 2010 10:03 AM MDT up reply actions
I think there is more to the interview...Seems like something is missing
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
By the way. Marc Spears is the writer of this piece.
Let’s see what other writers have to say if anything.
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
It says right there, “I AIN’T GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH THE NEW GM… I FEEL IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE… IF I DO NOTHING NOW I’M NEVER GOING TO DO ANYTHING.”
Sometimes you guys make me wonder. I think that’s bull shit right there from Melo. We just come off a big win and that’s what he has to say? What is he trying to say by stating “If I do nothing now, I’m never going to do anything”? Is Denver just “nothing” to you Melo? He’s acting like a 35 year old man who’s been hanging out in the same town his whole life, when instead he’s a 26 year old NBA superstar with one of the best supporting casts you could have around you. Melo just wants to be in a big city like NY to live the big city lifestyle. He cares nothing of winning.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 11:39 AM MDT up reply actions
But the incongrous part of it all
was at the very end. “I feel like my time is now to make a decision if I want to leave or if I want to stay.” Why say that if you’ve already decided to leave? I wonder if Spears is leaving some important pieces of the interview out?
Your 2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: Reaching Up to the Cap Floor
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 28, 2010 11:45 AM MDT up reply actions
Lol
So your saying that negates the whole “it’s time for a change…if I do nothing now I’m never goign to do anything,” quote just because he said the word “stay”? He had to include that last part becase if he didn’t he’d basically be DEMANDING a trade. But that last part makes it look like he’s still actually considering staying in Denver, which clearly isn’t the case.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 11:50 AM MDT up reply actions
Oh, well to be clear
I’ve been on the “if he f*ing really wanted to stay he would sign the f*ing extension” train for a long time now. I just find it odd that he is now saying something to the media about his desire to get out. What a divisive, crappy thing to do.
Your 2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: Reaching Up to the Cap Floor
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 28, 2010 11:57 AM MDT up reply actions
This is what I was trying to say. Maybe we aren't hearing everything Melo said
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Why are you getting so upset? Seriously.
Marc Spears is not the bastion of accuracy either. You don’t need to put things in ALL CAPS. I’m a college gradiate and I kin reed reel gud. Seriously calm down GN
There is nothing in this quote that says he’s leaving or that he’s staying. He says two things and they seem to be at odds.
I go back to what I’ve said all along. Melo is confused. I think he loves the Nuggets and part of him wants to stay. And part of him feels this pull to go.
I’m just going to enjoy his play and hope that we get him for the whole season. If he walks at the end of the year, then he walks.
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
You're right (for once)...jk
I’m really upset though because I think this is a really shitty thing to do. After how well we just stomped the division rival and how good the team looked even without Bird and K-Mart, you’re gonna come out and say that?! It’s just low, and to me it’s CLEAR as DAY that he wants out. Why continue to hold on to him at this point in time?
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 12:02 PM MDT up reply actions
But it's dangerous to fixate on this one quote.
I’m not ignoring it.I find it surprising but I also think that something is being left out. It doesn’t make sense for Melo to say anything that hurts his position in all this.
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
i finally give melo credit for being honest and candid
he has a right to feel and think like that. he has a unique chance to do what he wants. kind of a now or never thing. admiting it has nothing to do with the team or organization is a huge step. i may not like the fact he will no longer be a nugget. i can respect it is his right and personal choice.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
we're on a mission from god
Yeah, that's true
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 12:08 PM MDT up reply actions
Melo quoted in Yahoo - "For me, it's time for a change."
Did Melo really just demand a trade? It sure sounds like it
twitter.com/skitalicious
Quitter's People United Member #13
Good Game
Very impressed with the way the Nuggets came out last night. With that squad, they have to be in the top 2 in the West. Very deep, very talented.
Couldn’t help but think about Melo during the game. He’s trying to be professional about the whole thing (I’m sure he’s well coached on how to act) but he doesn’t want to be in Denver and from a fan’s perspective, that just stinks.
We’ve waited a long time for a quality team to come together, and now Melo wants to blow it up and leave because he saw what LeBron did in Cleveland.
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out
by CSprings_Tommy on Oct 28, 2010 8:54 AM MDT up reply actions
If that's what he has to say after coming off a big win like that
then I say f**k him, send him packing to NJ for Favors. It’s soooooo dead obvious he has one of the best supporting casts in the entire league yet he still wants out!?!? Winning is not important to Melo.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 11:42 AM MDT up reply actions
And that is exactly what this article is intended to do ....stir the pot....
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Right, like 99% of all articles out there
Man, you guys are ridiculous. It’’s not about the article. I didn’t read the article. It’s about the quotes. Similar to the ball: QUOTES DON’T LIE!!!!
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 11:59 AM MDT up reply actions
Quit the name calling and yelling okay GN?
We are not ridiculous. We are incredulous and skeptical of the entire piece. You have to look at everything in context. You can sit here and fixate on two quotes but you can’t just ignore the rest. Also, I’m not saying Melo won’t leave. And I’m not that mad at him if he does.
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
I didn't now ridiculous was a name
Look, I apologize if I’m getting a little intense, but can you blame me? Lol, we come off the biggest win in opening day history and I wake up to read how great this team is going to be on this sight, and I’m greeted by Melo saying that crap. Sorry. I will tone it down though. CAPS CAN BE PRETTY INTENSE SOMETIMES!!!
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 12:06 PM MDT up reply actions
GN, its an insult and you know it. If technically, not a "name".
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Ok, I can admit when I'm wrong
but no it isnt’ an insult. And no there’s not “more to the story”. You guys have been saying that since the Big Bang, but guess what? Nothing’s changed. Hell, you guys even convinced me that Melo might stay through the year because of how good this team was going to be. You got my hopes sky high that if Melo just sees the team he’d change his mind. But guess what? He saw the team last night, and even after a flawless debut, he still wants out. So stop trying to tell me there’s more to the story alright! Therer’s not! So no, I’m not apologizing for saying you guys are “ridiculous”.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 12:16 PM MDT up reply actions
simmer down guys
it’s just an article.
Overheard during Nuggets radio broadcasts in the 80's: "....Hanzlik.....HEY HANZLIK...don't ever dribble the ball again or I'll bench your ass!" Doug Moe
DenverStiffs.com
by Jeffrey Morton on Oct 28, 2010 12:20 PM MDT up reply actions
I find it insulting when someone says I'm ridiculous.
If you think my opinion is ridiculous that’s fine…say it that way.
GN, Melo hasn’t made up his mind yet……..that’s clear in that he’s saying two different things. And why is it impossible that there is more to the story?
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Better quote from GK
"It’s an honor and a privilege to try to be a special team in this league," Karl said. "To coach one is my privilege. To play on one is your privilege."
Sweet.
by Pusherman on Oct 28, 2010 8:49 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Nice.
"All the world's indeed a stage, and we are merely players."
"God I'm excited for those two to fail miserably." - SBNation writer Andrew Sharp on Josh McDaniels and Tim Tebow.
Quitter's People United Member #18
by Tempestuous Binary on Oct 28, 2010 11:00 AM MDT up reply actions
Agree on Melo
As excited and stupidly hyped I am about the Nuggets this year, I just can’t muster any more optimism in the Melo situation. I am not of the thinking like everyone else that getting off to a good start would make him stay.
How many games do we need to win? Is a 15-5 start good enough or will Melo want something like 18-2? That just doesn’t make sense. The thing is Melo can’t say that this is about winning, now or in the future. It’s not about the contract or the money either. It’s just wanting to be out of Denver and into New York. To say it’s about competing or basketball is such a huge lie – it is about his personal desires for his life. The guy just wants what he wants and that’s more important than basketball, money, winning or anything else.
I can;t blame him for having that choice, but as a fan it’s hard to understand. It’s getting especially hard to root for this guy when he can really be that selfish on a night that was all about coming together to celebrate Karl’s return.
I really don’t care what Melo wants anymore. In the end, he’s probably going to get it. But why be so damn fake about it? The Nuggets don;t have to bend over backwards for Melo and they won’t. If he wants out, he’ll have to wait on us first
twitter.com/skitalicious
Quitter's People United Member #13
by runningdonut on Oct 28, 2010 9:12 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
screw it then. id just extend afflalo right now. milk melo till the end of the season, then do a sign and trade with him to the knicks. he already got T’d up for complaining and i saw a few occasions where he dogged it back on D. the new T rule will actually help the nuggets bc melo cant complain anymore, hopefully he runs back on D tho.
it was nice to see nene aggressive on the offensive end. even my gf was saying thats the most aggressive shes ever seen him and she liked it. of course shes been a huge afflalo fan since last season, so she was happy last night. dude is lookin good. and very efficient.
i loved the toughness, rebounding and defense that shelden brought to the game. i was a little worried in the 1st half when he made a couple of TOs on offense, i didnt want him to lose confidence in himself. hopefully the more game reps he gets, the more comfortable he gets on O.
i thought al harrington should have made the extra pass a few times, but other than that it was a good debut. he missed a lot of time so he’ll get in better shape and get more acclimated to the team on O. defense looked good from him.
crowd was kinda weak, imo. and please, DO NOT GIVE OUT THUNDERSTICKS EVER AGAIN.
let's go nuggets! who u wit?
Use Melo or get somethingout of this season
Look, losing Melo for draft picks is not the end of the world. The positive out of letting Melo opt out are two things:
1. It gives use flexibility in the salary structure and we do NOT have to take back anyone’s crap that will take up cap space.
2. We can play out this season as this team’s last hurrah and maybe something special can become of it. Quite frankly, I am tired of hearing about Melo. It should be about the Nuggets and what is in the best interest of the Nuggets.
I have said it before on this site, I believe a hard cap is coming. Just like the NHL, the hard cap will create parity as well as force these basketball organization to shift their business practices and model. No longer is an owner capable of going over the cap and paying the luxury tax to create an a great team.
I believe that the Nuggets are not resigning anyone until the CBA is inked and they get a better understanding of what the new hard cap will be. This is a BIG advantage to the Nuggets in having only Ty, AAA, Harrington, Bird and maybe Nene under contract. Gives the Nuggets flexibility to go out and sign a group of good player (not the superstars) and contend that way. Remember the Stan went thru this with the Avs, and Josh is learning from how long it took the Avs to get competitive because they were loaded with too many high end salaries and had to paired down and the team suffered.
Teams like Miami, Dallas, Lakers are going to suffer if there is a hard cap. Teams that have multiple Max players will not be able to get quality role players to help them win anything.
(i.e. the Heat have three guys making $48 million. Can they fill out a solid roster with 10 guys totaling 12 millions?) I hope the hard cap comes and team like that will be screwed for trying to advert the FA system this year.
In the end, letting Melo go and not taking back a prospect the Nuggets may NOT be completely in love with is the right move. I say, use Melo for this year, let him walk, get some crappy draft picks if he wants a sign and trade or just screw it and don’t do the sign and trade. Let him lose millions.
Disagree on the hard cap
I have to disagree with you on your hard cap assessment. The NBA doesn’t want parity. Stern wants LA, Boston, and NY to be able to outspend everyone for obvious reasons. Nor is the NBA’s financial situation as bleak as the NHL’s was. Contraction seems the more likely option to stop any sort of revenue loss.
I think you failed to recognize the success of parity
SUre Stern wants NY, LA, BOSTON or CHI to win all the time. But he doesn’t ownt he league. He’s not the one paying the bills in Denver, Sacramento, Memphis, New Orleans, etc… You tell me as an owner you are willing to let a few teams win all the time?
What’s the point of owning a team?
Understand why the NFL is so successful? It’s parity and team values keep going up. That’s what the owners wnat.
The NFL is successful because its the NFL and its a cash cow no matter you’re located (TV revenues), not necessarily because of parity. My gut feeling is that most owners are in it to make a buck and they will do everything they can to minimize costs and increase revenues. If I’m a small market team looking to make as much money as I can, I’m going to spend just enough to remain competitive and then collect the revenue sharing from the luxury tax. Under a hard cap I will still spend less than the big market team, maybe even substantially less because I’m not receiving the revenue sharing from the luxury tax. This fallout would probably require a cap floor like the NHL. Sure, a hard cap gives me more of an opportunity to be competitive, but most likely at a greater cost (lack of revenue sharing).
I would love for a hard cap to create parity and help the small market teams, but, sadly, I don’t think it would change much. Teams that can spend will spend, teams that can’t, won’t. Same old story.
Location matters in the NFL too
Jacksonville is probably going to lose their franchise because they can’t sell tickets. Buffalo has already started playing one home game a year in Canada to sell more tickets. San Diego is having trouble getting a stadium. Minnesota is having trouble getting a stadium. New Orleans might very well have already moved if not for Katrina.
Formerly KS and CS
by ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown on Oct 28, 2010 1:34 PM MDT up reply actions
Nope...You have a cap and a min
That’s what the NFL had until this non cap year.
You can say teams must spend at least $50 million and cannot go over $60 million hard cap.
NBA has revenue sharing with the TV contracts. The floor will help the majority of the players since teams are forced to spend a certain amount.
He said it's way beyond the "right now" for him...
So, I don’t think the way this team starts will have any bearing on him wanting to leave. Move the guy and get some chips to pair w/ Lawson, Nene and AAA.
I’m starting to grow into the “If I’m going to keep faith in the Nuggets, it’s going to be in the Uriji/Karl tandem finding a way to make this team great year in, year out” camp. I’m really kinda not caring about Melo much anymore. Stop being a diva Melo. Move or don’t!
+100
In my eyes Melo is no better than Lebron, if not much worse. At least Lebron left for basketball related reasons. At least he went somewhere else because it bettered his chances at winning titles. And at least he went in the offseason and didn’t bail on his team right before the most anticipated season in team history. I just can’t even believe Melo would come out and say this right after a game like that.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 11:47 AM MDT up reply actions
Afflalo
AAA is ready to hurt people this year. Teams want to make him dribble the ball and attack – but they aren’t ready for him to be so aggressive. Beyond that, the guy has just cleaned up his offense to where it’s so fundamentally solid he’s just a joy to watch. He always shoots when he’s open, but he’s now dribbling the ball like he knows what he wants to do – and when he attacks now he’s confident.
twitter.com/skitalicious
Quitter's People United Member #13
plus hes finishing at the rim
not getting this shots blocked like last season.
let's go nuggets! who u wit?
Hey Andrew, if you're here
I’m listening to theticket online and Hochman is saying that the crowd had no energy. I didn’t get that vibe at all watching online. Was the crowd energized? I’m confused by your last comment about Melo not smiling. The DP wrote up that he was all smiles…I’m confused by the conflicting reports…
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
crowd was dead imo
let's go nuggets! who u wit?
by 808inDenver on Oct 28, 2010 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Were you at the game or watching on TV?
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
at the game
let's go nuggets! who u wit?
by 808inDenver on Oct 28, 2010 11:03 AM MDT up reply actions
cool....And did you think Melo was not having fun?
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
idk
i see in the cheap seats, so i cant see facial expressions. body language didnt alarm me at all though. i did feel like melo made an extra effort to pass the ball last night. he got into a few spurts of mee-lo ball, but for the most part, he played within the offense. he was rebounding hard too.
still not hustling back on D though.
let's go nuggets! who u wit?
by 808inDenver on Oct 28, 2010 11:06 AM MDT up reply actions
At game and I agree crowd was pretty weak.
The “Rocky goes to a haunted house” skit they showed on the jumbotron was an epic fail too, very early on in the night… a weird MELOdramatic tone was definitely present last night. It seemed like nobody was really “ready” to rock last night…. Except THE NUGGETS!
A couple thoughts
1. Great game by everyone except JR….who looked like last years JR…
2. Spears is trying to stir the pot. If Melo is gone, he’s gone. However, the management risks quite a bit if they knowingly sabotage what could be a great team this year by trading Melo mid season. I’m fully convinced with Melo they are potentially great this year….it will be very hard to “move” Melo during the year if this team is winning games in bunches.
3. People are reading waaaay too much in to body language. Seems to me Melo was frustrated with the physical play of the Jazz. That’s it.
4. Love Al Harrington and Shelden Williams. Great additions
Overheard during Nuggets radio broadcasts in the 80's: "....Hanzlik.....HEY HANZLIK...don't ever dribble the ball again or I'll bench your ass!" Doug Moe
DenverStiffs.com
by Jeffrey Morton on Oct 28, 2010 11:09 AM MDT reply actions
Thank you Jeff....I think your 2nd point is exactly dead on.
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
View from slightly cheaper seats
I saw Andy sitting courtside last night… in killer seats.
Crowd was pretty dull
Shelden Williams was a heart and hustle guy – glad to have him in there. Also saw Candice Parker walking around at half time with their little one – she’s very pretty but SUPER SKINNY – thought she was more curvy than that but I digress…
K-Mart did indeed look extremely skinny in that suit
AAA, Ty and Chauncey all looked good – as did (IMO) Ely – he’s a junk yard dawg type
Melo (IMO) looked like he was being a diva… on the dunk in which he raised his arms afterward, I couldn’t tell if he was wondering where a foul was, or asking the crowd where all the love was… like an asshole.
Karl looked really healthy (way better than I was thinking he’d look, and that’s great
Mt. Moutumbo couldn’t be understood in the PA announcements they ran a couple times – epic fail in the audio production
Al Harrington looked good, and he and Melo co-existed very well on the court at the same time
JR played like a bonehead, as usual
The Jazz were extremely flat and I asked a Jazz fan behind me about 5 times if he was sure if they knew this was no longer the preseason. They will bounce back though. I’m 10000% sure Jerry Sloan used every cuss word possible after last night.
Anyone know who drives the Bugatti that was parked in the VIP lot? The lot attendant kid (who is not allowed to say) said “one of our regulars” when I tried to pry it out of him.
Go Nuggets! We spanked the Jazz, even without Melo being productive. I say cut weight, if the dude isn’t down with the program… Peace out son! We’ll be ok without you if we have to be.
/
watd u think of the thundersticks?
they were irritating the shit out of me.
let's go nuggets! who u wit?
by 808inDenver on Oct 28, 2010 11:17 AM MDT up reply actions
And on Melo
I’m pretty sure he was looking to the crowd to get hyped over his fairly weak dunk… that same ol quick hop, two-handed weak dunk he does where he looks down at the ground… it wasn’t raise a ruckus worthy whatsoever and he had plenty of crowd love otherwise. Maybe I’m wrong about the intents of that, but if I’m not, he is a damn egomaniac.
I seriously liked what I saw out of the team without Melo in there. The cohesion factor is maybe more important than just being able to say you have a star on your team. I’m kinda just over Melo at this point.
That's what I'm saying
If on thing was clear last night, it was that we’re going to be ok without Melo. It was almost like he wasn’t even there and we still kicked Jazz ass. That’s why I’m on the “trade Melo now” bandwaggon because we’re so deep, that we’re equiped to handle his departure without taking a HUGE dropoff in production.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
by GoldenNugget on Oct 28, 2010 11:58 AM MDT up reply actions
he wanted a foul
i watched on tv and they showed melo and aaa running down the court saying wheres the foul.
In time the criticism turns to praise
Carmelo balled hard, relentlessly attacking the bucket-Colin Powers
There is no quit in Carmelo Anthony-Reggie Miller
QUITTER'S PEOPLE UNITED #115
+1
AAA was mouthing about the non-call, too
by Artimus Mangilord on Oct 28, 2010 3:48 PM MDT up reply actions
were you sitting in section 312?
worst idea. cannot see the play on the court. that is why i will go to a game. i like to see the play away from the ball. with some goof waving them sticks all night sucks.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
we're on a mission from god
awesome win last night
love AAA’s game and love the addition of Big Al and his offense and D. If Denver hold onto Melo for this year I don’t think 55-60 wins is out of reach by any means.
"Don't chase the money, chase the dream"
Quitters People United Member #71
Ok Favors had a pretty impressive debut last night
8 points, 10 boards in 20 minutes. Not bad at all. Lets get this thing done!
The Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga are going on tour together. The tour name: Goo Goo Gaga.
Man, you are really all over the place today GN...lol
Don’t let what Melo said cloud your judgment. Just because we were great last night against a crappy Jazz team…don’t get to ahead of yourself. What happens when teams start adjusting to our adjustments? The one thing that Melo brings to the Nuggets that no one else brings is Melo’s abliity to score pretty much whenever he pleases. I wouldn’t be too quick to ship that off right now.:)
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
My 2 cents
Someone asked if it’s fair to say that AAA is better than JR. I say yes, and I hope they move JR out soon, before he messes up the chemistry.
Harrington is going to fit in great, as is Shelden.
Ty looks great too, and it’s fun when he plays with Chauncey at the 2.
If we continue in this vein and Melo DOESN’T sign the extension, then I say trade him and good riddance if he doesn’t care about winning.
BTW, I watched on NBA Int’l Broadband from Italy, commented by the Utah announcers (including MAtt Harpring, who is very good). It was double the fun: our guys kicked butt, and I got to hear the other guys’ announcers suffering miserably.
Oh, yeah: GO NUGGETS!
thats ass backwards
You dont trade someone to preserve chemistry, not the other way around.
What I meant was
That to preserve chemistry you don’t trade someone.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Andrew Feinstein
(denverstiffs@gmail.com)
Nate Timmons
(ntimmons73@yahoo.com)
NBA Playoffs Content Module
Related FanPosts on Denver Stiffs
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
DENVER STIFFS T-SHIRTS!
Enter your email for updates
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Create-a-Caption: Jeff Pendergraph scares his Pacers teammates
- James Harden is a cake now
- Mike Miller loses shoe, plays two possessions without it, Pacers don’t score (VIDEO)
- Larry Bird calls his Indiana Pacers ‘soft’ following the team’s physical Game 5 loss to Miami
- Dexter Pittman’s elbow to Lance Stephenson’s throat is just one of three nasty hits in Miami/Indiana’s Game 5 (VIDEO)
