Denver Stiffs: FanPosts

I guess I won't be getting that Tuna Fish sandwhich

2010-03-14T23:56:09Z

Earlier in the season the joke was started around a few of us Stiffs that if we could trade AC for a tuna fish sandwich we'd do the deal in a heartbeat, only problem is the other team would be getting fleeced. Quite fortunately, Ac has stepped up his game big time and I for one am ready to give him his due.

I was very worried when Ty went down, especially against Phoenix when, in his first game in the current string of back up PG minutes, AC threw up a classic AC stinker (0-2 0 pts 1 ast 1 reb 2 TO). However, after that game AC has pretty much been on fire.

First the stats in the 7 games since Ty went down:

Denver is 6-1 and averaging 114.1 ppg, while their opponents average just 108.7 ppg

On the season as a whole Denver averages 107.8 ppg while their opponents average 102.6 ppg

AC meanwhile has averaged in this 7 game stretch 5.4 ppg 6.3 apg 2.3 rpg and 1.7 to

The numbers look pretty much like what you expect from AC, with his assist total being higher then usual (3.3 apg for his career). The key though is when you watch the games you see AC doing a lot more then the numbers suggest. The thing I have found most admirable about his recent resurrgence is his ability to make up for the loss of Ty's speed. No, AC is not going to drive it to the rack after blowing by his guy in the half court offense like Ty can, but he is pushing the pace like Ty does. With his veteran savvy and passing ability (better then Ty's IMO) AC is finding the second unit (and Nene) open constantly and reaping the benefits. The team scoring totals show that we've picked up the pace. We're scoring more, opponents are scoring more but the winning margin is staying relatively the same, which means more possessions are being crammed into the game because of a fast pace style.

The player benefitting from this the most has to be JR Smith (who has been amazing as well) Since AC took over in the beginning of march, JR has scored 20 or more points 3 times. JR has only scored 20 or more points 4 times in one month once this season. He's already got three and the month isn't even half over.

All in all, I'd say its time for the haters, first and foremost myself, to eat some crow and give AC the credit he deserves. I for one am damn glad he's on this team and for those of you who wonder, I like my crow pan seared in butter and olive and served over a bed of mashed potatoes with a side of mixed greens

Poll

What do you think of AC now?

this week's schedule

2010-03-14T17:31:22Z

Nuggets get a huge break this week.

After the game in Houston on Monday Night:

Tuesday Night: against the Wizards in Denver. Wizards coming off a Monday night game in Utah.

Thursday Night: home against the Hornets. Hornets coming off a (late) wednesday night game in Golden State

Saturday Night: Home against Milwaukee. Bucks coming off a Friday night game in Sacramento.

That's three consecutive home games against three teams coming off back to backs on the road, TRAVELING EAST. I don't see how the Nuggets lose any of these games.

First Note Of KMarts Return

2010-03-14T16:32:27Z

The team did say that Martin is expected to return by mid-April. Martin is undergoing platelet-rich plasma therapy at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail.

Read more:http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_14672268?source=rss&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=twitter#ixzz0iAYLAqQI

That is part of the Denver Post article about Ty's injury. I just find it interesting that we finally got a time frame. To me that sounds like either the last game of the regular season or the first playoff game. Of course it could just be speculation, but at least its time frame, the whole thing has been rather vague so getting a time is good. Of course these things are unpredictble but its good to here something, just thougth i would tell the rest of the Nuggets and Stiffs fans

Next years starting lineup..

2010-03-14T13:43:16Z

OK, not really but I wanted to share my thoughts on what would make a realistic and even better Nuggets team next year, I know most fans don't even want to think about next year right now as we head down the regular season stretch to the playoffs, but after watching the Nuggets play last night I could not help but marvel at Marc Gasols play, going 6-8 shooting and finishing with 17 pts, 7 rebounds, and 6 assist in a very competitive game until the 4th quarter when the Nuggets pushed into another gear to win big. However I can't help but imagine what our Nuggets lineup next year would be if we somehow got a hold of Gasol, imagine Gasol-5, Nene-4, Melo-3, Affalo- 2 Billups- 1. Not only would we have even more size and a true center with Gasol, but with Nene sliding to what he thinks is his natural position we would be more physical and our rebounding would be much better, for we rank somewhere around 20th this year.

Now, how would we get Marc Gasol? And not only that, but who else thinks that he would upgrade or downgrade our team compared to that of the smaller lineup of Martin and Nene, not to mention what would we do with Kenyon if we ever made a deal like this? I don't know how the other stiffs feel about this, but I honestly have a feeling that we need a guy like Marc Gasol, he truly seems like the perfect fit for us and I think with all the injuries Kenyon has had over his career, that he should maybe become a number one option off the bench, I am not sure how this would all work because of Kenyon's contract, or what we might have to give up for him so I wanted to ask the Denver Stiffs what they felt about this.

Poll

Would you want Marc Gasol to play for the Nuggets next year

Nuggets playing with confidence

2010-03-14T13:34:36Z

The nuggets are playing with a confidence now. They can win and play without key players and leaders. It is nice to see that they can win on the road now and that they aren’t blowing the second half of games. They are able to keep the game close and play hard in the 4th. Wow, last night, that was a nice. AC keep pushing that ball up the court and dishing it in the lane. Ways to go AD, Mr. Karl get well soon.

GK to miss the rest of the road trip

2010-03-12T19:15:54Z

Acording to the DP:http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_14663544

I expected as much. When I went into chemo treatments I thought I would miss a lot less work than I actually did. Surgery, chemo and radiation mess you up a lot more than you expect. I wouldn't be surpirsed if GK misses all the games for the next several weeks.

This is just here to fill up the minimum requirement for a FanPost.

Whatever happened to...

2010-03-12T19:01:37Z

...former Nugget Mengke Bateer? A former member of China Basketball's "Walking Great Wall" alongside Yao Ming and Wang Zhizhi, Bateer has resurfaced as a Chinese action movie star. See, so not all of Kiki Vandeweghe's foreign acquisitions were total busts after all.

Many thanks to the folks at ShamSports for digging this up...

The Denver Nuggets National Media Persecution Complex

2010-03-12T18:21:25Z

.... that a lot of you have is funny.

We all know the Nuggets are an elite team capable of beating Cleveland, Orlando, Dallas, LA, etc. Good for the Nuggets. I even agree that the Nuggets are a better team than most give them credit for. I just disagree that the Nuggets are somehow entitled to "more respect".

Until Denver becomes more than an average team on the road and starts taking care of sub .500 teams, it is foolish for Denver fans to act like the national media is disrespecting the Nuggets.

The national media aren't the ones making the Nuggets lose at home to the T-Wolves and 76ers. The national media aren't the ones taking nights off in Washington and Sacramento following big wins against the Cavaliers.

Nuggets fans have no one to blame the the Nuggets themselves for the lack of respect in the national media. With the talent on this team and their record against league elites, the Nuggets should be a 60+ win team this season. But because of poor focus and uninspired play on the road Denver is looking at a solid but hardly dominating 55 or so win season.

Stop blaming the media. It just makes you all look like irrational fans of the home team. And there is nothing wrong with that: I love the Nuggets just like the rest of you. But you got to be able to see the league objectively.

PS: I agree that there is a pro-LA and Cleveland spin to a lot of the coverage. But a lot of that has to do with the fact that both teams have the top records, star power and, in the Lakers' case, championships. Do you understand that? Championships and winning games is what gets you respect. Not "talent" and "potential".

And that's exactly how it should be. Let Melo complain about being disrespected all he wants. That chip on the shoulder, however unwarranted, can only serve to help Denver in the playoffs. If Denver wants that respect, they need to win a championship. That simple.

National Media- Embrace the Hate

2010-03-12T08:16:38Z

Happened to catch a bit of PTI today- which in my opinion is one of the worst shows on television- and saw this segment about JR's 360 alley-oop dunk last night. Wilborn and Kornheiser were arguing whether the dunk was showboating on the part of JR and alluding that this was another example of the Nuggets being immature, self motivated, and incapable of being a team in serious contention. It was a hell of a play by JR going up and getting that ball and throwing it down. It got me out of my seat texting my friends saying 'oh my god that was insane'

We all know this song and dance by ESPN and the experts. I'm not going to argue JR and the other Nugs don't act immature and self motivated in the coarse of a game,its the NBA, everybody acts that way all the time. I'm so sick of the national perception that ESPN is creating of the nuggets. Other teams act the same way, show disrespect for opponents, show boat and nothing is said to discredit them as a team. Lebron acts that way and the analyst are down on all fours. And while I'm angry with this perception of our Nuggets, we all know it ain't gonna change. That being the case-

Cheer louder

Rock your gear

Embrace the hate !!

Are We Signing a BIG?

2010-03-12T05:46:00Z

Any word on if our Nugs are going to sign a BIG for extra insurance? Earlier this week, I heard rumors that they worked out a couple players. Anybody got any updates or inside information on this? We sure could use an extra body even if K-Mart is ready to go sooner than later. My preference, let K-Mart rest up and get ready for playoff time. Go Nuggets! Let's Do This!! It's Go Time

The NBA: Where it's not about the game...

2010-03-11T22:03:39Z

For my latest guest column at SB Nation, I question why attending NBA games feels more like a circus combined with a laser show than a live sporting event.

Here's the link... http://www.sbnation.com/2010/3/11/1367979/nba-fan-experience-changes-nuggets-lakers-bulls-bucks-wizards-clippers

where does chauncey rank amongst the greatest nba point guards?

2010-03-11T16:41:16Z

howdy nugg fans...

i visit the dime magazine website pretty frequently. in between blowing kobe and lebron through print they occasionally find time to focus on some of the other players in the league. yesterday they ran an article on chauncey and where he ranks amongst the great nba points. if youre bored at work or on the john looking for something to read, this article and the following comments will help you kill a few minutes.

http://dimemag.com/2010/03/where-does-chauncey-billups-rank-among-the-all-time-great-pgs/

this will probably be covered in the nuggs/wolves recap, but jrs 360 dunk off the oop from billups was ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. check it out here...

http://dimemag.com/2010/03/j-r-smiths-incredible-360-alley-oop/

Why haven't the Nuggets extended Mark Warkentien?

2010-03-11T16:03:00Z

Why haven't the Nuggets extended Warkentien?

If the Nuggets don't extend Warkentien then they fail. Warkentien is the best GM in the league. It would be a mistake not to resign him. The Nuggets biggest free agent this year could be Warketien. I mean, he only built a championship contender without the checkbook opening up.

From what i've heard the Nuggets haven't even talked to him about an extension. Does anyone know why?

Playoff Speculation from the Stiffs

2010-03-10T11:25:37Z

Most other teams' blogs I come across have a good deal of discussion about playoffs odds, possible matchups and predicted standings being debated frequently. Blazersedge comes to mind, those are pretty much the best and check out all of the Western schedules analyzed by jscot on there. As a Nuggets fan my general feeling on it is who cares. The Nuggets control their own destiny, all they have to do is play like they have been all season which is a 2 or 3 seed in the west. We've already discussed how the Nuggets could take a huge step forward by acting like a great team on the road, it's the only thing stopping us from competing for a #1 seed. Nevertheless the K-Mart injury changes a lot and playoff speculation is just fun as long as we don't jinx the Nugs, which we won't because our fully healthy squad can beat anyone, I'm confident in that. Figured I'd throw out a few talking points on each conference to see what everyone has to say about it.

WEST

The Blazers are just a half game behind San Antonio for that #7 seed right now. They just delivered a sub-par effort against us but we still have not seen them with Camby, who changed their team a lot. They gave up a significant part of their rotation to get him. San Antonio just lost Parker till probably the playoffs, and they still have to play at Miami, Orlando, Boston, ATL, and OKC and home against LAL and Cleveland this month. Their schedule sucks and Portland could definitely pass them. In fact, if they suffer another injury problem they are in danger of slipping out of the race should Houston or New Orleans muster a late push. Both of those teams have probably lost too many already so San Antonio is pretty safe from all except Portland. I'm hoping the Blazers pass them, because SA is a better matchup for the Lakers. They probably still aren't beating LA, but you can't count out a Duncan-led squad against anyone, the man's got 4 rings along with Popovich. The toughest out of the first round for the Lakers is San Antonio in my mind, no doubt. Same with Dallas against a healthy #7 seed Portland. More next bullet
Utah looks pretty good to finish top 4. And Mavs plus their schedule have good odds to stay in the #2 seed. They made some good moves at the trade deadline, we're all hoping it turns around on them but if the Nuggets slip up just once it could ruin our chances beating them to #2. I will be happy if the Nugs can enter the playoffs a #3 seed ahead of Utah. Dallas, Denver, and Utah all have an outside shot at stealing the #1 seed, but I'm living in the real world. It's not happening, they are the defending champs, they are healthy and that's just the way it is right now. The road goes through LA. Denver should try to get a 2 or 3 seed for obvious reasons.

EAST

There's a huge gap between the top 4 and the bottom 4 playoff seeds in the East. Only 2 teams in the bottom half of the East are a threat. The Bobcats and the Bucks. The Bobcats start a huge lineup, they have Augustin scoring off the bench, numerous 7 footers and a good coach in Larry Brown. They aren't making the Eastern Finals but they are certainly dangerous at home, having already shown that to a number of top teams including us. The Bucks are a wildcard too, 5th spot right now but honestly they'll only have a chance against a tired and hobbled Boston in the playoffs. I still like Boston, but they are struggling and right now they can't afford even a minor injury or an off-night from anyone. A question mark, but right now I think it's Cleveland or Orlando coming out of the East, with Atlanta and Boston having the smaller outside chance of beating them out, especially if Charlotte can knock off one of the top 2 seeds. The #4 seed could be a blessing in disguise for Boston.

What say you?

Looks like its Cook

2010-03-09T17:49:12Z

Hoops World story here by Travis Heath.

I sure hope this pans out. The article does not say if this will be a 10 day deal or longer, but I suppose that will depend on Martin's health status.

Cook has been a respectable shooter in the past, but he's only 6'9" and not known as a force in the post. It seems that the plan is to use French Resistance to shore up the middle and use Cook to stretch the D. Cook also knows tthe Lakers system, and familiarity should help him help us when we face them.

I've got my fingers crossed for Martin, and hope the time off and therapy he is receiving will allow him to return at the same level. He's one tough mofo, putting up carreer numbers while suffering through up to this point.

Thoughts?

Johan Petro deserves to play

2010-03-09T00:23:16Z

Watching the Blazer/Nuggets game last night was interesting. Johan Petro was in the starting lineup for the injured Kenyon Martin, which honestly had me a little concerned. When the game ended, I was relieved.

Petro showed that he can play some ball. Sure, he made mistakes, but he's human too, right?

With Martin sidelined, Bird playing injured and everybody playing too many minutes, I don't see why Petro couldn't play. I can see potential in the man, and so far, he's proven to me that he's able to contribute to the team. If he could get twenty minutes coming off of the bench, not only would Nene and Martin (when he comes back) be able to relax, but he could take some pressure off of Andersen.

The Nuggets are looking for a man who's been sitting on the bench all this time. Why sign and waste money on another player when he's already on your team?

*I still can't believe Portland double-teamed Petro last night. Lol!*

Reasons to be encoraged: Weekly Pep Talk

2010-03-08T20:52:45Z

Im going to do this every week because....well....we kind of skew negative here on Denver stiffs....

To get us started....here are two songs from completely opposite genre's of music

Megadeth - Tornado Of Souls (Live 1992) (via minigun664)

Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day (HD) (via ibiabou89)

Ok...now that you're all amped...let's count the reasons the Nugz should be encoraged

1. French fries: Petro started last night and...well...he held it down alright. While he didn't set the gym afire he provided rebounding and size in the middle (as Andrew pointed out) and while he's a long way from good...he's not bad and that gave me encouragement going forward while Kenyon is out.

2. JR Assist: Remember last year when JR ran the point when he came in? I forgot that he is capable of dishing out the assists and quite frankly...he runs the point, at times, better than AC....IF he continues like this it's a revelation. I hope that he continues his semi restrained shootings sprees. Fingers crossed

3. Nene the Power Ranger....errr....forward: Even though Nene didn't have a spectacular game, he showed that he is able to "move" more freely as a 4 and it is, indeed, his natural position. Imagine if he was able to move there permanently...he's going to have to step it up big time while Kmart is out.

4. Dallas is peaking too early: Two things should be VERY disturbing to Mavs fans. First off they have timed their streak a weeeeeeeee bit too soon. No one can keep up the pace they are on for 30 games, and the market will correct itself. Two...Jason Terry's injury. They lost their JR Smith off the bench and that, long term. is going to affect them greatly. The Jazz (as has been pointed out in another thread) have cooled off a bit, and are now on a win one, lose one kind of streak. This will start with the Mavs as soon as they lose to an opponent they are supposed to beat.

5. Melo restored his energy: Nuff said. Melo has been efficient and passing the ball really well the last three games. The smile is becoming an assassins tool. When Melo starts smiling....you know you're about to get your ass beat.

Come on guys and girls.....we GOT this.

Cuz I gotta say it wuz a good day....

Nuggets to workout Cook and Voskul.

2010-03-08T20:33:46Z

Acourding to Hoopsworld the Nuggets intend to workout Brian Cook And Jake Voskul some time this week. Also the Nuggets are still looking into Mikki Moore, Mark Blount and other options..as pointed out before on this site, sign Dwayne Jones! He is our best option right now.

On a related note (Because i got to get to 75 words) how about Johan "French Resistance" Petro! He is a legit option off that bench of ours. 7 Foot, and he played awesome vs the Blazers...He has some potential.

The Future of Kenyon Martin

2010-03-08T17:39:27Z

I have a gut feeling that this knee injury to Kenyon Martin will probably alter his career in a significant way especially if he decides he can play through this. KMart's play this year has been a career best and it's no coincidence that the minutes he's been playing at career high as well. A lot of this has been attributed to George Karl's tight 8-man player rotation, which is why we're seeing KMart and Birdman grappling with knee tendinitis. Here's a couple of Plans I came up with

Plan A:

Next year is the last year of KMart's max contract so he'll have a massive expiring contract that will look certainly attractive to any team ready to unload money at the start of the 2011-2012 season (which will possibly locked out). So with that in mind this may very well be the last year of KMart playing for the Nuggets. We saw last night what Nene was talking about when he said PF was his natural position as he was dominate around the rim yesterday with Petro playing Center. So the front office might be looking around next year for a team with a dominant Center and cheap ass owner looking to save a lot of money (Chris Kaman of the Clippers come to mind) for the lockout.

Plan B:

The other scenario that I really hope to see is using Kenyon to come off the bench in a Lamar Odom type of role (signing a contract extension that's in the park of 5 mill a year) . This way he can save his knees by playing some where in the neighborhood of 20 mins and be the sledgehammer that will make the 2nd unit of the opposing cry for mama. Nene would start at PF and maybe we can develop someone at Center (Petro might get there with enough meaningful minutes) who can box out and grab rebounds. Doing this gives us a 4 man rotation at PF and C which will equalize the minutes for all 4 of them and save their knees. I see a dynasty built with something like this

What do you guys think?

Poll

Do you guys like Plan A or Plan B?

New Stiff List is up!

2010-03-08T15:25:52Z

Featuring K-Mart's knee, Ron Ron's haircut, Joel Pryzbilla's showering technique, the Celtics and more...