Image via WikipediaWith all the big free agent wrangling, the contenders without cap space of the past few years have been sidelined, at least by the media. These are teams that are a minor roster tweak or two from finally getting over that hump. One such team is the Denver Nuggets.Dangerous is a perfect word to describe the Nuggets. They have a legitimate superstar and pure scorer in Carmelo Anthony, a still excellent veteran point guard in Billups, an absolute low post beast in Nene, a multi-dimensional defender in Kenyon Martin, as well as a instant offense scorer off the bench in J.R. Smith.
The arrival of Chauncey Billups in 2008 effectively ended the streak of four consecutive first round exits, as the Nuggets bulldozed their way into the Conference Finals, facing little resistance from the New Orleans Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks.
Even with their loss in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets figured to be perennial contenders deep into the playoffs.
One season, a temporary coaching change due to George Karl’s illness, and a first round exit later, Denver has become a largely forgotten team. If the Nuggets were to enter the 10-11 season with the same roster as last year, they are still likely to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference, and be considered a fringe contender. However, one or two moves via trade, or smaller free agent signings could catapult this team to serious challenge the Lakers for supremacy.
The main area of need for the Nuggets is frontcourt depth. While Nene and Martin are a formidable starting duo, their replacements off the bench are the energetic but limited Chris Andersen, the aging Malik Allen, and Johan Petro. In other words, when Nene and/or K-Mart get into foul trouble, or miss games due to injury, the Nuggets get significantly worse. This is especially concerning, considering that Martin is coming off of yet another knee operation, with no timetable for his return in place.
The Nuggets could also take a chance on Kwame Brown, who has legitimate center size, but has been considered an underachiever since being selected first overall in the 2001 draft.
Perhaps the most intriguing option for the Nuggets would be to monitor what happens with Erick Dampier. Currently, Dampier’s $13 million, fully non-guaranteed contract is the best trade asset of Dallas.
If this scenario were to occur, Martin wouldn’t have to rush back from injury. Also, it might even be a possibility that upon his return, Kenyon might assume the role of first big man off the bench, adding more of a scoring punch with the second unit, while allowing Nene to play his natural position at the four, where he would be able to impose his will on opposing power forwards night in and night out.
Ultimately, the Nuggets boast one of the best starting fives in the league and then have Smith, and a lightening quick point guard off the bench in Ty Lawson. The one thing that they lack is depth at the big man positions. Even so, the team is so talented that with their current roster, should be a top four team in their conference. However, if they are able to add even a single big man, who doesn’t have to be dominant, but merely serviceable in a specific role, don’t be surprised if you see the Nuggets playing into late May, and possibly June.
http://nuggets.realgm.com/articles/59/20100707/little_ways_to_get_a_big_man/
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