The Nuggets season comes to an end, with another early round elimination.
by Scott Bruskin
The Nuggets have once again been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs; however, I don’t think anyone is shocked, as this is the 5th straight year that the Nuggets have been ousted after five or fewer games.
The most recent debacle came at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, who were the Western Conference’s number one seed. Led by perennial All-stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the Lakers were overwhelming for the Nuggets, as they were able to exploit them for what they are, and that is a terrible defensive team. The Lakers were also able to contain the league’s second best scoring team (statistically), as the Nuggets’ half court offense was mediocre at best. Needless to say, something must be done. I believe the blame should fall on Carmelo Anthony, who is supposed to be the team’s “franchise player”, who is playing like more of a selfish, ball-controlling superstar. Countless times this year Anthony has forced up no hope, 18-foot jumpers that, to Melo’s shock, don’t fall. And when one out of his 10 shots happen to fall, Melo gets the idea that that was a good shot, so he shoots it again.
Just look at Kobe Bryant; he was once regarded as a “ball-hog”, and that is why the Lakers had not accomplished anything since Shaq left. However, over this summer, something clicked and Kobe realized that he needed to utilize his teammates in order to advance in the playoffs. The Nuggets have much more talent than the Lakers; however, the Lakers have a much better superstar than the Nuggets. That is why the Nuggets lost.
I think the Nuggets need to look at this loss and the previous four first-round exits, and do something about it. Carmelo Anthony has now developed, and we all see what he can and cannot do, so the excuse “we are waiting on Melo” does not work anymore.
A strict coach runs a tight ship, and that is what the Nuggets need. Unfortunately, George Karl is the complete opposite of strict, so that is where the Nuggets’ first problem lies. Karl should be fired.
Besides a coach, the other element key to the team is the “franchise player”. Carmelo Anthony is our franchise player, and since the Nuggets are not focused, he is not focused. I believe ‘Melo needs to get dealt to a different team, preferably for a savvy veteran (such as Dirk Nowitzki, Tracy McGrady, etc.) with some playoff experience. If not a veteran, then the Nuggets should try and get a high draft pick. Melo is loved by the fans, but really, he is nothing more than a gunslinger, who has the inability to give the ball up. The Nuggets would be much more competitive with say a Tayshaun Prince (Detroit) or a Shawn Mario (Miami). Someone who can score as well as pass and, unlike Anthony, play a little bit of defense.
With these drastic changes, the Nuggets should be able to challenge for a championship starting now. Our waiting period is over; it is now time to deliver. If not, the Nuggets will begin to lose their solid fan base. Our team is far too talented to be one-and-done in the playoffs.
