Denver Post sports writer Chris Dempsey posts his Nuggets Mailbag each Thursday this NBA season on DenverPost.com.
To drop a question into the Nuggets Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
Why is Carmelo Anthony always smiling, even when the Nuggets are down by 20? I mean, as a professional, you have to have some pride in whatever you do.
— J., Baltimore
J. – Don’t let Carmelo’s smile deceive you. A lot of people do, thinking it means he’s indifferent toward or doesn’t care what’s happening on the court. Aside from some sarcastic smiles at referees’ calls he thinks are wrong, Anthony’s smile usually means he’s playing hard, playing well and having fun. If Carmelo’s smiling, things are going well or getting there fast. It’s a good thing. Trust me.
Why bench Steve Blake?
— Gary Lindamood, Maryland
Gary – The answer to this question is The Answer. Coach George Karl wanted the ball in Allen Iverson’s hands more to give the all-star more of a chance to have a significant offensive impact on the game. Karl thought this was best done by moving Iverson to the point-guard slot and bringing Blake off the bench as a reserve.
The move has had the desired effect. Iverson has picked up his offensive game and his aggressiveness, but Blake has just started to look comfortable in his new role, which includes playing a bit of two-guard as well. Expect this to continue as long as the Nuggets win more often than not.
Will Kenyon Martin ever play in Denver again?
— Brian, Cheyenne
Brian – At this point, I fully expect him … to try next season. All reports are his rehabilitation is going well. He’s not around much, with rehab and community appearances on behalf of the Nuggets organization, but all signs point toward him being ready to play next season.
Let’s talk hypothetical situations, albeit likely situations. Let’s say the Nuggets continue to dive and miss the playoffs. They don’t have a No. 1 this year. They don’t have any cap space. What next? Write off the next two years and start over when A.I.’s contract expires? Is he tradable for usable assets? I, by no means, think this is A.I.’s fault, but if this “experiment” doesn’t start showing signs of success, don’t you have to trade A.I.?
— Brad, Longmont
Brad – Ummmm … No.
Hey, Chris. was the best I’ve seen in a month. Melo was punishing them inside with those hammers. I think Melo should be aggressive in the first quarter; that would open up everything for everybody, just like the game last night. What do you think?
— Neil, Los Angeles
Neil – Carmelo is still figuring out what level of aggressiveness is best for the team. For instance: In the game you are talking about he scored 23 points with six rebounds, and the Nuggets won. But , he scored 33 points to get the Nuggets a victory. (March 6), Anthony’s 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists helped Denver to a win. In my opinion – and I think the numbers support this – if Carmelo is aggressive offensively, he has to be mindful as well, and he has to chip in the other areas of the game in order for the Nuggets to be at their best.
In all reality, when do you think we can expect an NBA championship in the city of Denver?
— Oliver Cesario, Arvada
Oliver – If you’re talking about this year? No. Not a chance. The Nuggets are too flawed and the Western Conference is too good for flawed teams to advance. And who’s going to beat Dallas anyway? But if we’re talking the near future, say, in the next two or three years, I think the Nuggets can fully fashion themselves into a championship contender.
Chris Dempsey is in his first year on the Nuggets beat. To drop a question into his Nuggets Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
