Denver Post sports writer Benjamin Hochman posts his Nuggets Mailbag every Wednesday during the 2007-08 NBA season on DenverPost.com.
To drop a Nuggets- or NBA-related question into the Nuggets Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
Benjamin – When the Nuggets finally get healthy, do you see them sometimes going small with Chucky Atkins/Anthony Carter (PG), Allen Iverson (SG), J.R. Smith (SF), Carmelo Anthony (PF), and Marcus Camby/Kenyon Martin/Nene (C), and sometimes going big with Iverson (PG), Melo (SG), Martin (SF), Nene (PF) and Camby (C), to exploit matchups against other teams? The problems would appear to be defensive with Martin on the other team’s SF, and J.R.’s obvious defensive problems, but it would sure give the team some offensive mismatches.
— Tim Shafroth, Honolulu
Tim – You have some interesting strategy in mind. Coach George Karl isn’t afraid to go small, if the matchups allow it, especially when, for instance, Atkins and Smith are both hitting 3-pointers, which spreads the defense and opens things up in the paint for, in your scenario, Melo and Insert Center Here.
I don’t think we’ll see Martin, Nene and Camby on the floor all at the same time, except for a rare circumstance, because that’s too many big bodies and not enough space down low to effectively run the offense. One of those big guys would have to hover toward the perimeter, and the opposing defender would let him roam, because this Denver big guy probably won’t hit an outside jumper. Thus, the defender could double-team another big guy, and the overall plan would backfire.
I like your thinking with the PG-Iverson-Smith backcourt, because Smith is becoming a 3-point weapon (though he started off December shooting frighteningly bad from 3-land). You’re right, Smith is not one of Denver’s top defenders, but if the Nuggets are playing zone, or the other team has a weaker small forward on the court, then perhaps the Nuggets could hide J.R. on defense and utilize him on offense.
Benjamin – I am pondering on a trade for Atlanta’s Josh Smith. I recognize there is no need for any trade at this point of the season, but I still think Josh can be a significant piece to the Nuggets’ defense. At the same time, he is a perfect fit to their dynamic, fast-paced offense. What do you think about it?
— RJ, Philippines
RJ – There is no question that Josh Smith, a dynamic, fast-paced player, would fit well in the dynamic, fast-paced offense you made reference to. The thing is, he might be playing too well this season – his price tag, come season’s end, might even have billionaires balking. The 6-foot-9 Smith will be a restricted free agent after 2007-08, and in 2007-08, he’s averaging a career-high 18.4 points per game, as well as 7.7 rebounds. He is tops in the NBA with 3.58 blocks per game and seventh with 2.05 steals. And the high-school-to-pros Smith is just 22, but playing in his fourth season.
The Nuggets, who are over the cap and pay a hefty luxury tax, would have to take a tough look at their current frontcourt, with three high-paid, highly praised players (when healthy, of course). And Atlanta has the right to match any offer made to Smith (though the Hawks surely wish they had signed Smith before his explosive season).
What is the role of former Metro State men’s basketball coach Mike Dunlap with the Nuggets?
— Ronnie, Aurora
Ronnie – Karl divides up his opponents among three assistants, including Dunlap. Leading up to a game against a “Dunlap” opponent, the assistant speaks with Nuggets scouts who have watched that team, and Dunlap himself will dissect hours of film, looking for tendencies and holes in that team’s offense and defense.
During shootarounds and practices, regardless of the upcoming opponent, Dunlap is often on the court, tinkering and making suggestions to plays and players. And after practice, he works with individual players on their footwork and jump shots.
Dunlap is well liked by Karl and well respected in the coaching community.
Why play A.I. at point guard when he will kill the opposition when he plays as a shooting guard?
— Jassir, Denver
Jassir – I don’t think you’ll have to worry about him at the point any more, with Anthony Carter playing effectively and point guard Chucky Atkins set to return later in the month. Karl said that having Carter on the floor actually helps Iverson’s point guard-ish play – passing and such – because he can lean on a trustworthy backcourt mate.
But, you’re right, Iverson at the two can be overwhelming for teams – even good teams such as the Lakers and the Mavericks, who couldn’t have shut him down with six guys on those nights.
Would anyone please acknowledge the fact that the Nuggets are 10-1 against LOSING teams and 0-7 against WINNING teams after 18 games. That has a lot more to do with the coaching than a few injuries. Please start focusing on this. The Nuggets are the same underachieving team as the last three years, and I’m totally sick of it. Time for some MAJOR changes, and it’s not involving the players … they have incredible players.
— Peter, Denver
Peter – You’re definitely not the first fan to show his or her displeasure with a certain coach. I would suggest that:
* Last week’s win at Dallas, on the second night of a back-to-back, should be reassuring that this team can play with the big boys.
* That said, the coming eight days (I wrote this weekly mailbag on Tuesday, Dec. 11) will be an early litmus test, because the Nuggets play New Orleans, Houston and San Antonio, three teams considered as good as (or better than) Denver.
* Coach Karl is very optimistic that Chucky Atkins’ insertion into the lineup will only improve the Nuggets. They planned their offense as if Atkins would be at the helm. And he can be a weapon with his pass and his outside shot, which is better than many NBA point guards. Throw in a healthy Nene, and you would have to assume the Nuggets would improve.
Entering Tuesday, the 13-8 Nuggets are 10-2 against teams with losing records, 1-5 against teams with winning records and 2-1 against teams currently .500 (the Wizards and Pacers).
I think everyone involved with the Nuggets understands that this team should be a playoff contender, not a stepping stone for San Antonio. I say – give them a chance to prove you wrong in this season’s postseason. If they don’t, then you’ll have a body of work to point at – and even more ammo to ask stern questions about the coaching.
Benjamin Hochman covers the Nuggets for The Denver Post. To drop a question into his Nuggets Mailbag, or visit DenverPost.com’s .
