For the strength and unity that has proved so elusive throughout a frustrating basketball season, the Nuggets need look no farther than the tears of sweet grace rolling down the face of Nene.
He is beating cancer.
How tough can winning a berth in the NBA playoffs be?
“It was scary, but I believe in God,” said Nene, recovering from testicular cancer that has him counting every blessing at age 25. “And now I’m a survivor.”
The Nuggets, a talent-laden team that too often loses its sense of purpose, now have a rallying cry.
Never surrender. Be a survivor. Share the faith.
Nene, who had a tumor that proved to be malignant removed in January, was back on the Denver bench Friday night for the first time since undergoing treatment. Although the Brazilian forward wore street clothes and when he will play basketball remains in doubt, Nene cried before walking on court, then teared up again after the Nuggets beat San Antonio.
Here’s betting those tears flowed with renewed appreciation for much more than basketball and the riches the sport has given Nene.
“Nene has a spirit to him,” Denver coach George Karl said.
And, if the Nuggets allow, they will let that spirit move them.
This has been a collection of fiercely independent individuals searching for a reason to believe in each other.
Nene, whose struggle to get in shape and low production contributed to an underachieving team’s problems before cancer forced him to take a leave of absence, now can serve as an inspiration for all Nuggets to make the most of every chance in their final 20 regular-season games.
“The best teams never care who gets the credit,” Nuggets vice president of player personnel Rex Chapman recently told me, hoping these players would adopt the golden rule of teamwork before it became too late.
The Nuggets plan on bringing Nene along in the traveling party when the team embarks on a crucial five-game road trip that begins March 18. With all his heart, Karl wants to believe Nene will be in uniform before the regular season is done.
But even if Nene is unable to provide a single rebound during the stretch run, the Nuggets could use him as a reminder that every day, every game and every play should count for something.
At times, Karl is guilty of coaching as if he cannot be bothered with the urgency required to take a timeout before an opponent gets on a momentum-altering roll.
Forward Carmelo Anthony has been known to act as if rebounding is a chore that bores him.
Guard Allen Iverson can fall so in love with the dribble that he allows easy assists to die.
Center Marcus Camby tends to explode from the weakside for a block, yet neglects to stand firm when establishing a head-up defensive position in the post.
Reserve J.R. Smith simply forgets to think before acting.
Maybe the lone sin in any of these very human flaws is the lack of personal responsibility to teammates.
It’s not that the Nuggets don’t care. It’s just that they could care so much more.
Nobody beats cancer alone.
Nene constantly thanks fellow players, team executives, medical personnel and fans. For everyone who cared, Nene said, “I thank you for the support, for the love, for giving me strength.”
There is magic to be found in every tear of genuine appreciation.
The real beauty of basketball is found in the selfless nature of a fast break, a hard charge taken on defense or the hand offered a teammate who has fallen to the floor.
If they allow, the Nuggets can live the hoops dream of Nene.
Never surrender. Share the faith. And, together, find a way to survive.
Mark Kiszla: 303-954-1053 or mkiszla@denverpost.com
