Those rumors aren’t true. The Nuggets’ problems aren’t shooting, rebounding and defense. Their problems are location, location, location.
Or maybe you haven’t checked out the NBA standings lately. LeBron James, hailed as the next Great One in most corners of the hoopdom, has led the Cavaliers to a 37-27 record, fourth-best in the Eastern Conference.
Carmelo Anthony? His team is 37-26, on the outside looking in at the playoffs in the West.
And keep in mind, James has been playing the bulk of his games vs. Eastern Conference competition. Or at least what passes as competition. Six teams in the conference having winning percentages below .400, including the Heat at .177.
None of this is to say Anthony is in James’ class as an overall player. He isn’t and never figures to be. But the next time you’re hammering the Nuggets for being outside the playoff picture, you might want to keep in mind how good the rest of the West is.
The Nuggets are a very good team. They’re just not good enough.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s commentaries on The Jimmy Page during the week. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
