Future looks Rose-y?
“You are absolutely right about the NBA potential of Memphis point guard Derrick Rose. The way for the Nuggets to get him is trade Carmelo Anthony for the draft rights to Rose. The Nuggets have the two biggest ball hogs in the league. Allen Iverson and Melo can’t change. It’s in their DNA. The thing with Anthony is he’s like Paul Pierce or Ray Allen, both supremely gifted scorers who lack the leadership chip of LeBron James or Chris Paul. I ask you: Would New Orleans trade Paul straight up for Anthony? No. Would the Nuggets? Yes. So swap Melo for the chance to draft Rose. This is a trade Red Auerbach would make.”
Mike, Lakewood
Kiz: Do they allow smoke-filled rooms in heaven? If so, then old Red’s undoubtedly puffing on a stogie and trying to trade St. Peter for a point guard and two angels to be named later. But Auerbach would not make a deal that forced the Nuggets to part with Anthony. Here’s why: Marcus Camby and Iverson are both playing in the final quarter of their NBA careers. If Denver trades anybody, it better be somebody over the age of 30, not Melo.
Or, Rose-colored glasses?
“I love how quick you are to anoint Rose, a college freshman, one of the top point guards in the NBA. I love Rose, but how about a little love for San Antonio’s Tony Parker? The guy has won three NBA championships, and he’s only 25 years old. Before you anoint Rose as the best player ever, let him get to the NBA.”
Mark, Denver
Kiz: I’ve got plenty of man hugs to go around. And Parker is one sweet point guard. But, the way I’ve got it figured, Tony P. gets all the love any guy needs from Eva Longoria. And not only would I take Rose on my team over Parker, here’s betting San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich would do the same.
Banking on J.R.
“Hey, Kiz. It’s good to see that you are finally leaving Nuggets guard J.R. Smith alone. Is it because he’s playing really good and staying out of trouble?”
Ross, a kind-hearted soul
Kiz: Forget me. Smith has earned the trust of Nuggets coach George Karl, who determines playing time. So what has caused J.R. to grow up? As former NBA guard John Lucas recently told me, it’s amazing how much maturity a player can discover when his contract is up for negotiation. After signing on the dotted line, however, Smith is also a guy who could find trouble on his way to the bank.
It’s a Rockies town.
“If all you Broncomaniacs are truly upset with your team, its coaches and management, I suggest you band together and boycott just one game. Can you imagine the impact that playing in an empty stadium would have?”
Richard, Loveland
Kiz: Boycott? I’m afraid that’s a word the Kizmeister has temporarily eliminated from his vocabulary. Why? A year ago, as soon as I suggested paying customers stay away from baseball games in LoDo, the Rockies became the hottest team in the National League. Of course, some folks think I look better with egg on my face.
Parting shot
And today’s parting shot is taken at anybody who dares to criticize the great and powerful Mike Shanahan. If Shanny wants to build a mansion as big as the castle where the Wizard of Oz lived, who are we to argue?
“Why are you trying to stir the pot so much with Shanahan? Are you trying to get some publicity or new readers? Are you even a Broncos fan? Lay off Shanahan. He has delivered two Super Bowl championships and always puts a competitive team on the field.”
Scott, loyal Broncomaniac
