The Nuggets made the playoffs.
Hey, you, over there in the corner, keep down the applause, will you? I’m trying to type here.
The Nuggets were supposed to make the playoffs. Even without Nene and Chucky Atkins. Any way you sliced it, any way you looked at it, they were supposed to make the playoffs.
Sure, nobody saw the Western Conference playing out like it did, but still, the Nuggets were supposed to make the playoffs. We’re talking about a team with the fourth-highest payroll in the NBA.
Question is, now what? They drew the Lakers in the first round, a matchup that looks suspiciously like some of their matchups with the Spurs from years past.
Let’s get this out of the way right here and now: I don’t believe for a second that the Nuggets can beat the Lakers. And frankly, I’m not sure they can win a game. That’s not a criticism of the Nuggets so much as a vote for the Lakers.
You have to wonder, if they can’t get out of the first round again, what changes are in store for the Nuggets. Because, make no doubt, if that payroll doesn’t produce more than a playoff appearance, there will be changes.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily sports commentaries on The Jimmy Page midday during the week. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
