More than a few fans are on the fence about how the Nuggets will do this season. With Carmelo coming off a big summer, A.I. in a contract year and J.R. coming in with a new deal, there are two ways to look at the team: Half-full or half-empty this season?
Carmelo Anthony insisted he will be a better team leader and play harder, tougher defense. Will he?
Half-full:
He has improved some facet of his game, or his personality, each year he has been in the league. Five seasons in the NBA, a positive experience with Team USA this summer and a desire not to continue to hear the criticism will motivate him to take this next step up.
Half-empty:
Anthony has lacked the focus and maturity in the past to be a leader or even play defense. He still is a ways off from realizing his potential.
The Nuggets won 50 games last season and made the playoffs. Can they repeat the feat?
Half-full:
Even with the losses of Marcus Camby and Eduardo Najera, the team has two all-stars and more than enough talent remaining.
Half-empty:
The Nuggets slashed payroll and players too important to lose to make another playoff run. Plus, the West’s upstart teams — Portland, L.A. Clippers, Sacramento and Golden State — will be good enough to steal a playoff spot or two from teams that made it last season.
Coach George Karl said this season will challenge him as much as any he’s had in the NBA. Can he keep the Nuggets relevant in the West?
Half-full:
Yes. The man has 879 career victories, 17 playoff appearances, two conference finals appearances and a Finals appearance. If anyone knows how to get a team to win, it’s Karl.
Half-empty:
He has had run-ins with some players, he hasn’t been able to coax a tougher identity from the Nuggets and he has struggled at times to keep control of the team.
If the Nuggets get back to the playoffs, can they get out of the first round?
Half-full:
Yes. Why? Experience. Past failures have taught the Nuggets what it takes to advance, and they are poised to take the next step.
Half-empty:
The Nuggets probably won’t finish in the top half, making any draw a tough one as has been in each of the past five years. And they won’t have home-court advantage for a boost.
Nene is back. Will he stay healthy enough to be effective?
Half-full:
Nene has taken this offseason more seriously than any before, and it will pay off. He is in great shape and has the proper mind-set to be successful.
Half-empty:
Some players are just snakebitten and injury-prone, and Nene appears to be both. There’s no reason to believe this season will be any different.
The Nuggets pledge to play better defense as a team. Will it happen?
Half-full:
The players are more determined, and with the return of Nene and the addition of Renaldo Balkman and Chris Andersen, effort and one-on-one defending will improve.
Half-empty:
There is no lockdown perimeter defender and little to no size to guard the rim via the blocked shot.
Allen Iverson is in the last year of his contract. Will he be with Denver the entire season?
Half-full:
Yes. He’ll have a great season, the Nuggets will live up to expectations and he won’t be dealt at the trade deadline.
Half-empty:
No. The Nuggets will underachieve, making it attractive to trade Iverson and clear some more money off the books.
J.R. Smith made huge strides last season and was rewarded with a contract extension. Will his improvement continue?
Half-full:
He not only got better last season, he took his summer seriously and continued to work on his game. He’s set up for success.
Half-empty:
His focus still isn’t totally there. He’s had a couple of questionable plays in the preseason and will take time before he completely turns the corner.
Andersen is back in the NBA after a two-year drug suspension. Will he cherish his second chance enough to stay away from trouble?
Half-full:
Andersen is appreciative of another chance and has carried himself that way since his reinstatement. Good things are ahead.
Half-empty:
The athlete’s lifestyle is still a trap, and the temptation to regress will be too much.
Bench play was a source of strength for the Nuggets last season. Can it be again this year?
Half-full:
Smith and Linas Kleiza will lead, and Balkman and Andersen will be valuable.
Half-empty:
The loss of Najera and defensive stopper Yakhouba Diawara will weaken the bench.
The Nuggets were 20-21 against teams that made the playoffs last season. Can they play better against the elite?
Half-full:
The Nuggets played well nearly half the time against the NBA’s elite and will find the consistency to be better this year.
Half-empty:
Their focus is too shaky to play well all the time against the NBA’s best.
