Dancing with the notes. . . .
Major non-news flash: Chauncey Billups doesn’t like losing.
“I lose hard, man,” says Billups. “I’m a totally different person when the game is on as opposed to just everyday walking around. I was having a conversation with one of the guys the other day. He was asking me why I only took six shots one night. For me, I don’t play for stats or none of that. I play for the win.”
The proof is in the numbers. Chauncey just completed his eighth consecutive 50-win season — one with the Timberwolves, six with the Pistons and one with the Nuggets. To put that number in perspective, Kobe Bryant, who entered the NBA a year ahead of Chauncey, has racked up nine 50-win seasons, never more than five straight. . . .
I only bring up Chauncey’s credentials as a winner to make a point: Anything less than the Western Conference finals would be a disappointment for the Nuggets. As for beating the Lakers once they get there . . . can you believe that Colorado weather of ours? . . .
So the NFL draft is a week away. Not that I’m OD’ing on draft cliches, but the Broncos will be fine if they can just get a guy with a great motor and fluid hips who plays well in space. Assuming, of course, he has a high ceiling, great feet and plays at a low pad level. What the . . .
Plays well in space? Memo to Coach J-Mac: Pick a kid who can play on Earth. . . .
From the life-ain’t-fair dept.: Half of middle-aged American men are bald, but Mel Kiper Jr. has enough lettuce to feed the world. . . .
By the way, one of the great streaks in sports will end next weekend. The U of Miami has produced at least one first-rounder for 14 consecutive years but won’t make it 15. LSU figures to reach six in a row Saturday, which would be the longest active streak. . . .
Mike Mayock, NFL Network draftnik, on West Virginia’s Pat White, the best player available without a position to call his own: “If I was a GM, I’d take him in the second round with no reservations. You can use him in the Wildcat (formation) and try to develop him as a quarterback. He has that kind of ability.” . . .
You’ll be glad to know that, after all the brain damage, J-Mac is favored to win his first game as keeper of the Broncos’ flame. The Las Vegas Hilton, the world’s largest sports book, has Da Bronx listed at minus-3 over the Bengals. . . .
According to a story in Pro Football Weekly, Broncos blockmeister Ryan Clady has the longest arms — 36 3/4 inches — of any NFL left tackle. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Does the guy who did the measuring moonlight as a specimen-cup collector? . . .
They was robbed! The Clippers, that is. They ended their season the other day with a 41-point loss. To the Okie City Thunder-dunders, who were trying to avoid their 60th defeat. Trying. What a concept, huh, Clippers? . . .
The Yankees have a pitcher named Phil Coke. And you thought those NASCAR guys went a little overboard in endorsing products. . . .
Great news, Yankee fans. Another half-dozen trainer’s table dances in Florida and A-Rod should be good to go. . . .
Some woman was bitten several times the other day after leaping into the polar-bear lair at a Berlin zoo. OK, so I’ll give you that. But name me one other thing more painful than watching the Nationals. . . .
They say it’s your birthday: One hoops Hall of Famer, Tiny Archibald (61), and two football Hall of Famers-in-waiting, Derrick Brooks (36) and Willie Roaf (39).
Jim Armstrong: 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com
Bottoms up!
This Bear’s a party animal.
According to the website tips@chicagoist.com, that isn’t cough syrup in Jay Cutler’s glass.
Jay-C was spotted a few nights ago laughing and drinking it up at Hub51, a trendy Chicago-area hangout. We’ll let the website tell the rest of the story. . . .
“While we were excited to see the Bears upgrade from Kyle Orton to Jay Cutler on the field, we feared an end to crazy QB antics to entertain us during the offseason. Never fear, Bears fans. Cutler hasn’t even suited up for this first Bears minicamp, and he’s already attempting to live up to the high bar that Captain Neckbeard (Orton) set.
“Cutler was spotted partying with new teammate Greg Olsen at Hub51. . . . In addition to palling it up with his new tight end, Cutler apparently got up-close and personal with Internet columnist/starlet Julia Allison. The two left together but not before Cutler asked the DJ to play ‘Bear Down, Chicago Bears!’ ”
No word on whether Josh McDaniels was part of Jay-C’s entourage.
Five fearless predictions
The NBA playoffs have arrived. Here are five predictions for The Association’s second season:
Allen Iverson tells Pistons coach Mi- chael Curry that he’s good to go. Curry responds by saying, “Good. Go away because you’re certainly not welcome around here.”
Shaq shows up at a Magic practice to give Dwight Howard a few tips on shooting free throws.
TNT analyst Charles Barkley will be overheard saying, “You know, for a guy who can’t spell his first name, this Dwyane Wade kid is pretty good.”
The Blazers won’t make it to the Western Conference finals — yet.
George Karl will be asked if he’s concerned about his players living it up in New Orleans. And Karl will respond by saying, “Nah, my players don’t go to bars. They only hang out in tattoo parlors.”
