Upset would sting.
“I hope the Nuggets can get past New Orleans in the NBA playoffs, but I really believe deep in my heart that the Hornets will prevail in a best-of- seven series. The blame and shame will run coach George Karl out of Denver, and a major shake-up of the team will happen. Mark, you might want to keep this e-mail as proof you heard it here first.”
Dretsel, Lakewood
Kiz: I know in my heart the quality of play in 2008-09 by Nawlins point guard Chris Paul was second only to LeBron James. CP3 could lead the Hornets to the upset, if he gets any help from frequently ailing Tyson Chandler . . . a big if, to be sure. It doesn’t figure to be easy for Denver. But here’s my pick: Nuggets in seven games.
Don’t draft QB.
“Since the Jay Cutler trade, the average fan still does not know which direction the Broncos appear to be going in the NFL draft. Prior to the Cutler debacle, the general theme was defense, defense and more defense. Now, it seems, to my chagrin, with the two first-round draft picks, the Broncos may go with both offense and defense. It would be ludicrous if Denver gave up both first-rounders to move up to draft a quarterback.”
Tim, Wilsonville, Ore.
Kiz: As much as I like USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, it makes no sense to overpay for him in trade when Denver needs to rebuild its defensive line.
Patience, please.
“Anyone remember that ‘We won’t miss the playoffs’ statement Mike Shanahan made at the beginning of last season? It doomed him. All I can say is: Let’s give Josh McDaniels a shot and see what it looks like in a year. We were always willing to give Shanahan that.”
Andrew, Littleton
Kiz: Talk about a hard line for a kid coach to walk while finding his way on the job. McDaniels must honor his father and do New England’s Bill Belichick proud, while making Broncomaniacs forget Shanahan.
Major criticism.
“Tiger Woods missed winning the Masters by five strokes. He lost because he acts like a silly baby out there. Early in this decade, Tiger was lapping the field in the majors, winning the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by 15 shots. That really means he is off by about four or five shots per round now. Why? He is not playing in the moment when thinking about past errors and displaying childish behavior no parent would want a kid to emulate. Woods has the possibility of surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ 18 major championships. First, Woods must learn to control the hissy fits. Second, Woods must stop lifting weights and work on flexibility.”
Blake, golf course architect
Kiz: Same as always, Tiger has a more athletic look than any golfer ever to prowl a fairway. But after watching him try to cover up the boo-boos in his swing with a Band- Aid at the Masters, I thought Woods also revealed the frustrated look of a proud athlete trying to hide the fact he’s not all the way back to full strength after major knee surgery in 2008.
PGA Tour not just Tiger.
“I do believe Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time, but I do not look at him as being Golf Almighty. There is life on the PGA Tour without Tiger, despite what most of the media write. I get tired of hearing about Tiger in the newspaper and seeing Tiger on TV, when what we should be hearing and seeing are the other players who are in the lead or playing fantastic golf.”
Nan, Estes Park
Kiz: In a conversation with Dan Patrick, CBS announcer Jim Nantz said it best. After Woods and Phil Mickelson played their made-for- TV skins game in the final round, you almost had to be reminded there was still a tournament going on. As a result, the grit and luck of Masters champ Angel Cabrera did not receive the full appreciation he deserved.
Masterful coverage
And today’s parting shot is gratefully accepted as a sweet compliment after I had the great, good fortune of spending a week on the grounds of what is the most colorful and compelling sports venue in America.
“The Post made the right decision sending you to cover the 2009 Masters. Your account of Sunday’s final round surpassed that of The Associated Press’ Doug Ferguson, USA Today’s Steve DiMeglio and The Wall Street Journal’s Austin Kelley, three of the best in the business. Hats off.”
Percy, Longmont
