So you’re swept up in Nuggets fever but aren’t quite sure what you’re looking at on the court. Denver Post basketball writer Chris Dempsey offers a crash course (F-forward, G-guard, C-center).
F/C Chris Andersen
Nickname: Birdman
What you need to know: Birdman is a fan favorite for his energy, hairstyle, tattoos and incredible ability to block shots.
What you may not know: Graduated from a high school class of 34 in Iola, Texas.
F Renaldo Balkman
Nickname: Kool
What you need to know: A reserve, he plays with a frenzy at the defensive end.
What you may not know: Started 10 games during the regular season, in which the Nuggets went 9-1.
F Carmelo Anthony
Nickname: Melo
What you need to know: The team’s best player is having his best playoff showing in his sixth pro season.
What you may not know: Has a record label and entertainment company, Krossover Entertainment.
G Chauncey Billups
Nickname: Mr. Big Shot, Smooth
What you need to know: Billups is from Denver and is turning his first season back in town into a storybook tale.
What you may not know: Wears No. 7 in honor of former Broncos quarterback John Elway.
G Anthony Carter
Nickname: A.C., Ace
What you need to know: Has been clutch coming off the bench during the postseason.
What you may not know: Carter is an avid bowler and likes to roll at Lucky Strike Lanes at the Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall.
G Dahntay Jones
Nickname: Tay
What you need to know: Jones is a defensive stopper and usually guards the opponent’s best backcourt player.
What you may not know: Jones majored in public policy studies at Duke.
G Jason Hart
Nickname: J-Hart
What you need to know: He has a great seat at the end of the bench from which to watch the playoffs.
What you may not know: Hart is the second-most- famous player from Syracuse on the roster.
F Linas Kleiza
Nickname: LK or L-Train
What you need to know: Kleiza can be an offensive force off the bench but has been in a prolonged slump.
What you may not know: The Lithuanian speaks English, Lithuanian, Russian and German.
F Kenyon Martin
Nickname: K-Mart
What you need to know: He is intimidating on defense; team’s top 1-on-1 defender.
What you may not know: Active in the community for a variety of causes and is a spokesman for the March of Dimes.
C Johan Petro
Nickname: Frenchy (he was born in Paris)
What you need to know: Petro rarely plays but has performed well when called upon.
What you may not know: Petro is one of two 7-footers on the team.
F/C Nene
Nickname: Nene
What you need to know: He is playing the best ball of his career, averaging 16 points and 6.8 rebounds vs. Dallas.
What you may not know: Each summer, he hosts a gospel event with his pastor in his native Brazil.
G J.R. Smith
Nickname: J.R. Swish
What you need to know: He is instant offense off the bench with one of the best long-range shots in the NBA.
What you may not know: He was co-MVP of the 2004 McDonald’s High School all-American game.
G/F Sonny Weems
Nickname: Rook (he’s the only rookie on the team)
What you need to know: Weems probably will not play in the conference finals.
What you may not know: Has the best “hops” on the team and is the Nuggets’ unofficial slam-dunk champion.
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
