High on Skywalker.
“Best Nuggets player ever? Carmelo Anthony is getting better, Alex English was clutch. But it was David Thompson whom Michael Jordan modeled his game after. Enough said.”
Randall, San Diego
Kiz: It was Thompson who said, ‘I had the talent to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game, and I blew it.’ So it amuses me when I hear complaints that Anthony isn’t dedicated to his craft. By the end of this NBA season, Melo will have scored more points, grabbed more rebounds and produced more steals than Skywalker did in a Denver uniform. End of story.
Chauncey’s the one.
“Melo might be the most talented player to ever wear a Nuggets uni, but when the NBA championship trophy is brought to Denver, Chauncey Billups will be recognized as the best player.”
Shane, Denver
Kiz: No disrespect to Billups, but he hasn’t worn a Nuggets uniform long enough to be considered the best guard in franchise history. That honor belongs to Fat Lever. But if this Denver squad somehow does win the championship, know what you can legitimately call Mr. Big Shot? Coach of the year.
Go for Gerhart.
“Any chance Broncos coach Josh McDaniels might move up and draft running back Toby Gerhart from Stanford? He has size and speed, unlike the pony backs the Broncos usually obtain and then can’t push the pile.”
Bruce, Denver
Kiz: No need to move up. Here’s betting Gerhart would be there for the taking with Denver’s pick in the second round. There are two obvious choices the Broncos better hope and pray will be available when they select in the opening round: Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant or Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain.
Born for the game.
“My brother was playing football for coach Irvin Favre at St. John High School in Biloxi, Miss., when one day the coach’s wife showed up with her new baby boy. His name was Brett. All the team members ooh’d and aah’d around the tiny baby. My point: Brett was practically born on a football field. My family has been fans of the New Orleans Saints since 1968, when my dad bought seven season tickets. Even though we want more than anything for the Saints to finally go to the Super Bowl (something my dad did not live to see), there will be no loser in the NFC championship game. We also want Favre to go to the Super Bowl one more time.”
Toni, Colorado Springs
Kiz: Is it blasphemy in Colorado to suggest that when the history of the NFL is written, Favre should be remembered as a better quarterback than John Elway?
Bootin’ home a winner.
“I enjoyed your column about Favre having the chance for the greatest sports achievement by an athlete over 40. But you omitted the most impressive achievement by an older athlete. Bill Shoemaker won the 1986 Kentucky Derby on Ferdinand. ‘The Shoe’ was almost 55 years old at the time.”
Robert, Colorado Springs
Kiz: At 4-feet-11, wee Willie Shoemaker might have been the second- toughest athlete pound-for-pound that we’ve ever seen. Who was No. 1? Nadia Comaneci.
Higher aspirations.
“Big whup about Favre! There are only 11 minutes of action in a football game. Mountaineers such as 47-year-old Conrad Anker risk it all to climb.”
Jon, Lafayette
Kiz: What Anker does isn’t a game. It’s borderline crazy. He found the remains of George Mallory on Mount Everest. He sleeps on mountain ledges with a cloud for a pillow. He lets it all hang way out there. He is called the “Radster” . . . and if there’s a more apropos nickname in the sports world, I haven’t heard it.
Time to get real.
“Isn’t it ironic that the Jets (whose former coach Herm Edwards said, ‘You play to win the game!’), now take on the Indianapolis Colts, who pulled their starters in Week 16 and allowed the Jets to reverse their playoff fortunes. Maybe the Colts should have listened to Herm.”
Don, Pueblo West
Kiz: Here’s a hint for Rex Ryan and everyone who wants to know what will happen when the varsity plays the entire game: Colts 28, Jets 13.
Parting shot
Haunting taunt.
And today’s parting shot is from a Broncos fanatic who can’t wait for next season so the heckling can begin.
“I have the perfect cheer for the next time the San Diego Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers visit Denver: ‘J! E! T! S! Jets! Jets! Jets!’ “
Stan, Fort Collins
