Buying an NBA title.
“Imploring the Nuggets to play better defense is an oversimplification, and wrong. The solution to Denver’s problem, however, is nearly as simple: spend money. The Nuggets will not compete with the Lakers until Denver spends with Los Angeles. This is a classic one-player-away scenario. Blowing up the team would be foolish. Spend money for a top-tier big man, win a championship.”
Riley, it ain’t his money
Kiz: OK, it’s obvious where this is going. In a wild, crazy, Twitter- pated world, folks want solutions in 140 characters or less. As fast as thumbs can pound a keyboard, Nuggets faithful are shouting in all caps: CHRIS BOSH! He’s young, a star and can be a free agent by passing on the $17 million Toronto owes him next season. But guess what? Bosh isn’t the answer in Denver, because the Nuggets already have three power forwards (Nene, Kenyon Martin, Chris Andersen). And Denver’s problem isn’t frugality; thanks to owner Stan Kroenke, the team’s payroll ranks among the NBA’s top 10. Know what the Nuggets need? A space-eating center. So, if we’re dreaming, give me $3.5 million Marc Gasol of Memphis over Bosh any day of the week and twice in your Denver Post on Sunday.
J.R. just not working out.
“The Nuggets need to get rid of J.R. Smith. He is a head case. It is time to cut bait and get something in return for him, if possible.”
Greg, Aurora
Kiz: You’re the preacher. I’m the choir. Been saying it for years: No NBA team serious about winning a championship can afford Smith on the roster. While there is something to admire in the patience Denver has shown trying to help J.R. grow up, he is not a kid anymore at age 24. What’s more, Smith is being paid $5.5 million. Season-ticket holders deserve more for their money than routine displays of J.R.’s arrested adolescence. As a replacement, keep your eye on veteran guard Mike Miller, a free agent who could be available at a bargain price.
Tasting the truth.
“Let me quote you, Kiz: ‘Nuggets can’t win title this way. . . . Denver might be as sweet as a Twinkie, but is also full of fluff at its core.’ That was the most sarcastic, rude and hateful bit of writing I have ever read, and I, sir, am an old broad. There were some pieces of good meat mixed in with the arsenic you call truth. See if you can serve up some of those meaty tidbits with a good wine sauce.”
Char, Denver
Kiz: Did I dip the Nuggets in sauce and barbecue them? Guilty as charged. Sometimes the ugly truth needs to be served up with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.
Melo a fine whiner.
“This is exactly what is wrong with Carmelo Anthony: Melo does everything he can on the offensive end, but he might be the only defender in the league that can make an all-star out of Utah role players C.J. Miles and Wesley Matthews. Anthony fails to run back on defense when he is whining about getting fouled. Melo’s act is getting old. He consistently places blame in the playoffs on teammates and says he is doing everything he can. He is not. When Melo starts rebounding and playing defense night in and night out, he will have earned the right to criticize teammates.”
Robert, Highlands Ranch
Kiz: Everybody knows Anthony will never be a candidate for defensive player of the year. But here’s the bottom line: So long as Melo is on the roster, the Nuggets are a legitimate playoff team. Run him out of town, and Denver would quickly be lottery-bound.
Eyewitness: Tebow the real deal, Broncos fans
And today’s parting shot is a big “Amen!” shouted from a worshiper of new Broncos QB Tim Tebow.
“You haven’t seen Tebow Time yet. Wait until Tim makes your stadium rock with enthusiasm. He is more than a rock star. The kid can play. Do not doubt the Tebow.”
Walter, Florida Swamp dweller
