found this on espn power ranking about denver: if melo is hurt that will slow denver down if he misses time. on a side not, that trade was highway robbery
Melo's nursing a sore elbow ... and considering he only logged 14 minutes and something like 4 points in their win against Houston the other night, I wouldn't be so sure they're going to slow down; Chauncey lit up the Rockets for 28 points and 11 dimes. I'm sure Kleiza can pick some of his slack. The Nuggets look like they could really make some noise this year.
It's within the context of the Northwest division and how this helps/hurts the Blazers, so what's the big deal?
The nugz did what was needed in order to turn the team around from the purgatory they found themselves in. They were a team stuck in the bottom of the playoffs, with no draft of talent to upgrade with, and no money to go after free agents. AI does not fit well with many teams despite what many people think. If AI is on the team, it has to be his team. The offense has to revolve around him, and he isn't capable of carrying a team anymore. Now the Nugz slow it down, and amazingly enough win with only 90 or so points on the board. What it comes down to is this: When Carmello was with the Olympic team this year, I believe it really opened his eyes to see how guys like Kobe, Kidd, and Lebron are committed to defense. He came back this year, and pretty much had to know he couldn't win with AI there, because that defense is not going to happen with him on your team. Adios AI. In comes Chauncy, who does play D, and who can make everybody better in the half court. Top it off with some cash off the books, and it is a great deal for Denver.
