A while back I wondered what keeps the Denver Nuggets from winning a title and decided that it was The Black Mamba. I've thought it over the past few months, and realized that though he still plays a huge part in it, the more painful answer lies within:
The Abbot and Costello of the Nuggets organization, J.R. Smith and Nene.
During the course of the past three to four years, the Nuggets have been consistently dangerous in the regular season (ignoring their tendency to take nights off against the uglier teams), and are always part of the mix in the playoffs. There are plenty of cities who haven't had a sniff of a post season in a long time, and would love to be in our situation. Minnesota, Washington, New Jersey, and the L.A. Clippers quickly jump to mind. This season, I promise you, dear reader, will prove no different. It is not beyond the realm of possibility for the Nuggets to finish the season with the best record in the Western Conference. And yet, I fear the result will be the same, due largely to the crippling effect that J.R. and Nene have on the structure of the team.
That J.R. is 24, and entered the league straight from high school is no longer an excuse. He's had two full seasons to watch and learn from one of the game's best leaders, Chauncey Billups, and has little, if anything to show for it. Chauncey is as classy, team-first, intelligent, and composed a player as the Nuggets organization has ever been lucky enough to have. That J.R. still thinks it necessary to celebrate like a madman after every dunk or big shot is a huge sign for opposing players: This guy is emotional, and you can get inside his head with ease. Attack at will.
Nene still has the ability to be one of the strongest, most powerful big men in the league. He's fought his way back to his monster physique after his struggle with cancer, but he spends an exorbitant amount of energy hoping the officials can improve his game. Looking for a call every time down the floor is lazy. They're not going to help you, big fella. Get back on D, please. He's never displayed the ferocious 'get the hell out of my or I'll turn you into a stain' mentality that many of his dominant front-court brethren display.
With Nene and J.R. playing consistently, doing what they do, you can be assured that the Nuggets will have an exceptional regular season.
With Nene and J.R. playing consistently, doing what they do, you can be assured that the Nuggets will not win an NBA Championship.
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