"Sometimes, we don't rotate or we forget our assignments," forward Eduardo Najera said. "Other times, our energy's not there. We don't put enough effort into that."
Enough said, George Karl needs to go. This is probably the most talented team in the league. Iverson could be considered to have the most heart out of any player in the history of the game, Melo is one of the best scorers in the league, Keynon Martin is in the twilight of his career but is still a stud and Camby is one of the most underrated centers in the league. When players are making comments like above then it's clear it's the coach. If Coach K thinks Melo could be a stud on defense then you'd have four great defense players in the starting line-up and two of the best scorers in the league.
I agree, it's on the coach. Especially in a players' league like the NBA - they have too much talent (with too many big-ticket contracts) to blow this thing up just yet, so if the Nuggets don't get the 8 seed, it's Karl who needs to pack his bags. Personally I think he should be gone if they don't win a playoff series as well, even if they do make the playoffs, but at the very least they gotta get in for him to stay.
It's too bad since he's really a good coach, but clearly not the right coach for this group. Don't know who could reach them every night, maybe someone like the old coach of the Blazers in the 90s (Adelman?), whose teams also liked to run a lot but played solid D, if I remember correctly. These Nuggets are at least as talented as Drexler, Porter, etc. if not more, and those guys were contenders every year. That would be a good model to follow.
(And if the Broncos miss the playoffs again this year, might be time for Shanahan to join Karl on the next Greyhound outta town - but that's another rant for another time...)
It's not Karl's fault, so stop blaming him. If the Nuggets miss the playoffs this year, it's because they play in a tough conference. Hell, right now, if they were in the East, they'd be a 4 seed. Should Karl be fired then? I don't think so. The style of play comes from the asst coach Doug Moe (who used to be the Nugget's head coach awhile back) and who was famous for the "run and gun" offense they do now. There's quick shots early in the shot clock, and if you miss, it leads to more transition baskets, more turnovers, and ultimately more possessions per game. More possessions per game equals more shots, and more shots equals higher scores. This isn't rocket science, folks. Also, you need a deep bench to play fast, because players get tired. When you get tired, you don't play good defense.
Individually, they have good defensive players Camby, Iverson (9th in league in steals)... Just collectively they need to play defense together. Marcus Camby can't block everything. I think once Nene gets back, they'll have an extra body on the inside, and it could ultimately lead to them playing better defense.
Carmelo needs to start playing at least a little defense. There are entire quarters where he plays maybe 15 seconds of actual defense and to me that seems kind of selfish. I love his ability on offense (even though I generally scream at the tv when he refuses to pass out of a double or triple team), but he is one of the worst defensive players in the league. Now, whether George is to blame for lack of instruction or motivation, I don't know. The uptempo offense is good except when it comes time for them to actually get in a half court set they sometimes look lost. 4 guys standing while A.I. dribbles around for 23 seconds usually doesn't get it done during the regular season, and definitely doesn't get it done in the playoffs.
On a side note, I think Nene being in uniform tonight is going to get the crowd and the Nugs going tonight no matter how many minutes he plays.
I agree that some of the blame falls on Karl, however, at some point, the players themselves have to be held accountable. They are supposed to be professional athletes, and have been playing this game for most of their lives. I firmly believe the Nuggets have as much talent as anyone in the league, and can make a serious run in the playoffs, but the veterans need to start realizing that it will be the dirty work done on defense that is going to get them there, not just their lighting up the scoreboard.
karl needs to go. i was a karl fan for a while but this team could be the top team in the western cofrence. the reason why iverson was so happy to get out of philly was becasue he wanted to win a championship. this team could do it with the right coaching we need to keep ai and melo happy or they are going to want out.
Well said, berardin0. The Nuggets have as much talent as any team in the league, there is no way they should be fighting for their playoff lives right now. I know the West is tough, but that's no excuse for their lack of focus and intesity night in and night out on defense.
Last nights game was the perfect example of what this team is capable of doing. The first half was just awful, but in the second half they played great defense and held the Mavs to just 37 points. I don't think reaching the playoffs should be enough to save Karl, to me they have to at least get out of the first round to justify keeping him here. If not, how about Jeff Van Gundy? Let Moe keep running the offense and hire Van Gundy to tighten up their defense. I'll bet he could get Melo to play some great defense.
