We're 10 games into the post-Melo era in Denver, with the 11th underway in Atlanta, and I think it's safe to say that this team is better without the superstar on their squad. This team plays as a team. On any given night, someone will step up and be the difference maker. The Nuggets are playing with much more energy now. Oh, and did I mention they are doing this without one of the centerpieces of the Melo deal in Danilo Gallinari?
With Melo in the blue and yellow, any hope for a team concept was lost. They would run isolation for Melo, and he would score and that was fine and dandy, but to score all those points, his shooting percentage would suffer because he would chuck up so many shots.Now, the Nuggets are making the extra pass and getting very high percentage shots.
This new look team is dynamic and well-rounded. I really like when the two point guards are on the floor together. Lawson and Felton are both really quick and are good passers, but the can also get to the hole and finish which is really beneficial. Kenyon Martin has been playing rejuvenated and playing a good, all-around game. Afflalo and JR are stepping up in Melo's absence with scoring, and Wilson Chandler is also putting up points. Nene is flexing his muscles under the basket, and Birdman is benefitting from the lobs that Felton used to throw to Amar'e Stoudemire. And lets not forget Koufous and Mozgov, who flash their potential in garbage time.
Is this team better now without the great Carmelo Anthony? Right now, it looks like they are a better "team", no question, but will it be enough to make a playoff run? Maybe not a deep one just yet, but I think they can beat Oklahoma City in a series and give the Mavs or the Lakers a run for their money. The future looks very bright for this team though. If they can add a solid 4-man in the draft or via free agency this off-season, they become a much better team. But for right now, I'm just enjoying the refreshing new-look Nugs and the wonderful concept of team-basketball.
Follow me on Twitter, @MHMagicBlog
With Melo in the blue and yellow, any hope for a team concept was lost. They would run isolation for Melo, and he would score and that was fine and dandy, but to score all those points, his shooting percentage would suffer because he would chuck up so many shots.Now, the Nuggets are making the extra pass and getting very high percentage shots.
This new look team is dynamic and well-rounded. I really like when the two point guards are on the floor together. Lawson and Felton are both really quick and are good passers, but the can also get to the hole and finish which is really beneficial. Kenyon Martin has been playing rejuvenated and playing a good, all-around game. Afflalo and JR are stepping up in Melo's absence with scoring, and Wilson Chandler is also putting up points. Nene is flexing his muscles under the basket, and Birdman is benefitting from the lobs that Felton used to throw to Amar'e Stoudemire. And lets not forget Koufous and Mozgov, who flash their potential in garbage time.
Is this team better now without the great Carmelo Anthony? Right now, it looks like they are a better "team", no question, but will it be enough to make a playoff run? Maybe not a deep one just yet, but I think they can beat Oklahoma City in a series and give the Mavs or the Lakers a run for their money. The future looks very bright for this team though. If they can add a solid 4-man in the draft or via free agency this off-season, they become a much better team. But for right now, I'm just enjoying the refreshing new-look Nugs and the wonderful concept of team-basketball.
Follow me on Twitter, @MHMagicBlog
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