A quick question: So what do the Nuggets and their goal of winning the NBA title have in common with Allen Iverson's rap career?
The answer: They are both finished.
Iverson's rap career was quicker than his crossover dribble.
Denver's painful malaise into Western Conference medicority has been much lengthier, but just as painful.
Consider that if the Nuggets do not qualify for the postseason with an $80 million payroll, it just won't be the roster that will be shaken up.
The Nuggets do lead the league in one unofficial category: Complaining.
Seemingly, every game they lose, head coach George Karl has a perfectly reasonable excuse for. If they had as many wins as excuses, they wouldn't be on the outside looking in on the Playoff picture.
To his immense credit, the only player on the team that seems to be vocally outward about not making excuses and just asking everyone to look in the mirror and evaluate themselves
is-----Iverson. As many that watch the Nuggets agree, if they just had more players not with Iverson's skills (too much to ask for) though at least shared his desire, this team would be a lot better off.
The theory goes that if the Nuggets do not make the field of eight in the West this season, Karl is not going to be better off. He could be on his way out. I am actually starting to think some guys have already stopped listening to him speak. As bad as that sounds, I'm not sure which is worse: Players possibly conspiring against Karl or if that is the case, Karl not really even caring about the slight himself.
I am just speculating on those two scenarios, but I have a little proof to go along with my prognostications.
At the outset of the season, Karl wanted to stress defense. He has been hammering home that point all season. He figures with two of the top scorers in the NBA on his roster, offensive point production wouldn't be an issue. However, they had gaping holes on defense and everyone knows that defense wins championships. If they didn't, Phoenix and Dallas would have a Larry O'Brien trophy to display today.
So here is the ultimate insult: Karl has stressed just one thing all year--defense--yet that is the one thing they continue to struggle with. Karl is talking, but the question remains, is anybody listening?
-"z"
