After last season, it is fair to say Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is not a huge fan of San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.

However, I think, if you asked Cutler, he would tell you he respects the toughness of the San Diego signal caller--it's just the yapping coming from Philip's mouth that annoys Cutler. Even so, just six days after having surgery on his knee, he played in the AFC Championship Game. To me, that type of courage, won over the locker room and his teammates. So, in a way, the quarterback known for talking did his talking on the football field.

As for Cutler, he wasn't known for talking big...that is, until yesterday. He publicly was critical of Brandon Marshall and his latest run of trouble. He went as far as to say that he had been up in Coach Mike Shanahan's office with Marshall and had heard him say that each occurence of trouble would be his last.

That feeling of remorse isn't unusual, but the idea that Cutler would publicly bring up what were thought to be private discussions between him, his favorite receiver, and his head coach was honest and refreshing. Marshall is a good guy, though, watching his press conference the other day, made him seem like he understands the microscope he is under, though it just doesn't particularly matter that much to him.

Most of the conversation about Cutler today will probably center on his remarks about Brandon, though, he, like Champ Bailey, voiced a bit of concern over the departure of kicker Jason Elam. That was just one of a few topics Cutler seemed to address candidly.

There was no team around him on Tuesday at Dove Valley, though I think yesterday's words were yet the clearest sign that Cutler is becoming a leader. So, while his rival in San Diego won over his teammates with grit and sheer will, Culter may have won over a few teammates by criticizing a fellow teammate.

I hope to see you tomorrow.

-"z"

I always liked Jay Cutler, but on Tuesday, after his comments criticizing Brandon Marshall, I found myself even more impressed with the Broncos quarterback of the future and star of the present.

Simply put, Cutler said what pretty much everyone else was thinking. Much like Champ Bailey questioning management on the Jason Elam decision, Cutler realizes he has a rather important voice in the organization that allows him to uniquely state thoughts that, let's face it, some guy on the punt return team simply can't. The guy on the punt return team is just trying to be on the team. Cutler is firmly entrenched on the team. They have a huge investment in him and he ses the huge upside he has in himself.

With that upside though, comes responsibility and a process of maturation. It's not just your statistics that have to grow, your role as a player must advance as well. Cutler, by virtue of his choice of words on Tuesday, understands that. Marshall, by most accounts, including that of Cutler himself, does not.

The situation is rather simple for Cutler. It's his team. No matter how well Marshall bounces back, this team belongs to Cutler. To me, it comes as no surprise that he was named a captain in just his second season as an NFL player.

I have been hearing some question as to whether Cutler has built up enough credibility League-wide to scold Marshall. I think those critics are off base. By my account, somebody had to step in and inform a guy with so much potential that his sophomoric behavior was not only going to cost his team, but cost Marshall, a legitimate chance to thrive as well. Mike Shanahan has more credibility than almost any coach in the NFL, and he needs Marshall to be a great player to help return the Broncos to the elite level Shanahan is accustomed to. That said, why didn't he step in? Why does the young quarterback have to do that? I think Cutler should be commended, not criticized, for injecting himself into this discussion.

There is one more pressing issue that involves both Cutler and Marshall. By speaking out like he has, Culter now has to deliver this season. Yes, it's only his third year in the NFL, but after speaking out the way he did, if he doesn't produce, the line of critics will be lining up outside of Dove Valley full of anger. Although, as we all know, a quarterback, is in some cases, is only as good as his offensive weapons will let him be. So simply said: Cutler can be good, though Marshall can make him great. That being said, how is their relationship today? I'm guessing not so great.

I hope to see you tomorrow.

-"z"

We had mentioned earlier this week that the morning of every remaining Nuggets regular season game, we would preview their chances for a win. Their next game comes on Saturday, though since we are for the most part a Monday-Friday blog, we'll discuss tomorrow night's game right now.

The task at hand is finding a way to defeat the Sacramento Kings. As Nuggets fans know, Sacramento used to be a place the Nuggets have had problems winning. That said, this game is in Denver, a place the Nuggets have had a lot of success this season. How successful have they been? How about 31-7 at home so far? Getting win number 32 tomorrow is crucial.

Outlook: A tough week for the Nuggets. A complete roller coaster wave of emotions. On Tuesday, they let a 22-point lead get away in a loss in Phoenix. The next night, they came back to defeat the Suns at home. I think the Nuggets would spin that last win as proof they are legitimate postseason contenders. I would have to disagree. To me, that two-game set just further goes to showcase their biggest issue all season long, that is, inconsistency.

Numbers: The only number that matters is one. That is, the game against the Kings is "one" that can't get away. There is really no way to sugarcoat this. If the Nuggets lose tomorrow, even they will, in my estimation, privately admit to themselves, this season, at least, it was not meant to be.

Prediction: Last season, this was a game Denver may have overlooked. At this point, they will not underestimate anyone. The loss to Phoenix on Monday was not a case of underestimating the Suns, it was merely a case of not being to close them out. To me, there is a big difference. The Nuggets are good at home and, in my opinion, are good for a win tomorrow.

Have a nice weekend.

-"z"

This morning, the Nuggets are in a tie for the eighth spot in the NBA's Western Conference Playoff Standings with the Golden State Warriors. If they finish in a tie, the Nuggets have the tiebreak. That is the good news.

As for the bad news, well, yeah, there is a little of that too.

It mostly revolves around a lost weekend for the Nuggets. They had a chance to reasonably be up one full game on Golden State and considering how tight the West has been this season, that small one game edge, may end up meaning a lot more than the razor thin edge it indicates.

The Nuggets had two supposedly "easy" games in front of them. Then, something funny happened. Those "easy" games became much "harder" than they could have imagined. The only teams in the NBA that have beaten every team at least once are the Hornets and the Jazz, so there is a level of parity League wide. Simply put, even terrible teams can rise to the occasion---and the Nuggets discovered that the hard way.

On Saturday, the Nuggets played the Kings at home. Denver was 31-7 at home, Sacramento was 12-27 on the road. Final score: Kings 118, Nuggets 115. If the Nuggets do not make the Playoffs, this is a game they will look back at as one that got away.

Afterwards, Kings head coach Reggie Theus seemed to think his team had just defeated a rather ordinary team and winning this game was really not a big deal. He said his guys played harder and that provided the difference. Interesting comments, considering, Theus was missing two of his better players in Ron Artest and Brad Miller. His top young player, Kevin Martin, was battling the flu. The Kings had nothing to play for, the Nuggets had everything to play for. The Nuggets were missing Kenyon Martin. Still, the talent edge was in Denver's considerable favor. However, as has been the case a little too often this season, the intensity edge was with the opposition.

On Sunday, the Nuggets were looking to bounce back at Seattle. They had defeated the Sonics three times this season and the closest game was a 17 point Nuggets victory. Their last meeting saw the Nuggets score a franchise regular season record 168 points. The Sonics had only 17 wins coming into the game.

At the outset, this seemed like the perfect storm in a city known for storms: An angry Nuggets team coming off an embarrassing loss looking to regain some momentum against a team they had dominated all season.

Final score: Sonics 151 Nuggets 147. Any day, I'm sure they'll start playing that defense that Coach George Karl has been asking for.

Here is the real problem with these losses. On Thursday, the Nuggets play the Warriors at The Oracle Arena out in Oakland. Had they won both of these games this weekend, even if they lose that game at Golden State, it would have most likely given them a cushion heading into that game. Now, their margin of error is more or less gone. The question remains, thanks to this weekend, could their playoff chances be gone soon too?

Have a great day.

-"z"

Well, tonight, the Nuggets and Clippers meet in Los Angeles. Once upon a time, these two teams met in the NBA Playoffs. That was then, this is now. Back then, the Nuggets didn't have Allen Iverson. Back then, George Karl and Kenyon Martin were at odds. Most amazing, back then, the Clippers were actually in the Playoffs. Times have changed. For one, the Clippers are back in their rightful position---the draft lottery. The problem is, the Nuggets might be joining them.

The Clippers were without perhaps their best player (Elton Brand) for most of the season and their veteran presence was robbed with Sam Cassell now in Boston. Plus, let's admit it, they're the Clippers, what were you expecting? Denver, however, has little excuse. They have two of the top five scorers in the NBA and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year . For all of that, they may end up no better than the Clippers----in the lottery. Rest assured, there is no comparison between the teams. Denver is 46-31, the Clippers are 23-54. Though, I think we can agree that will be of little solace to the Nuggets if they miss the postseason. One way to prevent that from happening-----at least for a moment----is to defeat the Clippers this evening.

Outlook: The Nuggets have lost their last two games, both to teams with nothing to play for. Tonight, the Clippers can make it three. You have to kind of think that either the Nuggets are more determined than ever or are more resigned than ever. I'm not sure which one it is.

Numbers: The Clippers have lost eight of their last ten games but that doesn't mean much. Momentum is not on either team's side, but if the Nuggets can seize it early, it could make all the difference.

Prediction: A game like this----a road test----is one the Nuggets have more often failed than passed recently. The Clippers are not an imposing threat, yet, I feel they have a shot to rise up and knock off a team that has twice as many wins as they do. All of that being said, I'm picking the Nuggets. You have to play as a team, but on some nights, you can win with sheer talent. Tonight may be one of those nights.

Hope to see you on Wednesday.

-"z"

Then again, a loss by Golden State will do it too.

You may not have been able to say this for most of the regular season, but
at least right now, it's good to be the Denver Nuggets.

They can clinch a playoff berth--their fifth straight--with a win over Memphis on Wednesday. Then again, they may not have to wait that long. If the Suns defeat the Warriors Monday, the Nuggets are in. Simply put, they can get in by winning or losing---and only a catastrophe can keep them out.

The Nuggets hold their potential playoff future in their hands--a feeling they briefly held a few weeks ago when they defeated Golden State. They recaptured that feeling on Thursday night, after a win over....you got it, Golden State.

Everybody who says guys in the NBA take nights off may be correct, but at the very least, everybody can admit that this year, for some teams, including the Nuggets, every game counted. Each team in the NBA plays 82 regular season games and it might take the Nuggets all 82 of them to earn a spot.

A loss to Memphis could be described as a "superior team unexpectedly losing to an inferior team with a significant amount hanging in the balance." That's a fancy way of saying "choke." The Nuggets have been known to play down to the level of their opponent--losses to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Charlotte prove that.

However, in games that matter, they have proved that as an NBA force, that they matter. Their win over Golden State on Thursday night was a great example of that. Although, they were blown out by the Jazz two night later. However, the victory at Oracle Arena gave them a big advanatge in their race with Golden State, making the Utah game not a must win. In addition, the Jazz are the best team in the NBA at home, so a win seemed unlikely in any sceanrio. So, even though that loss was a little bit alarming, the Nuggets can't worry about how they might match up with the Jazz in the postseason, that is, until they qualify for the postseason. At this point, that seems like a safe assumption. Then again, you never know, so stay tuned...the Nuggets certainly will be.

I hope you have a nice Monday!

Tomorrow: If the Nuggets do get the eighth spot, who would they have a better chance of defeating as a top seed---The Hornets or the Lakers?---- I'll discuss that tomorrow. As always, your thoughts are welcome at zmehenti@cw2.com

Editor's Note: Today the blog was going to address the topic of who the Nuggets would like to see as an opponent in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, but due to the arrest of Carmelo Anthony on suspicion of DUI, we have changed our focus for today's topic.

There he is.

The mugshot is front and center on the homepage of the News 2 Colorado website and I'm guessing we're not the only place where you can see a less-than-flattering portrait of Carmelo Anthony, snapped by the Denver Police Department's version of Annie Leibovitz at some point shortly after 4:00 A.M. on Monday.

You can say that Monday, April 14th was an interesting day for Anthony. It started with his arrest and ended with the Nuggets qualifying for the postseason for the fifth consecutive year--thanks in no small part to him. He has been wearing a Nuggets uniform for five years and has never missed the Playoffs.

That's something that both of his peers, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, the two players he is most often compared to, can't say. Then again, even though Carmelo has never missed the League's postseason party, he has never gotten out of the first round. That's something James and Wade can easily say they have. Both of them have played in the NBA Finals. Carmelo would love to see what the second round feels like.

So, if as we project, the Nuggets grab the eighth seed and face the Lakers in the opening round, it could be five straight early exits for Anthony. As we know, in a season where the best in the West played its best, there would be no surprise-maybe a little disappointment--though no palpable sense of frustration, if the 2008 Nuggets don't channel the 1994 Nuggets and pull off a shocker. The Nuggets are deep, it's just they play shallow at times.

With all of that mentioned, if they are eliminated by Los Angeles, the reasonable conclusion would be that they were defeated by a superior team. I think it reasonable to assume, however, that at some point, Anthony's arrest, will be brought up as a possible excuse as well. Do I think that is valid? I do not think it is. Teams deal with distractions all season long. However, the timing is just too much for some to ignore. Does Anthony care about this team? I think he does. Does he care about his image? I think he probably does, though his actions seem to indicate a different story.

Have a nice Tuesday.

-"z"

Tonight, the Nuggets end the regular season at home against the Memphis Grizzlies. Expect a big win.

This team, by its nature, is primed for a letdown---though I don't think it will happen. The evidence is there: the game doesn't mean that much---a usual indicator of disapassionate play for Denver. However, after everything that has transpired with Carmelo the last two days, they will be primed and ready. After all, they may as well look at this game as a tuneup, since the next time they play after tonight, there will be Playoff packed pressure.

Preview: The Grizzlies season could really only be described as grizzly in nature. The Nuggets have not much to lose----except a little confidence. They know, even at playing at less than full throttle, it should be enough to win this game. That being said, with momentum on the line, a blowout win should not be only hopeful, but instead, probably expected.

Numbers: The Grizzlies have won a total of 22 games. The Nuggets have won 31 games----at The Pepsi Center. The Nuggets have more wins at home than the Grizzlies do overall.

Prediction: A big win. Really, anything else, wouldn't be a "win" in my book.

Have a nice Wednesday, everybody.

-"z"

Well, it took until the very last day of the NBA regular season, however, we finally have the eight teams that will try duke it out for the honor of representing the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. If Dick Van Patten was correct and "Eight is Enough," the Nuggets will be just fine with seed number eight--the question remains-- will it be enough to defeat the Lakers starting this Sunday in Game One?

The NBA now has had the best-of-seven first round format in place for quite a bit, so with that let's mention seven key factors that could tilt the balance of power in this series.

1) Regular Season Series, Lakers Win 3-0.
Sure, it's the Playoffs so the intensity level of both teams will probably be unlike any of their NBA regular season meetings, but as I have mentioned before, in sports and in life in general, I am a "body of work" guy. I always tend to judge things based on "more" rather than "less" and to me these three wins by the Lakers are more than enough to convince me that a trend is developing.

2) Regular Season Margin Of Victory For The Lakers Is 16.3 Points.
The easiest win over the Nuggets was a 127-99 lopsided finish on November 29 in Los Angeles. The closest game was a 107-100 loss on December 5 in Denver--a place the Nuggets lost only seven times all season long. Translation: The Lakers should win easily at home and while it will be difficult, probably win either Game 3 or Game 4 here in town---though, just like the regular season, it won't be easy.

3) First-Round Rumblings
The Nuggets have qualified for the postseason for the fifth consecutive year. Although, they have not advanced to the second round in their previous four attempts. This Nuggets team finished with 50 wins----their best mark in 20 years--and may have little to show for it. Each year is different, though, if they fail to advance, fair or not, this Nuggets team will be grouped with those other four mundane rosters as just another opening round bust.

4) Who's Hurting And Will It Hurt Their Team?
The Lakers were hoping to have Andrew Bynum back at this point but his knee still isn't cooperatiing as well as he may have hoped. Sure, the Lakers would love to have him in the lineup. It may be a little difficult to ingratiate him into the offensive sets and flow at this point, however, having somebody with his length would, if nothing else, in my estimation, pay immediate dividends on the defensive end of the court. The Lakers, without Bynum for the stretch, still managed to attain the top seed in the Conference. How good would they have been with a healthy Bynum?

The Nuggets may have Nene Hilario at some point, his return has been a source of inspiration for this team. Chucky Atkins is fully healthy but fully (more or less) out of the picture. Not what he or the team were expecting even after he fully healed from his groin injury.

5) Some Superstars To Spare.
There can be an argument made that there is no first round series with as much "star power" as this one has. That's kind of rare to say in a 1 vs. 8 situation, but put Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Pau Gasol, and Kobe Bryant on the floor at once and it's like a constellation out there in the Hollywood sky on Sunday.

6) Denver's Desire
The Lakers have been playing with a sense of passion and dedication that may not be rivaled by any team. The Nuggets have continually been plagued by questions surrounding their intensity, specifically on the defensive end. Anything less than complete and utter focus by the Nuggets is unacceptable from this point on.

7) First-Round Fodder.
Only three teams have ever won a first round series as an eight seed. The Knicks knocked off the top-seeded Heat and in 1994, the Nuggets outlasted the Sonics in a classic series. That Sonics team was coached by George Karl. The Nuggets head coach can only hope that history repeats itself and on this occasion, he's the one celebrating.

Enjoy what looks to be a fun matchup starting this Sunday. I hope to see you tomorrow.

-"z"

I have a feeling I will be wrong more than right with these predictions. However, at least that means I will be proven right about my ability to be wrong so I can hold my head up high about something. Agree or disagree? Let me know at zmehenti@cw2.com

NBA Eastern Conference First Round

(8) Atlanta Hawks vs. (1) Boston Celtics
I think the Celtics are more focused than any team in the East. They have three veterans hungry to win and nobody, in my estimation, in the NBA plays with more intensity than Kevin Garnett. His focus and dedication has spread to his teammates and helped produce one of the great season to season turnarounds in NBA history. His drive and tenacity were legendary in Minnesota, a place where the team made only one serious playoff run with him. If he was that motivated in a mediocre settting, just imagine how mentally prepared he will be knowing he now has the talent around him to go the distance. As for Atlanta, they at least get to be a footnote to a trivia question: "Who did the Celtics defeat on their way to their first NBA title in 22 years?"
Prediction: Celtics 4-0.

(7) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (2) Detroit Pistons
I think the Pistons window is rapidly closing. They still have former George Washington star and CU standout Chauncey Billups but I am not totally sold on the rest of this team. To me, there seems to be a disconnect between the coaching staff and players. Then again, dealing with Rasheed Wallace, on occasion, will want to make any coach disengage for a while. The Sixers are an exciting team with a bright future but experience in the postseason matters. That last factor leans heavily in the favor of the Pistons.
Prediction: Pistons 4-1

(6) Toronto Raptors vs. (3) Orlando Magic
Outside of watching two of the brightest stars the NBA has to offer in Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard, this series isn't that exciting. Though, those two guys are so incredibly good that it'll be worth it to just watch them and ignore the other eight guys on the floor.
Prediction: Magic 4-1

(5) Washington Wizards vs. (4) Cleveland Cavs
This week Charles Barkley called the Wizards "the dumbest team in the history of civilization" for Washington's vocal outcry of wanting to face Cleveland in the first round and most likely angering LeBron James in the process. Barkley is hilarious and the Wizards thinking they have anyone who can stop James is almost as funny, too.
Prediction: Cavs 4-1

NBA Western Conference First Round

(8) Denver Nuggets vs. (1) Los Angeles Lakers
I just do not see how the Nuggets can pull this one out unless they are totally committed to playing defense. As we have come to see, the offense is there but at times the defensive effort is offensive. No more lazy performances, half-hearted games, and lethargic play. Sounds like a plan any team would have that makes the postseason. Then again, the Nuggets made it despite falling victim to those issues. If they creep up again, it will be a blotch on their desire and willingness to win, something the Lakers have done plenty of this season.
Prediction: Lakers 4-1

(7) Dallas Mavericks vs. (2) New Orleans Hornets
Almost nobody gave the Hornets a chance to finish the regular season as the top seed in the West or for that matter hang around as long as they did. It took the Lakers all 82 games to pass them. The Hornets are motivated. They have heard they are not legitimate contenders despite that sustained run as nearly the best in the West this regular season. They have been chided for a lack of Playoff experience. That last part is true. However, you could argue the Playoff experience that Dallas has had to end 2006 and its first round appearance in 2007 were not exactly confidence builders.
Prediction: Hornets 4-3

(6) Phoenix Suns vs. (3) San Antonio Spurs
The Suns traded for Shaquille O'Neal more or less to contend with this team. In terms of the emotional aspect, the Suns still are smarting over last year's loss to the Spurs. I think the Suns know this could be it for them. Shaquille,Steve Nash,and Grant Hill know time is of the essence as far as their careers go. They have watched San Antonio win four titles, the latest one of them, as we mentioned, a title Phoenix thought could have been their own. Revenge is sweet, Suns fans.
Prediction: Suns 4-2

(5) Houston Rockets vs. (4) Utah Jazz
The Jazz are tremedous at home. Away from Energy Solutions Arena, their level of success is different. However, if they can just win one game in Houston, I think this series is over.
Prediction: Jazz 4-1

Should be a fun weekend of games. See you on Monday morning, have a nice weekend.

-"z"

Maybe it was an omen for the Nuggets.

On Sunday afternoon, around two-and-half hours before Game One of their Playoff series opener with the Lakers, the Nuggets boarded the team bus to head to The Staples Center.

One problem: The bus broke down on I-10 on the way to the venue.

Later that afternoon, it was the Nuggets that broke down, especially on defense ( Oh yeah, I know, so what else is new?)

They scored 114 points......and still lost by double figures.

After the game George Karl said there was no sense of concern and that the first thing they will address is defense. Sounds great, but wasn't he saying that about defense back in October?

My opinion: After 82 games, for better or worse, you are what you are as a team. The Nuggets played inconsistently on defense, as they have more or less the entire season. To think that they are just going to flip the switch and turn up the defensive intensity at this point seems hard to imagine. Although, if they don't, it seems hard to imagine they would advance.

Have a great Monday everyone.

-"z"

It seems rather hard to imagine, though there it was: Marcus Camby, the NBA's reigning Defensive Player Of The Year, looking defenseless as Pau Gasol scored seemingly at will in a game the Nuggets said they could win, even though, we all knew they couldn't.

The Nuggets scored 114 points and still lost by 14 points? What?

George Karl said he would address defense to his team on Monday. Sounds good, but considering he said the same thing on a Monday months ago in Durango, this is becoming a rather tired refrain from the head coach.

This is my opinion on the matter.

The Nuggets really do not put an emphasis on defense, they instead just play the passing lanes. In other words, they cheat on defense, they stick their hands out and hope for a steal or maybe a partial deflection. It takes a lot less effort than actually playing defense and on occasion, it can get you the same results as actually playing the part. For the Nuggets, anything that requires less effort, equals more of chance of them trying it.

There is nothing wrong with playing the passing lanes if you are playing an inferior team. That way, you relax or "cheat" a little on defense and conserve your energy on the defensive end, with the full realization you can defeat an overwhelmed opponent with less than maximum effort. Really, I do not have a problem with this idea. After all, in a long and grueling NBA regular season, if you have the chance to grab a little rest and you can win, you should do it.

However, we can all agree that the Lakers are not an inferior team. It is going to more or less going take everything the Nuggets have to win this series. What's that old saying? Oh, yeah, "cheaters" never win.

Game two is Wednesday night at Staples Center.

Have a nice day.

-"z"

You got to hand it to the Nuggets.

On Monday and Tuesday, they said they would be concentrating on defense. It worked, at least I think it worked. According to the evidence, it technically did. In Game One they gave up 128 points. In Game Two, they gave up 122 points...so they clamped down and allowed six fewer points! Any legitimate playoff contender that gives up 122 points in any postseason game (if that is the lowest point total they have surrendered to the opponent), has a big problem.

In the first game of this series, the star of the game was Pau Gasol. He overshadowed Kobe Bryant. Not so much last night. On Wednesday, Bryant scored 49 points. He had 20 points in the first quarter. Rather impressive, that is, until you consider this: He scored 19 in the last 4:19 of the fourth quarter. George Karl actually used the word rather "undefendable" when discussing Bryant's game when his jump shot is on. The Nuggets played better last night, but you get the feeling that the disparity--not in talent--though, instead, in teamwork, might be the deciding factor.

A sign of great team play is a team's ability and willingness to pass...The Lakers passing on Sunday, just like the NBA used to say about itself in the 1980s, was fantastic. The performance of Gasol on Sunday was due in part to his stellar ability, though the ability of his teammates to get him easy baskets off of great passes was also a factor. Just tell me this? Who on the Nuggets passes well? Who on the Nuggets even likes passing? Two questions as well as a two-nothing edge for the Lakers.

See you on Friday morning.

-"z"

After speaking with the Nuggets today at practice, they sound very much like a team that is up 2-0, not down 2-0 in their series with the Lakers in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs.

That could be because up until the Nuggets hit the practice court on Friday, every other team that was up 2-0 so far, has lost. The numbers, as they say, don't lie.

The Nuggets are a team not in turmoil (as many suggest), they merely seem like a team that is not outmanned, but just outhustled. Case in point, head coach George Karl said that his team could win games giving up a ton of points (average of 125 through the first two games), though him just floating that idea seems a bit odd. However, it does show, in a strange way, that he thinks his squad can defeat the top seed in the Conference
even without addressing their biggest team liability-----defense.

Also, add the much needed "home sweet home" factor as a possible advantage. The Nuggets were 33-8 at 1000 Chopper Circle this season. However, none of those 33 came against the Lakers. The closest Denver came to winning against the top seed in the West was a 107-100 loss at the Pepsi Center back in December. The average margin of defeat has been 16.3 points. The odds don't look good, but I think the chances they rise to the occasion, at least on Saturday do.

Enjoy watching the series continue on Saturday, I will have a blog up Sunday with my thoughts and as always would like to hear yours at zmehenti@cw2.com

-"z"

Those words came out of the mouth of Carmelo Anthony after Game Three on Saturday night.

This time he wasn't referring to their often transparent defensive play but instead the team's overall performance level and effort in a debilitating 102-84 loss to the Lakers, putting the Nuggets one loss away from the end of their often rocky season. This turn of events was especially embarrassing considering how Allen Iverson said he thought the Nuggets were the best team in the West.

Then, after this game, Iverson had a different tone----not defiance towards the doubters, but instead towards head coach George Karl for not putting him back in the game for the final 10:49 of the fourth quarter and for according to Iverson, not talking to him after the game. The response from Iverson seemed to be part incredulous and part anger. He said "I played every game with a broken finger and all. I always come to play, every game we had. So why not tell me nothing?"

Karl may not have coached his last game with the Nuggets, but it seems pretty clear that the players have tuned him out----perhaps for good. With that logic, why not change coaches? Well, Karl is on the hook for a few million dollars and owner Stan Kroenke may not just want to hand it over to him along with a pink slip. However, for all parties involved, an end to this relationship seems best.

We have been talking about it all season and the larger picture is currently in focus. The team did not really listen to Karl about playing defense and today showed they may not listen to him at all, in regards to moving this team forward. Karl can coach, he took Seattle to the NBA Finals and Milwaukee to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, and even won 32 of his first 40 games as the Nuggets head coach. However, he never seemed to build off of that initial spurt and the team has been treading water for almost his entire tenure. They are good, just not good enough and this season, that isn't going to get you far.

The Nuggets are down 3-0 and while mathematics says they are still alive, emotion shows they may not be....after all, just look at the headline of today's entry.

Enjoy your Sunday, hope to see some of you at the Cherry Creek Sneak.

-"z"

The 242 selections have been made and the 2008 NFL Draft has concluded. The results truly won't be known for years but that doesn't stop everyone from weighing in with their opinions now anyway. The following analysis and grades are for the Denver Broncos.

Mel Kiper, Junior, ESPN.com
Grade: C+
Ryan Clady is the left tackle the Broncos needed to help Jay Cutler, and Clady should start right away. Eddie Royal is a decent slot receiver who has some return skills, Kory Lichtensteiger was one of the top centers in the draft and Arizona State's Ryan Torain is an interesting pick at running back because he has the potential to prosper in Denver. Torain's ASU teammate, safety Joshua Barrett, has great physical abilities, but does not always play up to his potential. I want to see how they use FB Peyton Hillis because he has great hands out of the backfield, and would be an ideal H-back if he were a couple of inches taller.

Larry Weisman, USA Today
Grade: D+
Happy times when need and the right player coincide. Ryan Clady can eventually step in at LT, where the Broncos lost 11-year veteran Matt Lepsis to retirement. WR Eddie Royal helps on punt returns and gives Denver wiggle room with Brandon Marshall, a question mark because of an arm injury. But why draft Royal after signing veterans Darrell Jackson and Keary Colbert and Brandon Stokley before that? Lot of money is being tied up in this position.

Clifton Brown, The Sporting News
Grade: C-
Ryan Clady will help the offensive line, but after him their draft tailed off. They needed help on the defensive line but added only a fifth-rounder. They may have overrated Eddie Royal as a receiver.

John Czarnecki, Foxsports.com
Grade: C
Well, the Broncos became the first NFL team to ever take a Boise State Broncos player in the first round. Offensive tackle Ryan Clady should be able to protect quarterback Jay Cutler as well as Kory Lichtensteiger, who played at both guard and center at Bowling Green. He was a four-year starter. Both of these linemen are very athletic — a Denver trademark to success. Clady will probably be on the right side as a rookie, but has the feet to be a left tackle. Virginia Tech WR Eddie Royal was a need after the loss of Javon Walker and the wacky injury news regarding top receiver Brandon Marshall. Royal has been compared to Carolina's Steve Smith. Kent State CB Jack Williams has 4.32 speed, while Arizona State RB Ryan Torain is coming off a broken foot early in his senior season.

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com
Grade: B
Best pick: Running back Ryan Torain, taken in the fifth round, has second-round ability but a foot injury dropped his stock. The Broncos will love this kid.

Questionable move: Second-round pick Eddie Royal will give the passing game a speedy receiver who can help Jay Cutler, but did he go too high at No. 42 overall?

Second-day gem: Sixth-round pick Spencer Larsen was a tackling machine at Arizona.

Gregg Rosenthal and Eva Silva, NBCSports.com
Grade: B+

Denver Broncos
Denver does a great job finding players that fit its scheme. They were thrilled the second best tackle in the draft was still on the board in Boise State’s Ryan Clady. He fits the Broncos’ zone blocking scheme better than Jake Long does. They also picked up a potential starting center later. Virginia Tech’s Eddie Royal has extra value on returns and could develop as a rugged receiving complement to Brandon Marshall in the mold of former fan favorite Easy Ed McCaffrey. Arizona State running back Ryan Torain, a fourth-round pick, could be the next unknown Broncos runner to emerge as a star.

Zubin Mehenti (Like Anyone Cares About His Opinion), News 2 Colorado
Grade: B
Ryan Clady was a great move, if not a needed one. They needed an offensive tackle and with Jake Long off the board, they had their choice of Clady, Jeff Otah, or Branden Albert. They could have had any of the three and they had Clady at the top of their war room board. They got who they wanted in the first round and he is expected to be a starter. Immediate dividends at a spot they need immediate production. Nicely done there by the Broncos. I would have liked to have seen the team go after DeSean Jackson rather than Eddie Royal. I like Ryan Torain, could be the latest in another mid to late round running back discovery by head coach Mike Shanahan. I would have liked them to draft Brandon Coutu, a placekicker from Georgia, a player regarded as the best at his position available and with Denver's problems in the kicking and punting game, it may have been worth a shot, especially late, after all, he wasn't taken until the Seahawks drafted him in the seventh round, 235th overall.

I hope you have a nice Monday.

-"z"

For yet another season--a fifth straight--if you are counting, the Nuggets are done playing basketball way before they wanted to be. So what is next for the players and coaching staff? The logical thinking says a major shakeup is in the works for this franchise after being handed another opening round parting gift, but financially due to some salary cap limitations, I think there is a decent chance the team comes back more intact than many think.

The Nuggets won 50 games this season and were 33-8 at home. Those are impressive numbers and can be seen as building blocks. Although, as the Nuggets are finding out, the balance of power has perhaps never been tilted more towards the Western Conference than it is now. That means its going to be even harder for them to compete in years to come. Let's face it: When you win 50 games and it's seen as disappointment, the bar has been raised. The question now becomes are the Nuggets going to rise to the occasion?

The coaching staff is a question, although the reports this weekend seem to indicate it is not. Head coach George Karl is set to return, if he wants to. His critics will point to the theory that his players may have tumed him out or quit on him as one player indicated. All season long, Karl stressed playing defense and the team's downfall was their lack of defense. Karl is talking. The question now is, is anybody listening?

I have been a big proponent of Allen Iverson since he was traded to the Nuggets. His desire is unmatched as evidenced by his leading the NBA in minutes played at the age of 32. He shows no signs of slowing down. After the game, he admitted that the focus of this team going forward has to be their work on the defensive end of the court. They have two of the most prolific offensive players in the NBA, now if that same tenacity they have on offense can just be channeled into the same level defensively, maybe the second round awaits them next season.

Enjoy your Tuesday everybody.

-"z"

After the NFL Draft concluded on Sunday, the Broncos seemed to improve in all areas of need--that is, except for one.

The squad needed help on the offensive line. Ryan Clady. Check.

They needed someone to help on kick and punt returns. Eddie Royal. Check.

They also need some competition at the placekicker position. Nothing. No check.

As training camp opens, it becomes rather obvious that Matt Prater is in the driver's seat. He hasn't been handed the job but with almost nobody pushing him, it seems like it is his to lose. That really is hard for me to imagine.

In the NFL a place filled with parity, a place where the line between winning and losing is so slim, a place where close games are commonplace, why would they.would put all of their trust in an unproven player?

In that regard, what would be the harm in using a late round draft pick on a placekicker? Many late round choices do not make the team and as the draft goes on into the second day picks, may teams draft the best available player. A placekicker rarely falls into the "best available" player designation, however, if that is a position of concern for your team and somebody of consequence is out there, why not gamble a late round draft selection on him with little to lose?

On that front, the best placekicker, in the opinion of many, was Brandon Coutu of Georgia. He was selected in the seventh round by Seattle. He was taken 235th overall. Would that have been a risk worth taking for the Broncos? If it means the difference between possibly winning and losing four games (Thank you, Jason Elam), I think the answer is an overwhelming yes.

I hope everyone has a great Wednesday.

-"z"