NBA: Is Denver Looking To Usher Themselves Into A Rebuilding Phase?

This article courtesy of Rip City Report

It all started with the wedding.

Chris Paul raising his glass to the notion that a new "big-three" could be formed in the Big Apple.

That is, if Carmelo Anthony was willing.

And the second the Nuggets star took interest, Denver initiated the paving of its own path towards a rebuilding phase.

Sometimes you just don't see these kinds of things coming.

They sneak up on you.

They bite you in the butt.

One season you're winning 53 games and have the potential to compete for the Western Conference finals and the next...well, you are counting lottery picks, hoping for a spot of luck.

That is the current direction of the Denver Nuggets.

But it wasn't so clear up until earlier this month.

You still had your star player, the point guard that you have relied on for the past few seasons was aging, but you felt he still had a few good years left in him.

Your sixth man was having troubles with the law, but it would be alright considering the current direction of the organization.

By all means, the head coach was returning.

Giving your team a clear direction from a basketball standpoint.

Heck, you've even signed a big name free agent to a contract.

Rose colored glasses can be worn for a while, that is, until something jumps up and punches you in the face.

Suddenly, your star player wants to bolt for the city of dreams and it looks as though the front office will oblige.

Police are re-opening an investigation on one of your leading scorers, this run-in with the law could put him back behind bars.

Your leading post presence is reportedly on the chopping block and on his way out of the mile-high city.

All you have left is an aging point guard, a returning head coach, and a lot of role players.

Looks as though your future isn't as secure as you would have hoped.

In reality, this could be said about any team in the league.

If Kobe disappears tomorrow, well then the Lakers aren't winning any championships, although they may be in the playoffs.

Brandon Roy blows out his knee and the Portland Trail Blazers might very well have to start over.

The same for the Oklahoma City Thunder, nothing can happen to Kevin Durant if the Thunder wish to be any more than a lottery selection.

They're all living on the edge.

So were the Nuggets.

But instead, the ground is crumbling, one false move and the entire organization falls into the basement of the Western Conference.

It is best to rebuild now. The sooner the better.

You don't want to wait three years and then realize you are headed nowhere quickly.

You cut all ties with the players you currently have and rebuild through the draft.

The Nuggets are in a unique rebuilding situation because they can get young talent and draft picks from the players in exodus. Carmelo warrants young prospects and at least a first round draft pick. J.R. Smith is also worthy of something other than nothing.

You could most likely get a first round selection for Kenyon Martin too.

Suddenly, the Nuggets' bleak future looks brighter.

Accumulating draft selections is the way to go; just look at the Portland Trail Blazers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It works.

Draft well and you will be right back in the position you were a year ago, but this time, with talent that is there for the long haul.

As it stands, the Denver Nuggets are in for a few really down years, that is if Carmelo and company are traded away this off-season and not in two years.

and the best thing they could do for themselves, would be to rebuild entirely.

Keep Ty Lawson and Arron Afflalo.

You might even keep Nene.

But you have to start almost entirely from scratch. Because there is no point in pretending to be the Carmelo Anthony Nuggets team you were two years ago if you don't have Carmelo Anthony.

It's the sad truth, but reality sucks.

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