What's Next for the Denver Nuggets?

We all know the story of the Denver Nuggets' last two seasons: They're as talented as any team in the league, but for every bit of talent, just as volatile and inconsistent. Some nights they come out and beat the back-to-back champion Lakers in LA, sans their best players. 

Others...Well...Let's just go through what they have.

Legit NBA Superstar in Carmelo Anthony? Check.

Coach with over 900 regular season wins in Geroge Karl? Check.

Sixth Man of the Year candidate in JR Smith? Check.

One of the most fearsome and versatile (and underrated) defenders in the league in Kenyon Martin? Check.

One of the most steady, consistent PG's in the game, and widely considered the league's best leader in Chauncey Billups? Check.

Former Executive of the Year in Mark Warkentien? Check.

Lockdown perimeter defender in Arron Afflalo? Check.

Those are all very good pieces, and most of all, they are all integral parts in any championship team. The scorer, the leader, the voice, the brain, the X-factor, the fallback option, and the supporting cast.

Carmelo Anthony, undoubtedly the most well-rounded offensive player in the game, still gets questioned on his leadership abilities and defense, despite his teammates insisting he is the team leader.

George Karl, despite being 14 wins off 1000 career coaching wins, has never made the NBA Finals this milennium.

Chauncey Billups is soon to be 34 and has been visibly tired in the Nuggets' last two playoff campaigns.

The Nuggets seemingly have the talent, and they no doubt have the desire.

Who knows, if George Karl wasn't suddenly ripped from his troops due to cancer late this season, who's to say they don't go back to the Conference Finals?

No knock against Adrian Dantley, but he's not in the mold of George Karl, and whatever it is that Karl does for the Nuggets, it works.

So, the question inevitably looms: What's next for the Denver Nuggets?

Do they stay still, retain the core of the team, and hope health prevails in the players and the coaching staff so they can gear up for another run?

Their current free agents are Anthony Carter, Joey Graham, Johan Petro, and Malik Allen. Kenyon Martin has an early termination option in his contract, though it is highly doubtful he exercises that option.

Graham showed that he can be a valuable bench player while resting Melo, especially in the playoffs. Carter provides a veteran voice, Petro provides rebounding and length and still has upside. Malik Allen gives you another veteran voice, and tacos.

Or...

Do they make a couple of solid moves in order to get the defensive bigman and consistent inside scoring that the fanbase has been screaming for the last two seasons to help take the weight off of Melo?

The team has recently tried to acquire Tyrus Thomas from the Bulls, but he ended up in Charlotte, though it should be noted that he is a restricted free agent this offseason. Michael Beasley could also be had for the right price, and with many Denver fans calling for the ousting of JR Smith, the Nuggets do have pieces.

Or...

Do they make a big trade to land a prime player? Amare Stoudemire is not exercising his player option this offseason, and the word is being thrown around amongst Denver fans how his ability to finish inside would keep the defenses honest and give Melo more freedom.

Personally, I think option No. 2 is the most viable when Denver's two biggest needs are taken into account. They need a lengthy defensive bigman and another versatile wing/inside scorer, so the defense cannot key in on Carmelo Anthony.

Miami is listening to offers for Beasley, and Denver has expiring contracts and JR Smith. Tyrus Thomas is, as aforementioned, a free agent that Denver will no doubt be keeping tabs on. Jermaine O'Neal is another guy who could help, and some Denver fans have been wondering what price he could be had for. A defensive minded, lengthy inside defensive presence that can also score when asked.

Recently, rumors have made the rounds that the Nuggets are looking to get into the Top 10 of the upcoming draft and have been offering rookie gem Ty Lawson to do so. It would be hard for me to emphasize how against this prospect fans in Denver are.

A question for the front office; why replace the future at PG, and an integral part of the team, with an unproven bigman, when there's a huge market for proven bigmen this offseason to be had in free agency?

The front office is also hoping to get Carmelo Anthony to agree to an extension this offseason, and Denver fans are collectively holding their breath in anticipation. But in order for him to want to stay here in the long term, they're going to have to convince him that they have a bright future. 

There is good news amongst all this uncertainty and speculation; George Karl's return from his courageous battle with cancer next season is becoming more than likely.

Denver, we have one interesting offseason ahead of us.