How 'Bout Those Denver Nuggets?

The Denver Nuggets ended the 2007-2008 season with a heartbreaking 0-4 performance against the L.A. Lakers in the first round of the Western Conference Finals.

However, a year later the Nuggets dispensed with Marcus Camby and sent Allen Iverson to Detroit, which brought veteran guard Chauncey Billups back home to Denver.

Billups, along with Nuggets leader Carmelo Anthony, have led Denver to a 13-6 record, ranking them among the league's best teams. Their most impressive win came in Boston when they defeated the Boston Celtics on their home court.

So what gives with the Nuggets? Is it getting rid of Iverson and Camby that has made the difference or, is it bringing in Billups?

The truth is, there are many answers to these questions.  I think the Nuggets' rebound from last year's disappointing finish starts with Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony after winning the gold medal this year in China, has come back home to Denver with a more complete game. 'Melo has been averaging over eight rebounds a game, which is higher than any other time in his career. He is rebounding, passing the ball, and still averaging over 20 points a game. Carmelo has made dramatic improvements on the defensive side of the ball as well, which has helped to motivate his teammates.

The other change has been Chauncey Billups. With Allen Iverson, the Nuggets played a fast and uptempo pace on the offensive side of the court, and were too tired to play effective defense. Billups is a much better fit for Coach Karl's offense and helps slow the game down and distribute the ball better.

Billups also has more poise and veteran leadership qualities than Iverson.  He may not be as flashy but distributes the ball just as effectively.

With 'Melo and Billups taking most of opposing teams' attention, other guys like Nene and K-Mart have been able to make significant contributions this year. They are getting these opportunities as a result of the selfless play of 'Melo and Billups. Overall, I think the Nuggets are much more team-oriented this year, their defense has made great improvements, and 'Melo is learning how to be a leader in this league—not just a superstar.

If the Nuggets keep up their present level of play, then look out—because this team has everything it takes to be a NBA Champion. They have a superstar in Carmelo Anthony, a veteran guard in Chauncey Billups with playoff experience, a talented and fearless forward in Kenyon Martin and a 6'11", agile center in Nene Hilario who is averaging 15 points a game.

All of their starters are averaging over 10 points a game, and they have only lost three games since acquiring Billups.

What is most dangerous about this team is they have not seen the full range of their potential, as Melo is in a shooting slump, making only 40 percent of his shots this season. Yet, he is still averaging over 20 points a game—which shows that when he gets the rust out and starts making shots, he could be a 30 point-per-game player.

Beware L.A., because the Nuggets will not be the eighth seed this year, and it is going to take a lot more than four games to beat them!