NOTE: These are the views of Jerry Schemmel and by no means reflect the views of the Nuggets organization.

Where Do We Go From Here?

May 9, 2006 -- With a so-called "disappointing" regular season win total of 44, a suspension of a star player for insubordination during the playoffs, a third-consecutive first round flare-out of the postseason, and then a parting of ways with a general manager, what direction do the Nuggets now head in? What do they do? How do they regroup? Where in the world do we go from here?

Let me see if I can sort it out just a little.

Fernando Medina NBAE/Getty Images

First, don’t be surprised if the naming of a new general manager doesn’t come for a long period of time. This one may well take a while. With only one second round pick in this year's NBA Draft, the 49th overall, deep preparation is not mandatory. With the remaining player personnel people the franchise has in place, identifying candidates and selecting the player for the 49th pick should not require a new GM to be on hand. And don’t be surprised if that new player personnel boss, whenever he might be hired, comes from within the organization.

It’s also a pretty sure bet that the team will try to move Kenyon Martin this summer. It seems only logical to try to do it when looking at the relationship he and the team seem to have. I happen to like Kenyon a lot personally. He has always been courteous and respectful to me and has picked up more than one tab on the road. I still think he has a big heart and a competitive drive, which I would hate to see go. But I also know, after 16 years in the league, how difficult it can be to mend broken relationships between a player and coach and a player and his team’s fans. The marriage might be irreconcilable.

It also seems quite logical that the team tries to strengthen its roster and address its personnel needs this summer. I believe that playoff basketball in the NBA always exposes your weaknesses, which is exactly what the Clippers did with Denver. George Karl, I believe, did a masterful job of covering up the Nuggets’ lack of perimeter shooting and low post scoring during the regular season. But the Clippers glaringly exposed those two soft spots in round one and have left the team with no choice but to try to shore them up. I don’t foresee any blockbuster trades, but I do think there will be some fairly drastic changes with the roster between now and October.

So, where do we go from here?

The important thing to remember is that there exists a talent base with this Nuggets team - there are some very good players that remain on this roster. "Rebuilding" is not necessary. "Revamping" might well be where we go from here.

Jerry's Other Takes:

• May 16, 2007: Looking Ahead to 2007-08
  
• Apr. 20, 2007: Nuggets Have What It Takes to Pull An Upset
  
• Jan. 2, 2007: A Question Worth Answering
  
• Sept. 21, 2006: Schemmel’s Take: Flying Under the Radar?
  
• Jul. 21, 2006: We're Getting There
  
• Jun. 12, 2006: What A Post-Season This Has Been!!