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 Jerry Schemmel is here to speak his mind. As the voice of the Denver Nuggets since 1992, he is allowed to do just that. You've heard him call the colorful play-by-play during Nuggets games on the Altitude Radio Network. You've heard him give his tremendous basketball insight on a variety of shows on Altitude Sports & Entertainment. Now he's taking over Nuggets.com with the stuff that is really picking at his brain. This is Jerry Schemmel's Take On Things . . . so pay attention. NOTE: These are the views of Jerry Schemmel and by no means reflect the views of the Nuggets organization.
May 16, 2007 -- What a crazy season! Fun, at times, but quite crazy! First, Kenyon Martin goes down after two games with another knee injury and is lost for the season. Then there was the fight in New York and the subsequent suspensions of Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith. Then there was the Iverson trade. Then the Blake trade. Then Coby Karl’s second cancer diagnosis. Then a late season surge. Then a game one win in San Antonio. Then another quick playoff exit. I can’t think of a zanier team in the NBA this year than these Nuggets. Nor can I think of a crazier Nuggets season in the 14 years I’ve been here. What a seven months! Equal parts hope, sadness, excitement, and disappointment. So, I guess now it’s time to look ahead. It seams to make sense, at least to me, to try to keep this team together. There is simply a lot of talent here. Some moves do need to be made. If we are unable to re-sign Steve Blake, another point guard seems a priority in that situation. Some more outside shooting would be helpful. But if you look at the core of the team, and see all that talent, you have to be optimistic. Carmelo had an incredible year, a year where he flirted for a long time with the NBA scoring title. Nene, after February 1st, became a big-time power forward, even a force at times. Linas Klieza drastically improved. J.R. Smith, despite a suspension and knee surgery, had by far his best pro season. Camby was the league’s top defender. And Allen Iverson was, well, Allen Iverson. Word is Nuggets management would like to keep this group together. Tinker with the personnel a little, but keep this bunch in tact. It seems prudent to give George Karl a healthy roster, which might well include Kenyon Martin, and a full training camp with that roster. It was a crazy 2006-07 Denver Nuggets season. But now we look ahead. And when we do, we should see a cupboard that is pretty well stocked. Looking ahead, we should see a great deal optimism.
Jerry's Other Takes:
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