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Ever since the Denver Nuggets ridded themselves of Carmelo Anthony, their players have played better together as a team than any other squad in the NBA, and it’s not even close. The Nuggets have proven that the lack of a ball-hogging superstar can be a good thing as far as good old-fashioned teamwork goes. However, even this old-school basketball fan realizes the Nuggets are lacking that killer instinct that comes from a superstar. Denver must be careful, though, because the wrong addition could derail everything.
Trying to find an unselfish superstar to lead and NBA team is like hunting for a needle in a haystack – a solid analogy, especially if you’ve ever tried to find anything in or around a haystack. (Voice of experience here).
The Nuggets tried with guys like Anthony and Allen Iverson (that worked out well), but it just didn’t work. Neither of those players is anything remotely close to a leader and although they could each put up points in a hurry, neither can play defense to save their life, granted Melo is getting a little better in 2013 as a member of the New York Knicks.
Andre Iguodala is a superb player and one who creates highlight reel plays regularly, but he’s not enough to carry a team. But again, Denver isn’t a team that needs to be carried; the Nuggets simply need someone who can step up in crunch time.
That’s not to say they have no players who don’t try to do this, but the Nuggets play so well together as a team that it actually hurts them in critical moments of the game. I know, that’s extremely awkward to say as an old-school basketball fan, but it’s true. The Nuggets are almost there–they just need a piece of the puzzle to fit slightly differently going forward.
Jeric Griffin is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JericGriffin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
