Reyns Gems
My apologies to those who missed my posts over the past week, as I was in the process of installing internet in my new apartment.
And now to the question everybody is asking – can the Nuggets survive without Melo?
Yes they can.
First off, the timing of this injury could not be at a better time. I know that sounds strange, but think about it. The Nuggets play their next four games at home and six of the next seven. Adapting without your star player is much easier to do at home. Also, with the All-Star game approaching, Carmelo will get the three to four weeks needed and could possibly stall another week to the All-Star game. This is a great thing. It would give Melo an additional week without games to rest, all the while saving him for the stretch run. Remember he played all summer in China, so the rest is much welcomed.
What a difference a few months make. The Nuggets were old-news, a team in the luxury cap nightmare and not a hope in sight of anything more than another first round exit. Then Chauncey Billups arrived and changed everything for Denver. The Nuggets are 31-16, thanks in large part to the leadership and play of Billups. Kudos to the NBA All-Star selection committee for finally getting something right. A game that is reserved for flashy superstars and big named has-been’s was never suited for a fundamentally sound and savvy point guard. So naturally, when the All-Star reserves were announced I was shocked. The NBA had to allow one Nugget to suit up didn’t they? I mean we are talking about the third best team in the West right now. And since Carmelo sat out the past month with a broken hand, Billups was the only other option. I think it’s unfortunate to think that Billups only got into the game because the NBA had to. Regardless it’s good to see Mr. Big Shot with an exclusive invite. These types of “shows” really aren’t suited for Billups’ game, but it’s still an honorable way to spend a weekend off in the NBA. Or is it? Would Billups rather be on some cruise in the Caribbean? Either way, congratulations to Chauncey for the All-Star nod. It’s good to see him back home and playing well. Here are some of my other thoughts regarding the NBA All-Star rosters: - I agree with all the starter selections this year, aside from Iverson, who is receiving a fair share of criticism. Bottom line is the fan’s vote on the starters and they are going to vote on who they like. Iverson is still a very popular player, while the more deserving Devin Harris simply isn’t. I can understand the criticism, but enough is enough. All-Star games are for fans and not critics. - Shaq making yet another All-Star appearance? I mean come on. I know the West isn’t filled with stud big men, but Shaq??? Nene deserved to go more than Shaq did. How can you award a guy who consistently sits out one of the back-to-back games? The Suns are barely above .500, yet are sending two players. Once again it’s a popularity contest and I guess some people still living in 1999 love Shaq, but the “experts” should have known better. This is something the fans would do. - "The Deserving but nobody really knows about his Game" award once again goes to David West of the New Orleans Hornets. Okay the Hornets are having another great year and so is West, but nobody really recognizes the poor guy. I could see the invite last year when the game was in New Orleans. But two straight nods? - The East is filled with a lot of first-time selections including Jameer Nelson, Danny Granger, and Devin Harris. It really shows how the East is building around new, younger players. Harris is a lock and I guess Granger and Nelson are deserving as well. 
