Carmelo-Era Postmortem, Part Two

It's been a while since the trade happened, and I've chosen tonight to write because this was the night that the season ended. Statistically speaking, the Nuggets have almost no chance to move on to the next round.

There are a couple of ways that I see this series:

1) It's a damn shame the seedings ended up the way they did. Of all the teams in the Western Conference, the Thunder was the worst matchup. They have Lakers-type size and a young, big, energetic backcourt. Nene, not the most dominant guy down low, won't put it in at a high clip, especially with the skill that Ibaka, Perkins and Mohammed defend. They don't foul. Lawson and Felton can't create sufficient space to live up to their potentials as shooters. Sure, they can create, but the Thunder close out extremely well. When the guards penetrate, the Thunder's size causes a lot of missed layups. Defensively, it's impossible to guard the Thunder when Harden, Maynor, Westbrook and Durant shoot the way they've been. They're all dimensional enough that defenders have to respect them everywhere on the court. More heartbreaking for me is the way the Thunder's size manifests itself for them offensively: offensive rebounds. And they dominate the glass. Give me the Lakers, Spurs--anybody but these guys. But these guys is who we got.

2) Taking all of the above into account, who knew what was going to happen? And considering how the Nuggets performed in the second half of the season, there would've been a measure of justice to the Nuggets making a run in the postseason. It's been a triumph of the team concept. They didn't tank to get a favorable matchup. The figurative basketball gods should have rewarded this team, especially in a season in which LeBron and Carmelo so demonstrate the clout of the superstar.

But this season is over now. They're not winning four of the next five. Not against this team, which could well go on to win the championship. (I think they will. The impact of the Perkins trade may prove to be historical. Presti got himself a title this year.)

So what's next for this team? I assume that Felton will start next season (whenever that may be) on another team. He deserves to start. But it is with great regret that I say that. Considering he's under contract, the team could apply its leverage to keep him and guarantee another playoff season. That is how effective having both Lawson and Felton is. But Felton is gone, and rightfully so.

Recommendations:

Resign Nene and Afflalo; make them, Lawson, Gallinari and Mozgov the nucleus of this team. Resign Martin and keep him, Chandler, Koufos, and Andersen as role players. Let JR go and try to trade Harrington. Grant Felton his wish, but make sure a serviceable point guard comes back in return. (I wonder whether Chauncey opts out. He'd be a perfect backup combo guard. It's time for him to recede to the background.)

Last thing for 2010-11: I'd like to thank Masai Ujiri and Josh Kroenke, George Karl and this team for providing for the second-best stretch of ball I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy. It was fun to watch while it lasted.