Denver Nuggets Would Be Better Off In Playoffs

Published: 13^th Apr 12 3:06 pm

by Derek Kessinger
Colorado Blogger

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Denver Nuggets Would Be Better Off In Playoffs

Ron Chenoy- US PRESSWIRE

Denver Post columnist Mark Kizsla will not be disappointed if the Denver Nuggets take a dive and enter the NBA lottery for a chance at a top pick in the 2012 NBA draft. Kizsla believes that the Nuggets will get killed if they play the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs, for good reason, but making the playoffs is part of the Nuggets culture.

The Nuggets have been in the playoffs every year since 2004, the first season for all-star Carmelo Anthony. While the Nuggets are fighting for relevancy in the NBA after losing their star, not making the 16-team field will only hurt the team’s credibility around the league. If the Nuggets missed, it would be the first time both the Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche have missed the playoffs since 1996.

The Nuggets have also done a great job finding talent in the middle of the first round in the NBA draft. Ty Lawson is turning into an all-star point guard and went 18th overall in the NBA draft. Kenneth Faried is starting to make a case for Rookie of the Year and was drafted with the 22nd pick last year. Jordan Hamilton is also cracking the rotation with the Nuggets and was the 26th pick overall.

The Nuggets have eight games remaining. At most, they could probably finish with the 12th to 14th pick in the lottery, with a small chance at a higher pick, but the Nuggets have a lot of talent and could make a trade to move up in the draft. The people of Denver would still rather get to watch their team swept in the playoffs than finish last in the lottery draft.

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