2013 Nuggets Playoff Preview

In my Nuggets mid-season report, I blathered on for 1900 words about how the quality of this year’s team was a refreshing surprise even to the most optimistic Nuggets fan (me).  I predicted 55 wins, a three seed in this year’s playoffs, and an NBA Championship.  Well, the NBA regular season is over, and YOUR DENVER NUGGETS finished with 57 wins and a three seed.  Are the Nuggets going to win an NBA championship?  I have no doubt that they are. 

As I see it, the only real question is can we hoist the National Basketball Association's coveted golden orb without Danilo Gallinari?  That’s not a real question; I’m being dramatic.  OF COURSE the Nuggets can win without their sharp-shooting small forward.  Galo is clutch, and I’m not trying to insult anyone here, but a healthy, driven Wilson Chandler is a better fit for the 2013 Nuggets squad. 

Again, trying to spare as many feelings as possible, but I’m not convinced that Anthony Randolph isn’t an adequate replacement for the basketball player formerly known as Italian Ice.  At 6’11, Randolph creates some match up problems in the three spot, and his takes are SO STRONG.  We don’t have to get into that part of Danilo Gallinari’s game- let’s just say I’d rather have Randolph touching my rack. 

With his rebounding prowess, an absent Kenneth Faried would be a impediment to our championship hopes, but living up to his nickname, the Manimal has stated, “if I can walk I can play,” and he figures to be back by game two of the first round.  Will his injury affect our team’s playoff chances?  I kindly doubt it, we’re talking about Kenneth Faried, NOT Kobe Bryant. 

Believe it or not readers, I’ve found myself at a loss for words.  This is by FAR the best Nuggets squad that I’ve ever seen. There is literally nothing that I can say to do this team justice.  All I know is that I am going to have the loudest, most obnoxious fan in the Pepsi Center during the playoffs.  I’m going to have the most-clever sign at our championship parade.  I can’t wait for the playoffs to start this afternoon.  

First round prediction:

 

Nuggets in 4.