2005 Denver Nuggets Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Denver Nuggets.

2005 Denver Nuggets Team Preview

Last season when George Karl took over for interim coach Michael Cooper an amazing thing happened—the Nuggets went 32-8 and made it into the playoffs! Karl inspired the team to up the stakes on defense and to embrace an up tempo attack. Although the team lost to the Spurs in the first round, the amazing turnaround may have been the beginning of a bright future for this team.

Coach Karl brings a lot to the court—a sound understanding of both the inside and outside game, an ability to get his point guards to control the court by running, and a penchant for focusing on rebounding and steals. In other words, he knows how to get a lot out of his players and how to keep them focused on the fundamentals that can help them win games.

Denver possesses some fine weapons, including small forward Carmelo Anthony, center Marcus Camby, and power forward Kenyon Martin. The success of this team depends upon this trio’s ability to reach their potential and to maintain their health.

Carmelo Anthony had been under performing due to excessive weight and an ankle injury. Anthony lost the weight—25 pounds—and used his newfound versatility and lightness to drive inside and post up. He took fewer outside shots too. The results were a jump in shooting percentage, from 39% to 49.3% and an increase in points per game, from 20.2 to 21.3 points. More of the same this year will serve Anthony, Karl, and the team well.

Ten-year veteran Marcus Camby was consistent in the paint with 10.3 points and 10 rebound per game. Last season when the center was healthy Denver won, but with Camby out they went 6-10. For Denver to be successful Camby needs to be a force on the court.

At power forward former Net Kenyon Martin played all right but well below expectations. His 15.5 points per game made a difference but with a maximum contract in-hand Martin should provide a bigger punch. Off season knee surgery appears to have been successful which is good news. If Martin can step it up a few notches this season that may be the best news the Nuggets can get.

Karl has a talented team that has the potential to really rise to the occasion and rise to the top of the playoff ladder. In order to get to that next level the Nuggets will need to be running efficiently on all cylinders.

For more information on the 2005 Denver Nuggets Team, click here to visit their official team website.