Just thought I'd post this before you guys had a chance to. Kind of a "pre-emptive strike". Part 1 of 3.
What a mess. There are way too many strong personalities involved. Bringing in Bearup w/ no clear defined role, however, is a common (mis-)management approach and more often than not leads to changes in the status quo. [See: Bill Reeves, Charlie Casserly, and the Houston Texans.]
While true, I think this situation was inevitable as GM and ownership were not exactly on the same page.
I don't know, that whole "you can only serve one general" crap was pretty destructive. Last time I checked, everyone has multiple bosses. The hope is that they all handle different responsiblities so that you don't get into the office space "memo" problem.
What is it about George Karl that, despite coaching perennial playoff teams, seems he's always the one that kills potentially very good teams?
George Karl can't help himself. Their 32-8 finishing spurt in '05 didn't surprise me all that much. He has a good basketball mind and he had the player's rapt attention for that 1/2 season. But during the full season in '06 his excesses manifested themselves. Wonder what will happen when Melo signs his extension? The balance of power will tilt to Melo and away from Karl and I wouldn't be surprised if coach has a big problem with it (and tells everybody who will listen). When Melo starts tuning out Karl next season, turn out the lights.
Karl is way good. But he's constantly just going overboard. that said, imma hold my opinion till this whole story gets printed.
I don't think the rest of the story is going to be any better for anyone involved. There's a guy who's been posting on a few Nugs boards that claims to have inside knowledge and, from the sound of it, probably does. He claims that Kiki was far more destructive to the team than Karl was. One thing he points out is that Kiki is GREAT with the media (which is true), so they're going to probably side with him in most instances of a struggle. I still think that Kiki got screwed and that the Nugs are headed on the right track, but to be brutally honest I have no facts to back this up. I am just going with my gut instinct (and with the Nuggets, it's usually safe to just assume the worst). It's going to be an interesting off-season in Denver. I know I'm dreading tomorrow's article which, according to the insider, is going to reflect very poorly on Kenyon Martin. That's not going to help his trade value any, that's for sure.
Wow. It feels good to be a Rockets fan. I feel like I should be offering you my condolences, Nuggets4.
Yeah, but he's getting better at it as he gets older and more crotchety. It used to take him 3-4 years before the implosion occurred.
I think he'll be re-signed. K-Mart's gone, and we're going to need him up front. Of course, it will be nice if he finally starts living up to his potential... I've accepted the fact that I did something in a past life that I deserve this karmic revenge. I must have kicked puppies or something.
Look at the bright side, at least you're not a Golden State Warriors fan. I met a Warriors fan once. I gave him a hug out of pity.
I will say this -- Kenyon Martin has a lot of blood on his hands here, but he was a man coming back from that injury that early, and playing through it all season. Webber stayed out until February with that injury, and stunk all year. Amare missed all 2005-06. I think Allan Houston died on the table. So for Kenyon to come back in time to play for that depleted frontcourt, that's saying something. And yet, he's still not worth half his salary. 14 and 7 when healthy, and without looking, he's gotta be 29 or so (if drafted at 23).
I'm blown away by this story. There is so much candid truth in it. I can't believe some of the things that are coming out. Things must have really boiled over in Denver.
