The Denver Nuggets have as much uncertainty surrounding them as any team in the NBA right now. This was a very good team the past couple years, but will they be as good in 2010-11? There are many question marks that make you wonder if they can remain one of the top teams in the Western Conference. One can only hope that George Karl is able to be on the sidelines all year, as the NBA needs a solid coach like him. Karl is 278-172 in his time as head coach of the Nuggets. This team will be scrutinized more than ever this year, and the rumors are bound to continue. They must be prepared to fight through the distractions.

Denver Nuggets Offseason Moves

The Denver Nuggets did almost nothing all offseason, which is part of the problem going into 2010-11. The biggest move they made was bringing in Al Harrington as the new sixth man for the team. Harrington has plenty of skills offensively, but he will have to work hard defensively as well. The biggest problem of the offseason has been the ongoing saga of what to do with Carmelo Anthony. There have been many trade rumors and there have been rumors that he is requesting a trade, but nothing has happened as of our deadline. Anthony is the team’s best player, so they really need him motivated and playing their best if they wish to contend this year.

2010-11 Denver Nuggets Outlook

The Denver Nuggets are still a team with plenty of talent to contend, but that will only happen if they stay motivated and play well as a team. Anthony has developed his game to the point that he is one of the best scorers in the league. Chauncey Billups is getting a little past his prime, but he is still a good leader and a solid point guard. Nene is a bit of an enigma because he looks terrific at times, but on some occasions he just isn’t effective at all. Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith both can become free agents after this year, and trading rumors are likely to follow them through the season. Chris Anderson and Martin are both solid defenders, but both will start the season dinged up. Denver needs their big men to get healthy to reach their full potential. Ty Lawson has proven to be a playmaker and he directs the offense very well.

The Denver Nuggets schedule is definitely a difficult one since they play in the Northwest Division. Interestingly, they start the season out by hosting the Jazz and finish the season by traveling to Salt Lake to play the Jazz. One of the biggest games on the schedule is their Christmas Day showdown in Oklahoma City with the Thunder. In March, the Nuggets have a stretch of seven out of eight games on the road. The stretch ends March 19 in Miami against the Heat.

2010-11 Denver Nuggets Futures Odds

The Denver Nuggets question marks have the books a little more down on them than they have been in past years. Denver is listed at +1500 to win the Western Conference Finals in 2010-11. They are listed at +500 to reach the Western Conference Finals. What about their chances to win the NBA Championship? BetUS lists the Denver Nuggets at +3,000 to win it all this year.

2010-11 Denver Nuggets Predictions

The Nuggets have numerous issues to worry about going into this season, which makes me a bit skeptical of their chances in 2010-11. Martin, Anthony, and Smith all seem a bit disgruntled, and that is never a good thing for team chemistry. Injuries are an issue, especially on the defensive end. The Nuggets finished last year at 53-29, but I think they’ll finish this year a little short of 50 wins.

Are the Nuggets worth putting some money on this year? I really believe this team has far too many question marks to be a real contender this year, and I think they will fade as others rise to the occasion in this tough division.

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