Ty Lawson gives Denver Nuggets fans hop.

There is currently a lot of negative opinions about the Denver Nuggets and how successful they will be this season when/if the lockout is lifted. And it is pretty apparent why.

Last season, they traded Carmelo Anthony – who many considered as the best player in Nuggets history. They have to replace three players who played important roles for the team. Wilson Chandler, JR Smith and Kenyon Martin have each signed to play in China and won’t be able to play in the NBA until April at the earliest. Even when they return there is no guarantee they will play for the Nuggets. And lets not forget that the return of Nene, who was arguably the Nuggets most valuable player down the stretch last season, is in question after he declined a contract extension this summer.

But despite all of this, there is still reason to be excited about the Nuggets when/if the season begins. (more…)

Chauncey Billups went off in the U.S. team exhibition game versus France at the world championships. Billups scored 17 points on 3 of 6 shooting and also grabbed four rebounds. Like always, he helped his team more with his leadership. He was talking to his younger teammates on the court and talking to them in the huddle. Without him, nobody knows where the U.S. team would be. Can’t say Lamar Odom’s play wasn’t too impressive, but he did state he is out of shape. Rudy Gay led the squad with 19 points.

Nuggets waive Coby Karl and Brian Butch, which shouldn’t be too surprising since both had non-guaranteed contracts. Butch’s contract may be guaranteed since he was injured, but that is not yet known. Karl, who is coach George Karl’s son may come back in a partially guaranteed contract, but he also may gain interest from another squad. This opens two roster spots for additional players with some quality players that may be cheap. Louis Amundson, Josh Boone, former Francisco Elson, Bobby Simmons and Trenton Hassell may be good cheap options for the Nuggets.