Nuggets could be in trouble!

The All-Star festitivites have finished up, and I am very happy that both Carmelo Anthony (27 points, 10 rebounds) and Chauncey Billups (17 points & a 3rd place finish in the 3 pt shootout) had very good showings. But now it is time for the Nuggets to get back to work. They cannot afford any All-Star weekend hangovers, not with their 2nd seed in the Western Conference now in serious danger.

The Dallas Mavericks, yes, the same Mavericks team that Denver pounded days before the break, just improved themselves drastically. Dallas was bothered by the size Denver has and the physicallity that Denver plays with...So they did something about it. The Mavs acquired Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood from the Washington Wizards for Josh Howard and Drew Gooden. I can say I was hoping that it would be the Nuggets going after Haywood, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.

Now the Nuggets should be afraid. Dallas just got a whole lot bigger, better and more dangerous. Butler is a big guard or small forward who averages close to 17.0 points a game and is a solid rebounder. He will make the loss of Howard a little easier to swallow. Haywood is big (7'0, 263lbs) and averages close to a double double in points and rebounds. Like I said, Dallas just got bigger and they got a whole lot better. They knew they had deficiencies in their team and they did something to rectify their weakenesses. Nuggets fans should be very afraid!

Not only should Denver be shaking in their boots because teams around them are improving but also because they are not healthy. Carmelo continues to be plagued by a gimpy ankle and it has been suggested that he might ask for certain games off to continue to heal. It has been revealed that Kenyon Martin is likely to miss multiple games down the stretch because of knee tendinitis. This is worse news for Denver because Martin is the Nuggets most physical player. He is the quarterback of their defensive effort and without him in the lineup, they are not as physical or defensive minded. Martin missing time means more minutes for Chris Andersen, who has been battling injuries all year, and Nene. Last year Andersen, Nene and Martin wore out in the Western Conference Championship against the Lakers. The trio were physically worn out by the end of that series. We could see a repeat of that situation, especially if the Nuggets do as some are saying they might and stand pat at the trade deadline.

I hope and pray that Denver realizes that to take the next step they HAVE to make a move. They don't need another Johan Petro, they need someone who can contribute and make a difference. He has to be big, physcial, be a decent rebounder who can score a little from the post area. There are a ton of players out there who are said to be available, pick one and go get them. No more wasting time, luxury tax be damned. The goal of this team is supposed to be a championship, so it is time to get in championship mode. Dallas put the pedal to the metal and went all out trying to put themselves in the contender conversation, it is time for the Nuggets to do it too. Do something now or risk doing nothing come playoff time.