Denver Nuggets 2001-02 Capsule
COACH: Dan Issel (third season, 171-191 overall)
LAST SEASON: 40-42, sixth in Midwest Division
ARRIVALS: G Avery Johnson (free agent), G Isaiah Rider (free agent), F Scott Williams (trade with Milwaukee), G Omar Cook (second-round pick)
DEPARTURES: F Kevin Willis, G Robert Pack
SLAM DUNKS: In the absence of F Antonio McDyess, G Nick Van Exel (17.7 ppg, 8.5 apg) will be the top offensive weapon. He is being moved to shooting guard to accommodate Johnson (5.6, 4.3), who is better at running an offense and looks to get his teammates involved more. One player would could turn it up is C Raef LaFrentz (12.9, 7.8 rpg), who has been a tantalizing performer since being drafted in 1997. The Nuggets have some shooters in Gs George McCloud (9.6) and Voshon Lenard (12.2). G-F James Posey (8.1, 5.3) has outstanding athleticism and could be on the verge of a breakout season.
AIRBALLS: McDyess (20.8, 12.1) is out until February recovering from knee surgery, which means Denver's season might be over before it begins. He is the fulcrum of the offense, drawing double-teams that open the floor for shooters and drivers. This team desperately needs a leader, and Van Exel is not the guy. Perhaps Johnson is. Williams (6.1, 5.5) helps a little, but the Nuggets look woefully small on the front line in a conference full of big players.
IN THE ZONE: Denver has been among the NBA's best at blocking shots the last two seasons. Losing the team's best defender severely hurts any plans to utilize the new zone rules. And with no one in the post to honor, teams will pressure Denver on the perimeter.
OUTLOOK: Denver has climbed from 11 to 40 wins over the last four seasons but that ascent is over without McDyess. By the time he returns, the Nuggets will be out of playoff contention. Even if LaFrentz really steps up, this team does not have enough.
