I’ve been comparing the Nuggets and Spurs for months. It is predicated on the notion that if you don’t like the dearth of attention given to the Nuggets, then all they can do is win the championship. The NBA community must then grant them their due.
Do you honestly believe that the NBA and its media wished to lavish San Antonio with praise and coverage? Discuss a flyover NBA metropolis. With David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, and Gregg Popovich, the Spurs broke down that door.
In 1999, the Spurs claimed their first championship and never looked back. More books were published in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014. Five NBA titles, including three in the last five years.
This is a valid claim to a dynasty. Not only did the NBA world have to acknowledge the Spurs’ accomplishments, but they also desired to, and the Spurs became a globally renowned, immensely popular brand.
Thus, we return to the Nuggets. The lack of respect, ignorance, and derision directed at the Nuggets is driving fans insane. I get it. However, I also comprehend why this is occurring. It is occurring for the same reasons the NBA world was sluggish and hesitant to accept the Spurs.
So what is their response? Simple. I am confident that they will win the NBA championship. What then? How about becoming a dynasty like the Spurs?
Why then? If the Nuggets win the championship, consider how they will be positioned for future success. The team will have its Tim Duncan in Nikola Jokic.
Their Parker and Ginobli will be Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. Michael Malone, a seasoned head coach, should be able to command this team for many years. Their core population is youthful and in its heyday. Wanting a championship, veteran competitors will want to come here.
This front office should have the ability to unearth inexperienced players who will compete for spots on the next great Nuggets team.
I must confess that I cannot believe I am penning this column. As I reread these words, they appear surreal. However, with only four victories separating us from an NBA championship, the possibilities of what could occur next do not seem so absurd.