andreMILLER

     Andre Miller didn't want to be a backup after being a starter in the NBA for so long.  He'd still rather be a starter, but he's helping lead the young Denver Nuggets.  They'd love it if he'd stay.

     Dre got his share of criticism throughout the season, including from me.  I was not impressed by his play.  The first part of the season, he seemed to only be playing for himself; taking poor shots, throwing the ball away, etc.  Then he separated his shoulder and played through it like a warrior.  I'm assuming its because of the injury that he stopped taking the bad shots, and seemed to find his groove.  Since then he's been making everyone on the team look better with his playmaking.  He's shown he's one of the best passers in the league constantly setting the Mile High squad up for easy buckets and alley oop dunks.  From the surface, it would appear "The Manimal" Kenneth Faried and JaVale McGee benefit most from his play, but everyone on the Nuggets has benefited due to him.  Although, he and JaVale obviously have a chemistry that can't be denied.

     He still takes the occasional ill advised jumper that makes Nuggets fans cringe, but occasionally they fall with a sigh of relief (like the 2 three pointers last night).  Even though, the poor shots are fewer these days, as he's been getting to the rim like the rest of the team.  

     He even gave a pep talk to the team before last nights Game 5 victory in LA to stay alive and force a Game 6 back in Denver.  I don't know what he said, but I've been convinced he is a good piece for this team.  He offers experience and knowledge for the young guys, and can help guide them and help them mature into a great team. 

FROMbeingCUTtoEARNINGtheSTRUT

     "The Junkyard Dog" DeMarre Carroll was drafted in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies in '09.  He never saw significant minutes for them, and even did a stint in the D-League.  He was then a piece of the Hasheem Thabeet/Shane Battier Trade and was waived by the Rockets after a few months.  He got invited to the Denver Nuggets training camp this year, and made the team, only to be cut yet again, after no significant minutes on a crowded roster.  Then on February 8th, he signed with the Utah Jazz.

     With the Jazz he worked his way up the rotation to eventually starting on the playoff squad.  They were the 8 seed in the West, and got swept by the Spurs, but it's still an inspiring journey.  It shows you what can happen when the right guy gets in the right system with the right coach and players around him.

     Many didn't expect Carroll to be a great NBA player, though he was a standout at Mizzou.  He was the heart and soul a Tigers team that made it to the Elite 8 in 2009.  He's still not a standout player in the NBA, but he's getting noticed a little more now and making a name for himself.  You can't help but respect him for working hard, which is something he was known for in his college years.