Can't Get No Respect

By Alexander Tam

Editorial. Photos by AP News

The late and great comedian Rodney Dangerfield once said, “I can’t get no respect.” The battle cry of the Denver Nuggets and their fans rings an eerily similar tune.

Even after a heartbreaking game one loss to the Lakers, the Nuggets continue to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their 102-100 loss to the Lakers marks only their third postseason loss – all by two or less points.

A lot can be said about the Nuggets. They are a team that has never made it to the NBA finals, a team that nobody gave a second look at, and a team who made playoff history against New Orleans – a game that wasn’t even televised on national TV.

They are a team of underdogs and have gone through their fair share of strife. Chris Anderson was suspended for two years for violating the NBA drug abuse policy. Nene has come back from testicular cancer, chemo, and surgery. Carmelo Anthony’s leadership has been constantly questioned, and has been overshadowed by fellow 2003 draftees Kobe, Lebron, and D-Wade.

I have news for all the doubters - the Nuggets are back in full swing. Nene is playing with raw power on both offense and defense, Anderson is second in the NBA with blocks, and the always underestimated Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points tonight and did an excellent job in being physical with Kobe. And if that wasn’t enough to grab your attention, the Nuggets now have “a gift from the basketball Gods” as coach Carl puts it; Chauncy Billups. Mr. number 7 (same as Elway’s…coincidence?) is just that. This 4-time NBA All-Star, Finals MVP and 2004 Champion has been and continues to be the shinning homegrown savior of the Nuggets.

But this isn’t enough for the monster that is the sports world. Flashy basketball moves, big names, and drama is what they like. Never mind that the Nuggets are a more well rounded team than either Cleveland of L.A., its all about Kobe or Lebron. Wade was given his time but then the focused quickly changed to King James and the Black Mamba.

Remember watching that historic game where Denver beat New Orleans by an NBA record 58 points? Neither do I, because it wasn’t nationally televised. It was on NBA TV. An NBA playoff game wasn’t nationally televised. How many Lakers, Celtics, or even Rockets games weren’t televised nationally? I will help you out, ZERO.

The media infatuation with the Lakers and King James must be put to an end, and I believe the Nuggets can help with at least half of that – or hopefully all of it. You can have your disagreements with me, but this is what being a fan is all about: never giving up on your team. And when the sun sets it all comes down to this:

L.A. - Where jaded movie stars and fans take championships for granted

Denver - Where fans don’t take the few championships they have for granted, and are faithfully awaiting the next.