2006-2007 Finish: 39-43

What went well

While the Denver Nuggets did not make the playoffs this season, the team ended the season with some high points. It is safe to say that this team is officially in a rebuilding phase after clinching the Northwest Division the season prior.

Perhaps the best news for the Nuggets was the emergence of Kevin Martin as one of the premier shooters in the league. Along with fellow youngsters Devin Harris and Sergio Rodriguez, Martin forms the core for GM Nick to rebuild around.

At the beginning of the season, the Nuggets traded Desmond Mason to the Toronto Raptors for Richard Jefferson. Though Jefferson makes a lot of money, he does give the Nuggets star power that helped attract fans to the arena, even when the team played poorly. When healthy, Jefferson is a potent offensive weapon.

Finally, Rashard Lewis demonstrated why he will soon become of the highest paid players in the league. With his excellent shooting and athleticism, Lewis made it clear that he will not be back with the Nuggets next season. But what he leaves behind this season was one of great play.

GM Nick admitted himself that he needs to be more committed to his team next season. As the Nuggets rebuild, it will be exciting to see in which direction this longtime and well-respected GM takes the team.

What didn't

Injuries and lack of care seemed to be the biggest detractors in the Mile High City this season. Jefferson and Lewis only turned in 50 performances. The much-hyped Charlie Villanueva bowed out after 40 games. David Harrison, projected to start at center, played in only 18 games, forcing GM Nick to start inexperienced players such as Hilton Armstrong (who cost the GM way too much money) and Ronny Turiaf. The Nuggets had a chance to acquire Allen Iverson but balked when the Sixers asked for Martin as part of the deal. Finally, the drama that surrounded Lewis did not help the team at all. This was not a good season for basketball in Colorado.

Stars

- Kevin Martin, GF -

Martin never started an NLL game until the season. When drafted 22nd by the Nuggets in 2004, GM Nick must have seen something, but kept Martin on the bench. Though he only finished fourth in the Most Improved Player category, Martin proved to Nick and the NLL community that is a future star. He hit 51% of his shots, 46% of his three-pointers for an average of 20.7 points. Unlike bigger names Lewis and Jefferson, Martin appeared in all 82 games. GM Nick knows this guy will be a must-start next season and he will help ease the loss of Lewis.

- Rashard Lewis, SF -

Like it or not, economics have dictated that Lewis will be one of the highest paid players in the league next season. But Lewis has made it clear that the Nuggets will probably not be the team paying him that extravagant salary. Even though he had his worst NLL years during the two he played for Denver, there is no denying that Lewis is the real deal. He hit 52% of his shots last season and averaged 21.2 points and 6.8 rebounds. Whatever team lands him will gain a constant, explosive scoring threat that can do it all.

Goat

- Charlie Villanueva, PF –

During his rookie year, Villanueva earned Rookie of the Week three times. He averaged over 13 points and brought down 8 boards a game. He even appeared in all 82 games and in the postseason with Denver. Though the Nuggets are still probably better without JR Smith, the man they traded him for did not fare in his second season. The sophomore slump, along with injuries, made Villanueva look bad. This guy could be a star, but look at this laundry list of injuries from last season. Torn ligmament in his elbow, ankle sprain and should tendinitis that led to surgery. This guy is only 22 years old! It is perfectly possible that Villanueva will bounce back with a strong season but this many injuries this early is a warning sign.

Looking to the future

The Nuggets should be major players this coming free agency period. It is unclear whether or not they will work out a sign-and-trade deal with Lewis, but if they do it will be curious to see what kind of value they can get for such a steep contract. The team is well under the salary cap, so if they use that money wisely rather than blow it all on one player, they could begin improving quickly. In the draft the Nuggets picked Al Horford with the third selection. With this sophomore from Florida, the Nuggets get something they lacked last season: size, toughness and post skills. The Nuggets also selected Herbert Hill, a big man from Providence. Though he needs work, Hill has shown growth and improvement during college that could indicate he has a good NLL career ahead of him.

There are still a lot of questions about the shape of the upcoming Nuggets roster. Reserve Andray Blatche, though a restricted free agent, has received a lot of attention lately and could sign an offer sheet for a lot of money. The Nuggets also need to decide if Armstrong is worth $5 million or if they should waive him. The team will be able to build around Martin, Harris, Jefferson and Horford. That's a good start. Now finding the complementing pieces without blowing all their cash is the hard part.