During most of the regular season it looked like the Denver Nuggets were going to clinch the second seed in the Western Conference to repeat their success of 2008-09. Yet, in the last month of the season coach George Karl had to step down due to health issues and the franchise experienced a series of problems ultimately leading to a fourth place finish and a first round elimination versus the Utah Jazz.

However, with George Karl back in the saddle and a few improvements to round out the squad, it looks like the Nuggets will send a very competitive squad to the floor in 2010-11. Most importantly, the franchise from Colorado acquired free agent Al Harrington as he was signed to a five year deal worth $34 million. Last season, Al Harrington averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest for the New York Knicks. Even though his numbers are likely to go down in Denver he is still an excellent addition especially since it remains to be seen whether Kenyon Martin will be healthy down the stretch. Similarly, the Nuggets also resigned backup guard Anthony Carter as well as acquiring unrestricted free agent Shelden Williams. Without any doubts, Carter will continue to be an important locker room presence and solid veteran defender on the court, even though his minutes might be limited behind Chauncey Billups and Ty Lawson. Shelden Williams on the other hand has yet to establish himself as a reliable NBA player, over the past few years he has constantly been a guy at the end of the bench getting very little playing time. In 2009-10, Shelden Williams averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 11 minutes per game for the Boston Celtics. Either way, everything points to a successful year for the Denver Nuggets, provided everybody stays healthy that is.

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