Look at what we have going on right now in the current NBA Finals.  One team has three future Hall of Famers in Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli.  The other team has two definite Hall of Famers in Lebron James and Dwyane Wade, along with another all-star caliber talent in Chris Bosh. 

 

Three superstars/stars on each team.  

 

Getting the picture now?  

 

In the NBA, more than in any other professional league, the teams that are supposed to win the title DO win the title.  There are three or four of those teams every year.  And you know what those teams have in common?  They all have a superstar (or two) playing along another all-star (or two).  There's no disputing it.  Look at the history of the league.  

Every once in a half-century, you might have an aberration.  Yes, yes, I know all about the 2003-4 Detroit Pistons.  But if you dig deeply into their roster, you'll find a lot of all-star appearances on their resumes, along with spectacular defense, a physical style well-suited for the playoffs and a Hall of Fame coach.  They're a bit of an outlier, but not as much of an   outlier as some would have you believe.  

 

So, where does that leave the Nuggets?  Well, right now, they're on the outside looking in.  They have no superstar.  And if you think Ty Lawson or Danilo Gallinari are going to develop into superstars, well, I wouldn't mind making a little side bet with you.  All-stars?  Possibly.  Superstars?  Doubtful.  We have a pretty good sampling of their abilities and I don't see "superstar" in their futures.  

 

At some point, the Nuggets are going to have to figure out how to find their Kobe or Lebron or Derrick Rose.  Sorry.  That's just the way this league operates.  Lawson and Gallinari and McGee might be future all-stars and nice complements to that superstar, but YOU NEED A SUPERSTAR TO WIN!  

(I also worry about the possibility of losing Andre Igoudala.  He's not a superstar, but he is one of those all-star type players who serves as a good complement.  If you lose him, that's one more star you have to replace.)  

 

On the radio show, I keep saying, "they need to make one more trade to get to the next level.  They have to package some players, maybe a draft pick or two, and make that big splash.  See which stars are available, pick up the phone and get 'er done."  But too many people (including my co-host) just don't see it that way.  Well, here's a suggestion:  Turn on the TV.  Watch these NBA Finals.  Watch the guys who take over the games in the 4th quarter.  And watch who walks away with the trophy.  If you still don't get it, well, I can't help you anymore.