The Avs have a better chance of making a deeper playoff run than the Nuggets. Even with the injury to captain Gabe Landeskog and the departure of Nazem Kadri, the core of this squad feels similar to last year’s team that won the Stanley Cup. Plus, the NBA West is such a gauntlet, it would be a surprise if the Nuggets got to the Western Conference finals.
Victor, CU alum
Kiz: While the top-seeded Nuggets would be underdogs in a series against Phoenix or Golden State, there’s no team in the NHL West the Avs should fear (although the Los Angeles Kings would be a big, fat pain in the tushie). The staff here at Kickin’ Headquarters says: Let’s jump straight to the conference finals and a duel between Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid to determine the fastest gun in the West.
I believe this is the season Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets finally get to the NBA Finals. If not, coach Michael Malone may not be back next year. It’s finals or bust.
Aaron, Denver
Kiz: The NBA is a players league. While doubters are itching to scapegoat Malone, I believe the real pressure on these playoffs is on Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to not waste another year of Jokic’s prime.
The Avs or Nuggets? Here’s a better question: What week of the NFL season does coach Sean Payton bench quarterback Russell Wilson? Also: Does Payton even let general manager George Paton in the building, or does he have to work out of a trailer near the parking lot?
M.H., Colorado Springs
Kiz: If the Broncos need to bench Wilson for Jarrett Stidham, then Payton was the wrong man for the job. But as you well know, I’m Mr. Sunshine, always looking on the bright side. I’m confident Wilson can again be a top 10 quarterback in this league, if he takes the coaching of Payton.
Trade Jerry Jeudy for a second-round draft choice? This is exactly why you and all reporters should not be allowed in Broncos headquarters, Kiz. Keep your balderdash outside.
B.C., Navy veteran
Kiz: Fixing Wilson won’t be enough to get the Broncos to the playoffs if they don’t also fix their pass rush. If you promise me Denver can acquire somebody with the ability of Notre Dame’s Isaiah Foskey to harass the quarterback in the third round, I’m cool with keeping Jeudy.
Kiz, I wonder what criticism you will get if the Broncos use your draft pick suggestions and then turn out to be busts. Being a general manager is not an easy job, not as easy as being a journalist.
Stephen, busting chops
Kiz: Beats working, eh? Yes, I have a cooler job than you. Thanks for asking.
And today’s parting shot unravels the mystery of why the national sports media has such little respect for our lost time zone.
If the Nuggets can’t get no respect in the NBA universe, it’s all your fault, Kiz, because you constantly refer to Denver as a dusty old cowtown. People outside of Denver that read your columns don’t know, like we do, that they shouldn’t listen to what you say.
Kirk, loves his cowtown
