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Karl’s job appears safe win or lose

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published April 26, 2008 at 9:49 p.m.

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Assuming the Nuggets go on to lose their series against the Lakers should coach George Karl be fired?


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With the Nuggets down 3-0 in their first-round playoff series to Los Angeles Lakers, a top Nuggets executive dismissed speculation about George Karl’s job future.

“The question doesn’t even merit a response,’’ said Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien when asked if there’s a chance Karl might not be back.

A source close to the situation stressed Karl will be Denver’s coach at training camp next fall regardless of what happens the rest of this series. But any decision ultimately will be up to Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke.

“It’s a business,’’ said Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, when asked about speculation regarding Karl’s job status, especially if the Nuggets were to be swept 4-0. “We hear things every day about us, about us players . . . People are going to have an opinion. I can’t really say if it’s good or bad.’’

Karl, who arrived in Denver in January 2005, has two years and about $6 million left on his contract. There has been speculation regarding his job for a few months, including the February start-up of the Web site www.firegeorgekarl.com, which has been mentioned several times on ESPN.com.

Saturday’s 102-84 home loss to the Lakers dropped Karl’s Nuggets playoff record to 3-15, including 1-6 at home.

Comments

  • April 26, 2008

    10:25 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    duboisb writes:

    George Karl is the most incompetent coach in the business.

    He may amass wins in the regular season but is a disaster in the playoff. During his career, he has 62 wins and 82 losses in the playoffs.

    He does not have his players run an offense. He does not create chemistry. He has totally outcoached by Phil Jackson. The man is terrible. FIRE HIM. FIRE HIM. FIRE HIM.

    His players are lost looking for direction. They constantly say they don't know what to do. They retreat to play harder and try harder. But someone needs to understand the situation and do some COACHING. Karl is retired. Has been for a couple of seasons. FIRE HIM.

  • April 27, 2008

    7:15 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    genuinearticle writes:

    How can you defend Karl? His sitting key players at important times has not produced results and yet he goes back to it again? If the players did not come out to play where is the coach coaching them to a better attitude, in the FIRST THREE QUARTERS? They're grown men and he can't control them perfectly, but his JOB is to COACH. I think Karl is a great coach who is not meeting the ante.

  • April 27, 2008

    7:31 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    raysmom writes:

    Fire George- hire Larry Brown.

  • April 27, 2008

    11:39 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    vinnyg79 writes:

    George Karl has got to go, all the players are tuning him out.

  • April 27, 2008

    3 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Highcountry writes:

    Larry Brown will hold the players accountable. Melo needs to grow up and play to his potential. A.I. has his head on straight but needs to drain more shots. Eddie, Kleiza and J.R. have been most impressive.

  • April 27, 2008

    3:02 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Highcountry writes:

    Also, what's up with George during time outs. He calls a time out, then stands around with another coach or two, doesn't say a word, and he seems to be checking the seats to see if the fans are still awake.