Karl promises he will be tougher boss next season
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published April 30, 2008 at 3:38 p.m.
Updated May 1, 2008 at 12:13 a.m.
Photo by David Zalubowski / Associated Press
Carmelo Anthony and his Nuggets teammates can expect a more demanding approach from coach George Karl next season.
Nuggets coach George Karl has a crazy little thing called love. He'd just like it to be a bit less crazy.
"The players drive me crazy, but they also are loved by me," Karl said.
There's now going to be more tough love.
Karl said Wednesday he expects to return next season, and he plans to be more of a disciplinarian. His comments came two days after the Nuggets were swept out of the playoffs by the Lakers, Denver's fifth straight first-round exit, four with Karl.
"The last couple of years, the freedom, in a way, I think the players have kind of done it their way more often than doing it my way," said Karl, vowing that will change.
Karl isn't planning a change of address. Asked if he'd be back for sure, he said, "Yeah."
Indications have been Karl, who has two years and $6 million left on his contract, will return. Still, owner Stan Kroenke, after the Nuggets' elimination, declined to comment on Karl's future.
Karl did not say management has given him any specific assurance. But he doesn't feel that's needed.
"It's embarrassing to answer that question (about job security)," Karl said. "I don't think Stan Kroenke (or vice president of basketball operations) Mark Warkentien . . . has ever shown me any discontent."
Karl has spent the hours since Monday in what he called "basketball rehab," looking toward next season while shaking off disappointment with how this one ended. He had exit interviews Tuesday and Wednesday with half his players and he will wrap them up by next week.
The Nuggets' 50-32 record was their best in 20 years. But Karl said they "haven't figured out that journey (of) winning in the playoffs," and a tighter ship should help.
"It's going to be drifting toward more my way," Karl said. "But I'm not going to say it's going to be demanding and dictatorial. . . . Most of the stuff we're talking about is little things of professionalism."
Karl said players must be on time more often, have better practice habits and be more committed to "each other . . . the team . . . the organization . . . and public service."
Nuggets forward Eduardo Najera, who met Wednesday with Karl, "definitely" agrees. Najera said there were "things that played a part in our inconsistency" related to what Karl mentioned.
"We get paid so much that you can show up on time," Najera said.
Guard Chucky Atkins, whose interview was Tuesday, said the Nuggets must "clean our act up (and) take more responsibility of being professionals."
As far as roster changes, Karl didn't speculate much. He said he'll begin meetings next week with team brass, with some plans formulated by mid-to-late May.
"You'd probably anticipate some changes," Karl said. "I think players would anticipate some changes. . . . When you have that discussion, you discuss from one end (few changes) to the other end (blowing it up)."
Also pressing for Karl is getting medical opinion for his left hip replacement. He has said surgery would be about 30 days after the season. After the surgery, Karl anticipates walking in six weeks and playing golf in eight.
ETC.: Dallas, where Najera played from 2000 to 2004, is expected to show interest when he becomes a free agent July 1. Najera reiterated he "will explore" all possibilities and said of Nuggets management, "I don't know if they have me in their plans." . . . With his once-ailing left ankle better, forward Linas Kleiza will "definitely" play in the Olympics. "(It's) going to be special," said Kleiza, who anticipates facing teammate Carmelo Anthony even though Lithuania is in Group A and Team USA is in Group B and the teams won't play in the preliminary round. . . . France won't be in the Olympics, but guard Yakhouba Diawara said he might play for his homeland in a September European Championships qualifier.
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April 30, 2008
4:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
Squatch writes:
Originally I blamed Karl for how the Nuggets were playing but have since come to the conclusion that he needs the players that do buy into his system to step up and call the out the ones who dont. If he were to call them out he will lose the whole team and it is up to the so called leader (melo) to put his money where his mouth is and become a complete Basketball player not just an offensive star.
People put down Kenyon but he played well this year, yes he could have scored more points but he brought some consistancy to the team.
April 30, 2008
5:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
AKuser writes:
Cool, so next year Karl is actually going to coach?
April 30, 2008
5:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
atfisher writes:
It's not going to work. You can go from being the disciplinarian to easy-going, but not the other way around. They won't listen to him
April 30, 2008
6:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
jconder45 writes:
Can we fire the Nuggets?
April 30, 2008
7:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
BAJ writes:
It should be a good thing for Karl to get back to his old coaching routine instead of acting more like Phil Jackson. Accountability is key to moving this team forward. I know that AI has defered to Anthony in many ways, but Anthony is not ready for that step yet.
Being a season ticket holder, I have seen the development and maturity of JR Smith throughout the year and can see how listening to the coaches helped him grow. I do not see Anthony setting aside his ego to allow the same to happen to him. If Melo can listen, learn and apply what he learns to the court, the Nuggets might be able to get out of the first round.
If the Nuggets continue to play team basketball for 5-10 minutes per game and playground basketball (AI and Melo creating their own brand of ball), then all bets are off.
The only thing the selfishness produces is more years that Camby adds that he can't even compete for a ring...that is sad.
April 30, 2008
7:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
duboisb writes:
The players have tuned you out, George. The only one you seem to do good things for is Coby Karl. Oh, he's on the Lakers.
Just what we need, clueless George cracking the whip. Now there's formula for success.
Fire George Karl. He's ruined two seasons. You can't squander this kind of talent and be considered a good coach. FIRE GEORGE KARL.
April 30, 2008
8:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
paulg101 writes:
What is more amazing is when one looks at ESPN.com NBA website and see what these guys are making! Where is the heart! Camby is the 2008 version of Blair Rassmussen. This dude makes boatloads for an occasional block, four points per game, and making Gasol look like Wilt Chamberlain!
April 30, 2008
9:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
SE7EN writes:
So doing it Karl's way next season? So what's the excuse for not doing it Karl's way the past 2 seasons? Just curious. Why all of the sudden has he realized that there's a problem with all of the "commitments" he mentioned.
April 30, 2008
9:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Deedee writes:
Thanks God. George will start coaching next season!
April 30, 2008
10:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Highcountry writes:
I'd like to see the return of Furious George. Somebody must kick some of these guys in the butt. Maybe throw in a few Doug Moe temper tantrums too if he has the energy. If not, just edit some old footage of Moe, and beam it into the players' iPods. But I digress. Karl's got it in him. Avery Johnson does too. Let's see how this plays out.
April 30, 2008
11:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
sickandtired writes:
I tell you what - I'd LOVE to see an old-fashioned Doug Moe tantrum! Only 2 big potential problems with that: 1) Moe might not survive it and 2) whichever player(s) were the target of his wrath, would be so freaked-out they'd probably run screaming to the Players Association.
That ol' boy could get in people's faces back in the day!
April 30, 2008
11:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
desertwind writes:
Moe was the answer.... sorry AI. I miss the Moe Nuggets... Alex, Kiki, Issel, Natt... that was a team that knew how to play together
May 1, 2008
3:43 a.m.
Suggest removal
analytixman writes:
Melo and IA are over paid street thugs that play offensive only basketball. Their brand of basketball is like their personalities, selfish. While 50 games is a nice accomplishment, the Denver fans would be better suited with a set of players that play team basketball. Fire the players and get us some guys who would play basketball for the love of it and not for the money.
May 1, 2008
9:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
Kslayer writes:
Trade Najera to a team that can appreciate what he brings. He is the only one with any class on the team. He deserves to be on a TEAM because that is what he is. A TEAM player. Kleiza should ask for a trade to. The only two players that understand Basketball is a team sport.
May 1, 2008
9:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
sickandtired writes:
Hey desertwind - don't forget Fat Lever and Hanzlik. Hanzlik was Moe's original no-hoper!
May 1, 2008
9:39 a.m.
Suggest removal
TONE writes:
AI has been playing that kind of ball most of his career in Philly so he won't change, but Melo is too much into himself,(BIGHEADED). I honestly think that JR play better ball then AI and Melo right now. I just hope Melo will figure it out what it takes to be a superstar in this league. Kobe finally figure it out this year and look what happen with the Laker. Kobe finally bought into his coach's teaching. I just hope Melo can figure that out too, soon. I think at times the coach has their hand tied up by these so call 'SuperStar' franchise player,(Melo). The coach let them get away with alot of stuff and just to keep them happy or their job is on the line. Example, if Melo is not happy, the front office would rather let the coach go and make Melo happy, becuase he is the one bringing in the fans. So at times there is a catch 22 problem with superstar like that.
I still don't like the AI and Melo combo. There is no team in that format. Hey, what about trading AI for Gilbert Areanis from the Wizard. He is going to be a free agent this summer. Loose AI and bring in Gilbert, he's a point guard. Now I can see that combo working along better. Now you would be looking at a starting lineup of Gilbert(PG), JR/Klieza(SG), Melo(SF), KMart/Nene(PF) and Gamby/Nene(C). Now that would be an interest line up. I hope this offseason, the Nugget can address their needs and hopefully get some big body to help gamby at center.
May 1, 2008
10 a.m.
Suggest removal
milloy36 writes:
Do you think he might be able to get Carmelo to stop driving drunk?
May 1, 2008
10:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
twofistedmario writes:
"Posted by analytixman on May 1, 2008 at 3:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Melo and IA are over paid street thugs that play offensive only basketball."
Haha yes "thugs" because they are black men with cornrows and tattoos!
But seriously, you're one of the reasons that many view Colorado as full of ignorant white morons.
May 1, 2008
10:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
cap writes:
Arenas is a major BALLHOG!!!!!!!!! FORGET that idea!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 1, 2008
11:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
realballn writes:
To the guy with the thug comment: How about you put your opinions where they belong w/ you. We don't need to hear that you hate your home team and you would rather see an overhual of the organization than focus on the task at hand a championship. These comments are what make you an ignorant fan (if you even are one), This is what puts you on your own totum pole, or better yet this is what makes you a laker fan. Hahaha, stick to what you know NOTHING.
May 1, 2008
11:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
Nostrashawnus writes:
I didn't know anyone thought of me as an "ignorant white moron" just because I live in Denver. Damn, I thought I was fairly intelligent and worldly. Thanks twofistedmario, for clearing that up.
May 1, 2008
12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
coastiehero writes:
The NUGGETS plain and simple have to play DEFENSE!
George Karl can't change the NUGGETS next year if they
are not willing to play defense. Carmelo Anthony has
to change his selfish attitude and get his personal
life fixed if he is ever going to be a true leader
of the team. Throwing everyone under the bus and not
taking the blame for his poor play in the playoffs
is a copout.
It seems to me that he is more interested in his toys
than anything else right now.
The NUGGETS have lost five years in a row now and have
not improved on defense. Getting Artest from Sacramento
would have been good but he alone would not have been
enough to get the NUGGETS back on the defensive track.
One person can't change a team if the team is not willing
to work together and put aside their egos for the good of
all.
Hate to say it but San Antonio has the right idea year
after year, work together and do what ever it takes to
win.
May 1, 2008
3:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
BirdonaWire writes:
He's lost his passion, seems disinterested. I imagine, and can't blame him if he feels this way, that after surviving cancer, watching his son beat cancer and now playing in the NBA, that he just wants to watch Coby play and getter fat(ter).
May 1, 2008
3:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
Lewlew writes:
Analyixman, you are a moron. You simply don't have enough sense not to call black athletes street thugs. I'm sure you don't see anything wrong with that.