Is Denver going to be a surprise in the playoffs in the West?

I didn't think the Knicks would give up this amount of solid players for Melo. The Nuggets are the deepest or one of the deepest teams in the league right now. The most amazing part of their resurgence is their chemistry. The Nuggets added about four players to the rotation (losing two), yet when you watch them play, it's like they've played with each other for years. There is no superstar or even an all-star on this team, so the "me" first personalities do not exist on this team. They're running George Karl's system correctly. He loves to move the ball around, but with Melo/Billiups, they tended to be ball stoppers at times (especially Melo) and disrupted their offense a bit. Their defense has improved, due to some of the additions (both Felton and Chandler are solid defensive players and Felton is a thief who loves to get out on the open court) and because of their efficient offense. They are not jacking up quick shots on every possession, and with the improved ball movement, it slows down a lot of opponents fast break opportunities (which they've been getting killed in all season long). While Nene and Kenyon Martin are not your ideal shot blockers, both players are solid on the defensive end. Nene is a good weakside defender and Martin is a solid post defender when he wants to be. Once Gallanari returns, their bench will be even more dangerous (I'm not sure if he's returned yet). Chandler will probably be shifted to the bench along with some other dynamic players (J.R. Smith, who has flourished, Raymond felton, Mosgov, Forbes). That is a very dangerous bench unit that can do some damage come playoff time. With the Melo drama gone, the team has the monkey off their back, and can now focus on the future (while still being competitive now).

The playoffs will be every exciting, especially in the West, where lower seeds are always dangerous. Denver will probably match up with OKC, and they could give them fits. The irony of their situation is that come playoff time, a player like Melo would be needed. In the playoffs, the game slows down considerably, and teams run a lot of half court sets (especially against solid defensive teams, and there are plenty). This Denver team is at it's best when they're running in the open floor. They thrive playing that uptempo style and at times during the playoffs, teams will force Denver to run their offense in half court sets. While Karl, who is a seasoned veteran, will be prepared, who knows how the team will react? If they struggle to score, they are not that good of a defensive team to rely on that end to win ball games in the playoffs. They'll need a player like Melo, who they could isolate, and give them buckets when needed. Those type of players are especially needed as you go farther in the playoffs and denver doesn't have that player as of yet on their roster.

OKC looks to be returning to their defensive roots and will force Denver to play a lot of half court offense. On the reverse though, Denver should give OKC a run for it's money. While I don't think Denver will beat their probably opponent (OKC), I do see this series going to 6 or 7 games. Denver fans shouldn't sulk if they lose in the first round, because making the playoffs probably wasn't expected after trading your franchise player away. Denver has overachieved and if the front office smartly attempts to keep this roster intact and add more pieces as the years go on, the Nuggets have a bright future (something they couldn't say during the Melo saga).

Hopes this answers your question. Sorry if its a bit long.

Denver is still a great team even if they don't have Melo. Don't forget about JR,Gallinari,Nene,all those guys have talent. I think they will go to the second round and loose.Did you know that the Knicks did better without Melo and Chauncey,hard to believe.

People were talking about how much the the knicks won the trade between the knicks and Nuggets.But Nuggets are playing better since the trade and not the knicks.

I think they will win in the first round and then lose in the 2nd round.

if by suprise you mean taking the thunder to 7 games then yes

No,I think their out in the first round..........

They lost Melo... they will suck for years to come.