1948 Nuggets Preseason Press Conference

[Jedihero]

JEDIHERO:

leans into the mic, clears throat

First off, I want to thank everyone for being here today. I owe this city and this organization an apology for not being around last season. I had to step away for reasons I won’t get into now, but I will say this: it hurt. It hurt not being in the locker room, it hurt not being on the bench, and it hurt not being with this team night in and night out.

But that chapter’s closed. I’m back. And I’m back with a chip on my shoulder the size of the Rockies.

This training camp has been nothing short of electric. I’ve been in basketball a long time, but the energy I’m seeing out of these young men—it’s something special. Clyde Drexler... what can I say? The kid is taking this game personally. He’s quicker, leaner, and smarter. I don’t know what they’re putting in the water down in Houston where he came from, but he’s been flying up and down that court like he’s got rocket fuel in his shoes.

We’ve spent a lot of time building his decision-making with the ball, working off the high pick-and-roll, reading defenses. Clyde’s not just our star—he’s becoming a leader. And this city’s gonna see it from opening night.

I also want to highlight two guys that don’t get the headlines but have been busting tail every day: Darnell Valentine and Mike Sanders. Darnell’s court vision has jumped to another level. He's directing traffic like a seasoned vet. His defensive tenacity? That’s something we’re building around. You’ll see it—full-court pressure, smart switches, tough-as-nails defense.

And Mike Sanders? That young man has earned his spot. He’s bulked up, his midrange jumper is looking smooth, and he’s finally playing with confidence. Mike’s the kind of guy every coach loves—he listens, learns, and leaves it all on the floor.

We’re not here to be a feel-good story. We’re here to compete. This team’s younger, hungrier, and we’re coming back with fire. To the fans—I know we’ve been gone a while, and I know last year was a mess. But I promise you, we’re going to give you a team that fights for 48 minutes, every single night.

leans forward again

"The Denver Nuggets are back."

[BigDaddyd8720]

Picks Emmington of the SLOE Gazette,

While you have a lot of really good guards on the team, you seem to be lacking in the big man department. Do you believe the players you have are enough to get this train back on the track or do you see yourself having to make a splash trade to upgrade the C/PF positions. If so, who do you think might be the first person on the trade block?

[IamQuailman]

How many High Noons did you chug before this press conference began?

[WigNosy]

Steve Duin, the Oregonian...

How did I get sucked into a time warp for a SECOND TIME? Is there something weird going on in Denver?

[tbone963]

Tommy Tummster, Tacoma Times: You're now a few years removed from a championship. Is there any pressure to bring the Nuggets back to that esteem or are you okay with a slower process, giving your players and staff a longer leash?

[Jedihero]

Picks Emmington of the SLOE Gazette,

While you have a lot of really good guards on the team, you seem to be lacking in the big man department. Do you believe the players you have are enough to get this train back on the track or do you see yourself having to make a splash trade to upgrade the C/PF positions. If so, who do you think might be the first person on the trade block?

I always believe in the talent of my players, but to not be on the lookout for a superstar big would be a mistake. We are always looking to upgrade. Speaking on who we might look to get, that will stay between us inside the organization.

[Jedihero]

How many High Noons did you chug before this press conference began?

Not as many as I would have liked to.

[Jedihero]

Steve Duin, the Oregonian...

How did I get sucked into a time warp for a SECOND TIME? Is there something weird going on in Denver?

I have dyslexia. Move along.

[Jedihero]

Tommy Tummster, Tacoma Times: You're now a few years removed from a championship. Is there any pressure to bring the Nuggets back to that esteem or are you okay with a slower process, giving your players and staff a longer leash?

Look there is always pressure to have success with your team, but I knew my biggest strength over the other coaches was in drafting. I said it day 1, we had one of the best drafted teams from the creation and we proved it by going out and succeeding. Now its time to focus on something I don't have too much experience in yet and that is grooming up these young guys to be star players.