Ryan McNeill: What are some things that casual NBA fans wouldn’t know about this team?
Travis Heath: Ty Lawson can really play. He is the one piece that makes this Nuggets’ team different from the team a season ago. His ability to change the pace of play will be crucial for Denver in the playoffs. Interim coach Adrian Dantley has to trust him and give him consistent minutes

McNeill: What player would you have as the “x-factor” for Denver in the playoffs?
Heath: J.R. Smith is the ultimate x-factor. He’s a dangerous player — sometimes to the other team and sometimes to the Nuggets. When he gets shot he can give the Nuggets 15 points of separation in four minutes. When he’s not, though, he can shoot the team completely out of a game. He tends to thrive at home with the loud playoff crowds.

McNeill: Why don’t Kenyon Martin and Aaron Afflalo get more respect from fans or the media for what they bring to this team?
Heath: Kenyon Martin has developed a bit of a reputation, as most people know. As such, folks are much more inclined to pay attention to his physicality, and in doing so, they often ignore his basketball I.Q.
Coaches and teammates past and present rave about how well Kenyon understands the game. Unfortunately, I think his reputation causes folks to ignore this.

As for Afflalo, he’s just a name not many folks have heard of. Fans and media in Denver are starting to really appreciate him. I think it’s just a matter of time before people pick up on this kid. One solid defensive
series against a big-name player like Kobe Bryant could make him a household name.

Check out HOOPSWORLD for more of Travis Heath’s coverage of the Denver Nuggets.