2010-11 Denver Nuggets: A 'Melo Season?

Most years, preseason reports on the Denver Nuggets center on the team’s chances for another playoff run, what they’ll look like against the Lakers and what it will take to go for a three-peat of the Northwest Division title. In 2010, it’s all about off-court drama: How long will Carmelo Anthony wear a Nuggets uniform?

After a non-response to the Nuggets’ three-year, almost-$65 million contract extension, pick a rumor: He wants to go back to his East Coast roots. His new wife LaLa wants to advance her career in Los Angeles. The Nuggets’ package isn’t enough money. He was present at Media Day in late September, and he and his teammates have continued a neutral stance in interviews. As of early October, he was practicing with the team. Stay tuned.

Other preseason news and reports: Nuggets guard J.R. Smith could also be up for grabs, the team has a new general manager in Masai Ujiri (with Anthony's contract his first big test as GM)...and after nearly seven months away from the team battling throat and neck cancer, courageous head coach George Karl is back in the saddle.

Preseason intrasquad scrimmage and home games:
Oct. 5: Nuggets Preseason Jam (1stBANK Center, Broomfield) at 7 p.m., $10
Taking a cue from the popular preseason Colorado Avalanche Burgundy and White Game, the Nuggets host their first-ever intrasquad scrimmage for the public. Carmelo Anthony fans: Enjoy. Tickets at http://1stbankcenter.com/events/eventdetail.php?id=29324.

Oct. 8: Portland at 7 p.m.
Oct. 19: Oklahoma City at 7 p.m.

Regular-season key home games:
Oct. 27: Season opener against Northwest Division-rival Utah at 7 p.m.
Nov. 11: The first of two home games against Los Angeles at 8:30 p.m.
(Dec. 25 note: The Nuggets meet up with the Oklahoma City Thunder for an away game, televised on ESPN at 6 p.m., Mountain Standard Time)
Jan: 13: LeBron James and Dwayne Wade come to town with the Miami Heat at 8:30 p.m.
Jan.21: The final, regular-season home game against defending NBA champion LA Lakers at 8:30 p.m.
April 11: Final, regular-season home game against Golden State at 7 p.m.

Denver Nuggets professional basketball NBA basketball basketball Pepsi Center Carmelo Anthony Chauncey Billups George Karl