As I write this week’s article, I’m sitting in my office where I keep all of my Nuggets memorabilia. I have signed pictures of Kenneth Faried, Danilo Gallinari, and Emmanuel Mudiay that remind of me of how much things have changed in a very short time. I also have my prized signed Nikola Jokic jersey on display that gives me hope for the future of the team.
I’m not quite sure how it happened so quickly, but somehow we’re approaching the end of September and it’s now officially Fall. It seems that someone forgot to let the weather know that we’ve made the transition, but I can’t help but get a spring in my step thinking of all the things that come during this wonderful time of year.
No, I’m not referring to the vile Pumpkin Spice beverages that everyone appears to be crazy about. A simple regular coffee with cream is fine by me, and if I’m feelin’ fancy Einstein Bagels has a Vanilla Hazelnut that’s just heaven, but I digress.
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I mean the things like football, Oktoberfest, cooler weather, cozy sweaters, and finding new soup recipes to try out. It’s time to begin planning a good Halloween costume, and making plans for whose house will host Thanksgiving this year.
Above all else, I’m out of my mind excited for the coming NBA season, and Nuggets basketball. The busy summer kept me focused on all things work related, and now that business slowing to a normal pace, I have time to think about all of the amazing things that are coming for the good guys who have been working so hard to get to this point in their careers.
In a way, I feel like I’ve been a part of the team as they’ve made this difficult transition. I felt frustrated and disappointed along with them when they went though their coaching and rebuilding challenges, I felt exhilarated with them when they found their new team identity, and I feel hopeful with them about the things that lay in store in the coming months.
I can only imagine the pressure they must be feeling at this pivotal point. This year, more than the previous five, the hope Nuggets fans across the city, state, and globe are feeling is tangible. So too are the expectations. I have the same expectations of the team as everyone else and I believe this is the year that they’re finally ready to bring our dreams into reality.
Perhaps they won’t make it to the Western Conference Finals but if the Nuggets make it to the playoffs this year their fans will be almost as excited as if they brought home a title.
In a few short weeks, pre-season will be underway and I believe this is the season that we’ll see Denver accomplish their goals. I won’t cut them any breaks if they fail, and I’ll be sure to hold them accountable along the way, but I want to see them succeed.
I hope we all get to celebrate with them this year.
