Nene and J.R...

Because I enjoy lists and putting together key points, here are my two X factors for the Denver Nuggets this season:



1. Nene:

Nene is coming off his bout with testicular cancer. The bruising Brazilian was able to trounce cancer and hit the court at the end of the 07-08 season. And he didn't look that bad.

Nene was quite rusty but his energy and passion were evident. He was just thrilled to be back on the court and out of a hospital bed. It was nice to see some physical defense, which is lacking from every other player on the roster.

The Nuggets are banking on the big guy for big-time numbers this season. If Nene doesn't average 15 points and 10 rebounds , the Nuggets will fall short of the playoffs. We saw glimpses of what is possible from Nene two years ago when he averaged 12 and 7. He was poised for a breakout year until the setback with cancer.

If I were a betting man, I would bank on Nene posting the benchmark of 15 and 10 this season. He has been relentless with Nuggets strength coach Steve Hess in his off season workouts and conditioning. This is huge because, in the past, Nene has been inclined to enjoy one too many donuts in the off season.

Overall, the big fella will end up getting votes for most-improved player or, better yet, comeback player of the year. Nene is strong, physical and in shape.



2. J.R. Smith:

Career year+new contract+willingness to play defense=SUPERSTAR!

Smith has some of the best raw athleticism in the league. When he dropped 27 in the fourth quarter against Chicago last season I knew the guy was legit. And he was handsomely rewarded by the front office this offseason with a three-year deal around $16 million.

But lets be honest; he has never seen a bad shot and his defense is lackluster at best. Smith is without question a premier athlete and I would assume he could learn to play better defense and take smarter shots.

In all the reports this summer Smith has said all the right things. He has also worked hard to improve his defense by training with Team U.S.A in Las Vegas.

The thing about it is Smith could be a helluva defensive player if he put his mind to it. He could be a steals specialist with the kind of quickness he possesses. If he starts anticipating passes better he will start to disrupt passing lanes and put on a highlight film on the other end.

And if Smith can just shoot the way he shot last year (40 percent on 3's), without the occasional bonehead 40-footer, he could vie for the 6th man award.

There are a lot of "ifs" and "maybes" with Smith, but if things go the right way he has the potential to be great.