The Denver Nuggets have games against the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs before the All-Star Break hits the team, but it's safe to start handing out midseason grades, as SI.com's Britt Robson has done.
The Nuggets receive a straight 'C' with their current 18-15 record. Robson sums up why the Nuggets are such a middle of the road team right now:
The Nuggets have lacked mental toughness and defensive intensity while plummeting in the standings after a 14-5 start.
While he likes what Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari have done this season, Robson wants Arron Afflalo and Nene, who signed big free agent contracts, to step things up. If Nene isn't 100 percent for the rest of the season, his struggles might continue.In the Northwest division, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves each received an 'A-'; the Utah Jazz graded out to a 'B+'; and the Portland Trail Blazers tied with the Nuggets by taking a 'C.'