Istanbullish

I'm hyper than Pinnochio's nose...

The Nuggets will introduce Masai Ujiri as their GM today (the buzz around Denver is incredible; that is all everyone was talking about at the water cooler) but more troubles may be developing half a world away in Turkey.

Chauncey Billups is playing well for Team USA at the World Championships, perhaps the team's second best player after uber-stud Kevin Durant. While a young player like Rudy Gay or Derrick Rose gains valuable experience in these tournaments, an aging point guard taxing his body isn't welcome news for the Powder Blue.

Chauncey is getting to the rack, but the rugged international style isn't helping him either. When Team USA seems tenative to drive, Denver's 33 year old guard takes it in the paint straight at the unwashed Euro/South American masses. (Not to get too stereotypical, but do hazmat guys hose down Team USA after banging bodies with these dudes for 40 minutes?)

It may look cool for Denver's hometown hero shining on the international stage, but it might not be so great when a gassed Billups is struggling to keep up with Deron Williams or Chris Paul, who are chilling this summer and apparently making outlandish toasts at weddings (When Paul was talking up his own "Super Team" were the Kroenkes mumbling about that nice Williams and Sonoma gift card they got Melo and LaLa?)

The next two games (Tunisia and Iran) should provide Coach K to give ample rest to his veteran point guard and team leader before the knockout round. And one can bet George Karl is hoping the tourney doesn't knockout his team's best player.

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