Updated: July 1, 2009, 11:45 AM ET

Ultimate Standings 2009: No. 41

Denver Nuggets

Comment Print Share
By Anna K. Clemmons
ESPN The Magazine
Archive

Last Year's Rank: 41
Title Track: 64
Ownership: 39
Coaching: 52
Players: 49
Fan Relations: 84
Affordability: 38
Stadium Experience: 36
Bang for the Buck: 29

As much as they were surprise contenders this season, the in-the-end disappointing Nuggets were one of the few teams to hold steady in our Standings. Tickets cost $2.20 below the league average and were within a dollar of prices for the Bucks, Raptors and Pistons. As a thank-you to doggedly loyal fans, Denver's front office promised that the team will remain in the bottom half of the NBA in average ticket price ($61.50), and 2009 season ticket-holders who renew in hopes of seeing another deep playoff run will have a price lock for next season. But what makes this season different is that while watching the Nuggets at home has always been relatively cheap, the home team is finally good. Detroit's loss was Denver's turning point. Snagging hometown hero and four-time All-Star Chauncey Billups and pairing him with two-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist Carmelo Anthony helped push the Nuggets to their first Western Conference finals since 1985. And likely saved coach George Karl's job. "His job rests solely on how he performs this postseason," said fan OneMoreSucka on InsideHoops.com. "Another first round exit and he's gone. Second round, he'll likely stay 'til his contract is up." Given the Nuggs' advancement to the conference finals, Karl's job is likely secure, as is the team's ranking, at least until 2010.