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Ken (Arvada)

Kiki,Last year, we did have a tough inside presence. I am concerned about the depth of inside defense. Can Sketa and Rodney White handle it?

  (2:06 PM)

First of all I think you need to think about Nene. He's been in the league for a year now. Also don't discount Carmelo Anthony, who is very strong. Rodney White is 6-9 and 230, so with those guys healthy, we should be OK.

Gustavo, West Valley Utah

Hey Kiki great job rebuilding this franchise!!! My question is about Nene he is the best big man on the Nugs and thus far during the preseason he hasnt had many offensive shots, during the regular season do expect him to take 10-15 shots a game?? Also could you tell me about your scouting of players in South America?? Thanks and Go Nugs!!!

  (2:08 PM)

I think Nene's strength lies in his defense, rebounding and quickness. He'll got more shots as his minutes go up. Our scouts keep their eyes on all places around the world, including South America.

Christopher (Craig, CO)

Kiki, from a general manager's standpoint, what are some of the qualities and characteristics one looks for in building playoff caliber teams? Also, is there any one position in particular that should be addressed when building a team? Thank you for your time and good luck during the 03-04 NBA season!

  (2:10 PM)

If I could name one thing, it would be character players. Character and chemistry are very important in this league, especially in the playoffs. I think we have addressed the point guard, small forward and power forward for many years. Now we will add the best players we can get in those other spots.

Surge(Antelope)

Do you think Carmelo is going to get Rookie of The Year Honors the way he has been playing?

  (2:11 PM)

I think he will be a very good basketball player. We'll worry later about honors coming his way. I think honors will come as the team does better in the win-loss column.

Gur, L.A.

Hey Kiki, Great job in Denver. Will Andre be used as shooting guard to Boykins point a lot? Thanks!

  (2:11 PM)

Yes. We have played them together and they are playing quite well together.

Paul(Timmins)

Which off-season aquisition(other than the drafting of Carmelo Anthony), has excited you the most??

  (2:12 PM)

I like all our additions. So it's difficult to pick one. How much Tskitishvili has improved has surprised alot of people.

Zipu(Philadelphia)

How do you feel the Lebron James vs Carmelo Anthony matchup will go when the time comes for them to battle each other?

  (2:13 PM)

They are two very different types of players. I think that it will be very exciting to see the matchup. I think the rivalry will spur alot of interest among the fans.

PJ (seattle)

what's up with dennis?

  (2:14 PM)

Well, I think he is in a little trouble again. So I think we'll watch how it all plays out.

Patrick (Berkeley)

During your NBA career, who was the most difficult matchup you faced? Thanks.

  (2:16 PM)

Hmmm...That is a very difficult question, when I played a lot of small forwards were very strong players. Adrian Dantley, Larry Bird, Alex English, Kelly Tripucka, Eddie Johnson, Bernard King, James Worthy, Jamal Wilkes. Almost every night you faced a very, very difficult matchup.

fredo, atlantic city

kiki -what do you think of the offensive fire power in dallas, a team that you coached - do they remind you a little of your Nuggets' teams?

  (2:17 PM)

Yes. The firepower they've assembled in probably second to none. Mark Cuban has done an unbelievable job improving his team. The offseason trades have been tremendous. I'm a longtime admirer of Mark and they can easily have the best team.

Jeremy (Denver)

Kiki, thanks for turning the franchise around and leading the team in the right direction. Who do you feel will be the most improved player on the team from last year? Also do you have anything special in store for opening night?

  (2:18 PM)

Most improved player will be Rodney White or Skita, I think. We do have a few surprises for opening night, but if I told you they wouldn't be surprises.

Johnnie V. (Boston)

I was studying the field goal percentages of all the NBA teams and noticed that Denver shot a higher PCT away vs. home (.422% to .402%), whereas EVERY other team shot better at home. Is the air in Denver really that tough to play in? As a player, what was your experience regarding shooting at home vs. away?

  (2:19 PM)

I think that it's more a function of being comfortable at home and here in Denver I think that players on opposing teams get more tired because the air is thinner. So they don't shoot as well.

red, denver

you must be stunned about pat riley stepping down as coach of the heat? what are your thoughts on the step-down and riley?

  (2:21 PM)

I don't know the circumstances behind his stepping down. Certainly it's a loss to our coaching ranks. He is one of the best coaches of all time. He's been a friend of mine going back to when he was a player. I'm confident that he will always be part of the game.

Steen Jergensen - Houston, TX

Will you be looking to sign any big men or any players that might be released in the next few days to shore up the post?

  (2:21 PM)

We will always try to improve our team and we will watch very closely the players who are released.

  (2:22 PM)

I want to say thank you to all the fans who through the years have stuck by the Denver Nuggets. My promise to you is that we will work extremely hard to bring good times and good teams back to Denver. Thank you and I hope to see you at the games.