Nuggets' Shaw says if team doesn't play better: 'I won't survive it'
If the Denver Nuggets don't enjoy playing for head coach Brian Shaw, which appears to be the case, he let them know on Thursday there's an easy path to getting him fired: Just keep playing the way they're playing.
The Nuggets have started the season terribly, posting a 1-6 record and being outscored by an average of 10 points. They rank 22nd in offense and 29th in defense, despite the fact they've dropped three of four games with their appreciable home court advantage.
Things look bleak, especially after their last two outings - both substantial losses to the Portland Trail Blazers - and Shaw knows that in year two on the job, the axe could fall on him.
"It's a tough situation that we're in," Shaw said to Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post Thursday. "If we don't have that kind of effort from everybody, then we're not going to ever get out of this situation, and I won't survive it. And it's that simple."
It's unclear what an immediate fix would be. Looking for any semblance of chemistry, Shaw has given 12 players at least 60 minutes of playing time through seven games, with only Ty Lawson safe from a quick hook.
The team can't blame their fortunes on injuries, either, because while Randy Foye is banged up and Danilo Gallinari is still working the rust off after missing the 2013-14 season, the team hasn't lost many man games. Players simply aren't playing very well, with Lawson the only player standing out as meeting expectations so far.
There's talent on the roster, but general manager Tim Connelly may need to make a move, either with the players or the coaching staff.