For those of you Stiffs not cramming in some last-minute holiday shopping today, here’s a rundown of the latest Nugget talk...

After a tough loss to the Spurs (the Nuggets fifth in eight games) and hearing the tragic news about the sudden death of Carmelo Anthony’s 36-year-old sister, we are in dire need of some good holiday cheer. Hopefully this Nuggets holiday rap will lift up a few spirits…


 

Denver Nuggets Announce Plans To Move To New York For Carmelo Anthony | The Onion Sports Network
Nuggets president Josh Kroenke announced Thursday that although the franchise has been in Denver since 1967, the organization would be willing to move to New York City for star forward Carmelo Anthony if that's what it takes to keep him on the team.  (I can't believe we all missed this one when it was published in November!)

Nuggets put Melo trade talks on hold (UPDATE) – CBSSports.com 
Our resident makeup artist (get it, because he's makes…stuff…up…oh, nevermind) Ken Berger of CBS Sports "reports" that the Nuggets have put Melo trade talks on hold out of respect for the death of his sister.

Dempsey: Melo's best stat is winning games – The Denver Post 
The Post's Chris Dempsey takes on those who argue that Melo isn't an efficient player, noting that Melo leads most small forwards in the only stat that really matters: winning games.

Kevin Love Proving to Be NBA’s Chairman of Boards — NBA FanHouse
Chris Tomasson writes about just how good Kevin Love really is. The man is entering Moses Malone territory, and that’s scary.

Shaquille O’Neal Melts Boston’s Cold Sports Heart – NYTimes.com
Just another example of why I love Shaquille O’Neal and wanted him to finish his career as a Denver Nugget.

Earl Boykins Still Proving Doubters Wrong — NBA FanHouse
And Tomasson catches up with former Nugget Earl Boykins, who essentially single-handedly beat the Lakers the other night…in Los Angeles!

Iannazzone: Nets think they’ll sell ‘Melo on Brooklyn – NorthJersey.com
Al Iannazzone reports that Nets own Mikhail Prokhorov, GM Billy King and part owner Jay Z are all prepared to sell Melo on joining the Nets after the Nets and Nuggets strike a deal.

NUGGETS: Andersen shares unique bond with KSE employee
Aaron Lopez writes heartwarming holiday tale about the unique bond between the Birdman and a longtime Kroenke Sports employee.

Nancy Lieberman Is Back in Men’s Basketball, This Time as Coach – NYTimes.com
The fascinating story of Nancy Lieberman, a popular player in the women’s game who once dared to dribble among men, is coaching an NBA D-League team in Texas.

And just in case you're the lone Nuggets fan on the planet who missed J.R. Smith's incredible 360-degree layup against the Spurs on Wednesday, consider this my Christmas gift to you…

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, STIFFS and GO NUGGETS!