thedenverpost--2020-04-19--Kiszla: Three good reasons why John Elway and Broncos should attempt to trade up in NFL draft

This NFL draft is too make-or-break crucial in Broncos Country for John Elway to stand pat at No .
15 in the first round .
There are three significant reasons , and no fewer than three can ’ t-miss prospects , that should motivate Elway to pull the trigger and move up with a draft-night trade .
Pulling off a blockbuster deal is never easy .
But here ’ s the logic behind why Elway should try .
With his 60 birthday around the corner , Elway is in full win-now mode , because it ’ s seldom a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suffer four straight losing seasons .
After wisely accumulating a stockpile of draft picks , the Broncos have the ammunition to make a deal .
What ’ s more , Elway likes that action ; he has traded Denver ’ s first-round pick four times during his stint as a front-office executive .
Yes , Elway could stand pat at No .
15 and have a decent chance of watching an instant starter fall in his lap , whether it ’ s Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs or Florida cornerback C.J .
Henderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s style to sit back and wait .
What ’ s more , the silly draft tradition of an early run on quarterbacks — which might well result in Joe Burrow , Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa all plucked with top 10 picks on Thursday night – should allow big-time talent to slide to the point where the price of moving up isn ’ t too outrageous for Elway to cut a deal .
The Broncos need big-time play-makers and big-time help at more than one position .
History suggests it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus two more picks between the second and fifth rounds , in order to move up somewhere between No .
8 and No .
10 in the opening round .
Here are three players that could make such a deal a absolute steal .
Isaiah Simmons , Clemson safety/linebacker : Let ’ s start with a big , crazy dream and shoot for the moon .
At a time when the NFL has embraced many of the forward-thinking offensive concepts developed in football labs on college campuses , never has a pro defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versatility .
Simmons is the most versatile tool since the Ronco Pocket Fisherman .
He played outside linebacker , inside linebacker , free safety , strong safety and slot corner for the Tigers , making an impact from sideline to sideline .
Under the direction of coach Vic Fangio ’ s mad genius , Simmons could drive Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes crazy .
I ’ ll let you take Burrow or Ohio State edge-rusher Chase Young .
Simmons is the best football player in this draft .
The New York Giants would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the board past the No .
4 pick .
But stranger things have happened on opening night , and if Simmons were to tumble , Elway could do worse than moving heaven and earth to get Simmons in a Broncos uniform .
Jedrick Wills , Alabama offensive tackle : Analysts far smarter than me suggest offensive tackles will rule the 2020 draft .
No fewer than six tackles could be selected in the opening round .
Last season , any knucklehead could walk into any Denver sports bar and start a fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolles .
The Broncos ’ greatest position of need ?
Offensive line .
Fight me if you must .
But it says here a big dude to protect his blind side would be an even better friend to Broncos quarterback Drew Lock than the fastest wide receiver in America .
The problem ?
There ’ s a real possibility Wills , as well as Tristan Wirfs of Iowa , Mekhi Becton of Louisville and Andrew Thomas of Georgia will all be gone early .
If Denver wants to tell the story of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly require a bold move .
Jerry Jeudy , Alabama receiver : Mock drafts are like Starbucks , with one on every corner and blandly the same .
The consensus among mocksters ?
Receiver is the way for Denver to go with the 15th overall pick .
The position is so loaded with legit prospects it might not be a bad gamble for Elway to patiently watch as the selection process unfolds .
In fact , Elway could even wait until the second round , making a smaller trade if injury concerns cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What ’ s more , the Broncos wouldn ’ t need to expend first-round capital in order to obtain touted pass-catchers such as Michael Pittman of USC , K.J .
Hamler of Penn State or Chase Claypool of Notre Dame .
His ability to move the chains on third down and put points on the scoreboard in the red zone has caused me to develop a serious mancrush on LSU ’ s Justin Jefferson But I happily acknowledge Jeudy , who took 24 of his 145 catches to the house during his final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is more dangerous after the catch than Jefferson .
Who ’ s the top receiver in the draft ?
You tell me .
Maybe Elway thinks it ’ s CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma or the speedy Ruggs .
My point : If Denver really wants a receiver who ’ s more than a complement to Courtland Sutton , why not effort to trade up and draft the best one on Elway ’ s board , instead of settling for leftovers at No .
15 ?

This NFL draft is too make-or-break crucial in Broncos Country for John Elway to stand pat at No. 15 in the first round.
There are three significant reasons, and no fewer than three can’t-miss prospects, that should motivate Elway to pull the trigger and move up with a draft-night trade. Pulling off a blockbuster deal is never easy. But here’s the logic behind why Elway should try.
With his 60 birthday around the corner, Elway is in full win-now mode, because it’s seldom a great career move for even a local legend to suffer four straight losing seasons. After wisely accumulating a stockpile of draft picks, the Broncos have the ammunition to make a deal. What’s more, Elway likes that action; he has traded Denver’s first-round pick four times during his stint as a front-office executive.
Yes, Elway could stand pat at No. 15 and have a decent chance of watching an instant starter fall in his lap, whether it’s Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs or Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson.
But it has never been Elway’s style to sit back and wait. What’s more, the silly draft tradition of an early run on quarterbacks — which might well result in Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa all plucked with top 10 picks on Thursday night – should allow big-time talent to slide to the point where the price of moving up isn’t too outrageous for Elway to cut a deal.
The Broncos need big-time play-makers and big-time help at more than one position. History suggests it would cost Denver its own first-round selection, plus two more picks between the second and fifth rounds, in order to move up somewhere between No. 8 and No. 10 in the opening round. Here are three players that could make such a deal a absolute steal.
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson safety/linebacker: Let’s start with a big, crazy dream and shoot for the moon.
At a time when the NFL has embraced many of the forward-thinking offensive concepts developed in football labs on college campuses, never has a pro defense had a greater need for speed and versatility. Simmons is the most versatile tool since the Ronco Pocket Fisherman.
He played outside linebacker, inside linebacker, free safety, strong safety and slot corner for the Tigers, making an impact from sideline to sideline. Under the direction of coach Vic Fangio’s mad genius, Simmons could drive Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes crazy.
I’ll let you take Burrow or Ohio State edge-rusher Chase Young. Simmons is the best football player in this draft. The New York Giants would be absolutely nuts to let Simmons remain on the board past the No. 4 pick. But stranger things have happened on opening night, and if Simmons were to tumble, Elway could do worse than moving heaven and earth to get Simmons in a Broncos uniform.
Jedrick Wills, Alabama offensive tackle: Analysts far smarter than me suggest offensive tackles will rule the 2020 draft. No fewer than six tackles could be selected in the opening round.
Last season, any knucklehead could walk into any Denver sports bar and start a fight simply by uttering two words: Garett Bolles. The Broncos’ greatest position of need? Offensive line. Fight me if you must. But it says here a big dude to protect his blind side would be an even better friend to Broncos quarterback Drew Lock than the fastest wide receiver in America.
The problem? There’s a real possibility Wills, as well as Tristan Wirfs of Iowa, Mekhi Becton of Louisville and Andrew Thomas of Georgia will all be gone early. If Denver wants to tell the story of a man named Jedrick, it will almost certainly require a bold move.
Jerry Jeudy, Alabama receiver: Mock drafts are like Starbucks, with one on every corner and blandly the same. The consensus among mocksters? Receiver is the way for Denver to go with the 15th overall pick. The position is so loaded with legit prospects it might not be a bad gamble for Elway to patiently watch as the selection process unfolds.
In fact, Elway could even wait until the second round, making a smaller trade if injury concerns cause Colorado star Laviska Shenault to drop. What’s more, the Broncos wouldn’t need to expend first-round capital in order to obtain touted pass-catchers such as Michael Pittman of USC, K.J. Hamler of Penn State or Chase Claypool of Notre Dame.
His ability to move the chains on third down and put points on the scoreboard in the red zone has caused me to develop a serious mancrush on LSU’s Justin Jefferson But I happily acknowledge Jeudy, who took 24 of his 145 catches to the house during his final two seasons with the Crimson Tide, is more dangerous after the catch than Jefferson.
Who’s the top receiver in the draft? You tell me. Maybe Elway thinks it’s CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma or the speedy Ruggs.
My point: If Denver really wants a receiver who’s more than a complement to Courtland Sutton, why not effort to trade up and draft the best one on Elway’s board, instead of settling for leftovers at No. 15?


thedenverpost--2020-04-19--Nuggets to promote Calvin Booth to GM, sources say

The Nuggets are planning to promote assistant GM Calvin Booth to general manager however due to league ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ s no timeframe to make the announcement official , according to two league sources .
@ @ @ @ @ expected following the departure of former GM Arturas Karnisovas , who left the Nuggets after @ @ @ @ @ the top executive of the Chicago Bulls .
Booth , a longtime friend of Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ Connelly , is in his third season with the Nuggets .
Last season , Booth @ @ @ @ @ the Minnesota Timberwolves .
Before coming to Denver , Booth rose to the Director of @ @ @ @ @ .
When Karnisovas left , the Nuggets lost a widely-respected executive with an eye for @ @ @ @ @ they view Booth as having many of the same qualities .

The Nuggets are planning to promote assistant GM Calvin Booth to general manager however due to league’s the ongoing hiatus, there’s no timeframe to make the announcement official, according to two league sources.
Booth’s promotion was expected following the departure of former GM Arturas Karnisovas, who left the Nuggets after seven years to serve as the top executive of the Chicago Bulls.
Booth, a longtime friend of Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, is in his third season with the Nuggets. Last season, Booth was a finalist to run the Minnesota Timberwolves. Before coming to Denver, Booth rose to the Director of Pro Personnel for the Timberwolves.
When Karnisovas left, the Nuggets lost a widely-respected executive with an eye for talent evaluation. Internally, they view Booth as having many of the same qualities.


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--Andrew Romanoff wins Democratic state assembly, will be on June 30 ballots

U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff secured a dominant victory Saturday at a Democratic Party assembly , earning him a slot in the June 30 primary and setting the stage for a likely one-on-one contest between him and John Hickenlooper .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , Democrats did not meet as scheduled , but instead cast their vote electronically and telephonically for one of three Democratic Senate candidates : Romanoff , Stephany Rose Spaulding , and Erik Underwood .
Romanoff won 86 % of the 2,860 delegate votes , Spaulding took 9 % and Underwood grabbed less than 1 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abstained from voting .
Candidates needed 30 % of the total to qualify for the June 30 ballot .
“ Voters don ’ t want to replace one fossil fuel funded , insurance industry parroting candidate for another , ” Romanoff said in a statement after his win , criticizing both Hickenlooper and incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner .
“ And they certainly don ’ t want to hire someone who told them over and over again that he ’ d be a terrible senator — or someone like Cory Gardner who ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former speaker of the Colorado House .
The state assembly vote is one of two ways candidates can qualify for the June 30 primary .
The other is by turning in 1,500 signatures from each of the state ’ s seven congressional districts , which Hickenlooper successfully did in February .
“ This health crisis has been hard on everyone and has made clear how broken Washington is , ” Hickenlooper said Saturday , adding that his campaign “ is ready to win the nomination in June ” and the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates fell short of the signature requirement , in part , they say , because of the pandemic .
They are considering legal action .
Meanwhile , Saturday ’ s vote eliminates Spaulding and Underwood from the U.S. Senate race .
It ’ s likely then that Romanoff , the favorite of progressive Democrats , will face off head-to-head June 30 against Hickenlooper , the favorite of establishment , moderate Democrats .
Romanoff has strong activist support and momentum , while Hickenlooper has far more money and superior name recognition .
Republicans held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off voting in the Senate race , where the incumbent Gardner , of Yuma , faces a long-shot primary challenge from Margot Dupre .
Results will be announced next Saturday .
During the virtual Republican assembly , Gardner ’ s campaign played a video that featured President Donald Trump praising him at a February rally in Colorado Springs .
Gardner , speaking from a home office , told his fellow Republicans that Democrats believe beating him will help them take control of the Senate .
“ My message to Chuck Schumer is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Gardner said of the Senate minority leader , a Democrat from New York .
Gardner said he was running “ to fight back against the Green New Deal , to fight back against efforts to take away our Second Amendment rights , to fight back against efforts to increase taxes ” and to work to improve the economy .
Romanoff , meanwhile , embraced the Green New Deal in remarks after his victory .
“ When we come out of this crisis , Americans want to know whether we ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a Green New Deal and whether we ’ ll have health care that can never be taken away again , ” the liberal Democrat claimed .
“ I say yes .
Cory Gardner and John Hickenlooper say no .
”

U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff secured a dominant victory Saturday at a Democratic Party assembly, earning him a slot in the June 30 primary and setting the stage for a likely one-on-one contest between him and John Hickenlooper.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Democrats did not meet as scheduled, but instead cast their vote electronically and telephonically for one of three Democratic Senate candidates: Romanoff, Stephany Rose Spaulding, and Erik Underwood.
Romanoff won 86% of the 2,860 delegate votes, Spaulding took 9% and Underwood grabbed less than 1%. More than 4 percent of delegates abstained from voting. Candidates needed 30% of the total to qualify for the June 30 ballot.
“Voters don’t want to replace one fossil fuel funded, insurance industry parroting candidate for another,” Romanoff said in a statement after his win, criticizing both Hickenlooper and incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner.
“And they certainly don’t want to hire someone who told them over and over again that he’d be a terrible senator — or someone like Cory Gardner who’s already proving it,” added Romanoff, a former speaker of the Colorado House.
The state assembly vote is one of two ways candidates can qualify for the June 30 primary. The other is by turning in 1,500 signatures from each of the state’s seven congressional districts, which Hickenlooper successfully did in February.
“This health crisis has been hard on everyone and has made clear how broken Washington is,” Hickenlooper said Saturday, adding that his campaign “is ready to win the nomination in June” and the general election in November.
A trio of candidates fell short of the signature requirement, in part, they say, because of the pandemic. They are considering legal action. Meanwhile, Saturday’s vote eliminates Spaulding and Underwood from the U.S. Senate race.
It’s likely then that Romanoff, the favorite of progressive Democrats, will face off head-to-head June 30 against Hickenlooper, the favorite of establishment, moderate Democrats. Romanoff has strong activist support and momentum, while Hickenlooper has far more money and superior name recognition.
Republicans held their state assembly online Saturday and kicked off voting in the Senate race, where the incumbent Gardner, of Yuma, faces a long-shot primary challenge from Margot Dupre. Results will be announced next Saturday.
During the virtual Republican assembly, Gardner’s campaign played a video that featured President Donald Trump praising him at a February rally in Colorado Springs. Gardner, speaking from a home office, told his fellow Republicans that Democrats believe beating him will help them take control of the Senate.
“My message to Chuck Schumer is to keep your hands off of our Constitution,” Gardner said of the Senate minority leader, a Democrat from New York.
Gardner said he was running “to fight back against the Green New Deal, to fight back against efforts to take away our Second Amendment rights, to fight back against efforts to increase taxes” and to work to improve the economy.
Romanoff, meanwhile, embraced the Green New Deal in remarks after his victory.
“When we come out of this crisis, Americans want to know whether we’ll put millions of people back to work through a Green New Deal and whether we’ll have health care that can never be taken away again,” the liberal Democrat claimed.
“I say yes. Cory Gardner and John Hickenlooper say no.”


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--Polis hints Colorado on track to partially open economy this month

Gov .
Jared Polis on Saturday hinted that Colorado remains on track to reopen some parts of its economy on April 27 after his statewide stay-at-home order expires .
“ While growth of the deadly virus slows in CO , it ’ s a huge threat for a long time , ” the governor tweeted .
“ By keeping distance from one another , wearing masks as we re-open over April 27th throughout May we can avoid mass deaths that exceed medical capacity AND devastating closure.
” In his tweet , Polis linked to a Los Angeles Times story which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles County residents still have jobs as the pandemic has shuttered offices and prompted massive layoffs across a wide swath of industries .
The governor ’ s desires reflect a delicate push-and-pull state leaders are facing between saving a free-falling economy and preventing a spike in cases , hospitals from being overwhelmed , and ultimately more deaths .
Multiple Colorado counties have expressed a desire to ease restrictions so people can return to work , while protesters plan to rally Sunday at Colorado ’ s State Capitol in Denver against what they call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What exactly the statewide reopening might look like remains to be seen .
In a news conference Friday , Polis said Colorado is in the “ tail end ” of the urgent phase of the outbreak , and that he would provide more details Monday on the gradual reopening of nonessential businesses .
It is unclear which businesses may be allowed to open first , and under what type of social distancing guidelines .
“ I wish that relaxing restrictions was like turning a light switch on and off , and we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the governor said Wednesday in a news conference .
“ But it ’ s going to look more like a dimmer.
” He warned Coloradans that even with some businesses able to open their doors again , levels of social distancing would be in place for the foreseeable future .
The governor ’ s tweet came hours before state health officials announced 411 people had died of complications related to COVID-19 — 20 more than announced the previous day — with more than 9,400 confirmed cases around the state .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak entered the state last month , but only 843 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Friday , state data shows .
At least 230 people since Friday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care , like a rehabilitation facility .
The number of outbreaks at nursing homes and other senior care facilities also continues to increase , with 107 confirmed as of Saturday afternoon .
In light of these devastating outbreaks — which have been responsible for roughly half of Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday announced more oversight and called in the National Guard .
Another major question to be addressed is whether the state has enough testing and the ability to trace and quarantine those who contract COVID-19 and their previous contacts .
State health officials have said mass testing is needed in communities to adequately track the virus ’ s spread , and experts have said contact tracing is a labor-intensive process that may require more health staff around the state .
The governor on Friday pushed back on comments made the previous day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s COVID-19 incident commander , who told reporters , “ The state won ’ t reopen until we have the capacity to make everyone safe.
” “ If any state , if any country , were to wait until we could keep everybody safe , ” Polis said , “ we ’ d have to be closed forever.
” On Saturday , Eagle County — one of the first Colorado communities to be hit by the new coronavirus last month — said it is seeking partial relief from the governor ’ s executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s top public health official , Jill Hunsaker Ryan , county leaders requested permission to increase gatherings from zero to 10 people , permit conditional opening of nonessential businesses that can meet social distancing requirements , and open outdoor recreation facilities that would be able to limit gatherings to fewer than 10 people .
“ Eagle County , our medical community , and county partners are prepared to take a step toward a more sustainable social distancing model , while taking a cautious and incremental step to open businesses and recreation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a county news release states .
Meanwhile , a county commissioner in Montezuma County on Friday said in a Facebook post that on April 26 the county would be open for business .
The commissioner , Larry Don Suckla , did not provide any additional information , and without a statewide lifting of restrictions , it ’ s unclear what authority Montezuma County would have in unilaterally opening up businesses .

Gov. Jared Polis on Saturday hinted that Colorado remains on track to reopen some parts of its economy on April 27 after his statewide stay-at-home order expires.
“While growth of the deadly virus slows in CO, it’s a huge threat for a long time,” the governor tweeted. “By keeping distance from one another, wearing masks as we re-open over April 27th throughout May we can avoid mass deaths that exceed medical capacity AND devastating closure.”
In his tweet, Polis linked to a Los Angeles Times story which reported that fewer than half of Los Angeles County residents still have jobs as the pandemic has shuttered offices and prompted massive layoffs across a wide swath of industries.
The governor’s desires reflect a delicate push-and-pull state leaders are facing between saving a free-falling economy and preventing a spike in cases, hospitals from being overwhelmed, and ultimately more deaths. Multiple Colorado counties have expressed a desire to ease restrictions so people can return to work, while protesters plan to rally Sunday at Colorado’s State Capitol in Denver against what they call leaders’ “draconian” policies.
What exactly the statewide reopening might look like remains to be seen.
In a news conference Friday, Polis said Colorado is in the “tail end” of the urgent phase of the outbreak, and that he would provide more details Monday on the gradual reopening of nonessential businesses. It is unclear which businesses may be allowed to open first, and under what type of social distancing guidelines.
“I wish that relaxing restrictions was like turning a light switch on and off, and we can all go back to how things were,” the governor said Wednesday in a news conference. “But it’s going to look more like a dimmer.”
He warned Coloradans that even with some businesses able to open their doors again, levels of social distancing would be in place for the foreseeable future.
The governor’s tweet came hours before state health officials announced 411 people had died of complications related to COVID-19 — 20 more than announced the previous day — with more than 9,400 confirmed cases around the state.
There have been 1,797 people hospitalized since the outbreak entered the state last month, but only 843 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Friday, state data shows. At least 230 people since Friday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care, like a rehabilitation facility.
The number of outbreaks at nursing homes and other senior care facilities also continues to increase, with 107 confirmed as of Saturday afternoon. In light of these devastating outbreaks — which have been responsible for roughly half of Colorado’s new coronavirus deaths — Polis on Friday announced more oversight and called in the National Guard.
Another major question to be addressed is whether the state has enough testing and the ability to trace and quarantine those who contract COVID-19 and their previous contacts. State health officials have said mass testing is needed in communities to adequately track the virus’s spread, and experts have said contact tracing is a labor-intensive process that may require more health staff around the state.
The governor on Friday pushed back on comments made the previous day by Scott Bookman, the state’s COVID-19 incident commander, who told reporters, “The state won’t reopen until we have the capacity to make everyone safe.”
“If any state, if any country, were to wait until we could keep everybody safe,” Polis said, “we’d have to be closed forever.”
On Saturday, Eagle County — one of the first Colorado communities to be hit by the new coronavirus last month — said it is seeking partial relief from the governor’s executive order. In a letter to the state’s top public health official, Jill Hunsaker Ryan, county leaders requested permission to increase gatherings from zero to 10 people, permit conditional opening of nonessential businesses that can meet social distancing requirements, and open outdoor recreation facilities that would be able to limit gatherings to fewer than 10 people.
“Eagle County, our medical community, and county partners are prepared to take a step toward a more sustainable social distancing model, while taking a cautious and incremental step to open businesses and recreation that are currently restricted in these orders,” a county news release states.
Meanwhile, a county commissioner in Montezuma County on Friday said in a Facebook post that on April 26 the county would be open for business. The commissioner, Larry Don Suckla, did not provide any additional information, and without a statewide lifting of restrictions, it’s unclear what authority Montezuma County would have in unilaterally opening up businesses.


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--Colorado confirms 411 coronavirus-related deaths while recoveries continue to climb

At least 411 people have died from complications of the novel coronavirus in Colorado , as deaths from the respiratory illness continue to rise even as the state inches closer to partially reopening .
There have been 1,797 people hospitalized since the outbreak entered the state last month , but only 843 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Friday night , state data shows .
At least 230 people since Friday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care , like a rehabilitation facility .
More than 9,400 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus — though health officials have said this number only represents around 30 % of actual positive cases in the state .
Health officials also confirmed 107 outbreaks at contained facilities such as nursing homes , long-term care facilities and factories — seven more than the previous day .
Gov .
Jared Polis on Friday announced more oversight and resources will be dedicated toward preventing and curtailing outbreaks at these facilities .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state .
The 411 deaths were 20 higher than reported on Friday .

At least 411 people have died from complications of the novel coronavirus in Colorado, as deaths from the respiratory illness continue to rise even as the state inches closer to partially reopening.
There have been 1,797 people hospitalized since the outbreak entered the state last month, but only 843 people were in Colorado hospitals with symptoms of the illness as of Friday night, state data shows. At least 230 people since Friday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care, like a rehabilitation facility.
More than 9,400 people have tested positive for COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus — though health officials have said this number only represents around 30% of actual positive cases in the state.
Health officials also confirmed 107 outbreaks at contained facilities such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities and factories — seven more than the previous day. Gov. Jared Polis on Friday announced more oversight and resources will be dedicated toward preventing and curtailing outbreaks at these facilities.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.
The 411 deaths were 20 higher than reported on Friday.


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--Chambers: Alex Newhook, cap space, Bo Byram paint a powerful picture for Avalanche

When looking at the Avalanche ’ s foreseeable future long beyond the coronavirus pandemic — meaning next season and beyond — Alex Newhook and a boatload of salary-cap space begin to paint a colorful picture in Colorado .
Newhook , the 19-year-old Boston College freshman who recently won the Tim Taylor Award as NCAA freshman of the year , is among the Avs ’ two can ’ t-miss prospects and I suspect he ’ ll enjoy a stout NHL career .
The other ?
Bo Byram , 18 , whom The Hockey News rated No .
1 among all 310 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 ) in the magazine ’ s Future ’ s Watch .
To be eligible , the player has to be 21-younger and in a team ’ s system — drafted , signed or acquired in a trade — or a young gun currently on the NHL team .
Colorado was the only team to have two players in the top-13 .
I ’ m leading this space with Newhook , a high-scoring forward , because he ’ s coming off a better season than Byram , the high-scoring defenseman .
But not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 24-8-2 and Hockey East regular-season champions when the NCAA season was canceled because of COVID-19 .
Byram and the Vancouver Giants stood third in the Western Hockey League ’ s B.C .
Division at the time and probably wouldn ’ t have made the 20-team WHL playoffs if the season was completed .
Financially , the 2019 Colorado draft classmates ( Byram went fourth and Newhook 16th ) are the ideal type of entry-level players every NHL team needs to balance payroll .
And make no mistake , the Avs are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extensions for Gabe Landeskog and Cale Makar kick in for 2021-22 and Nathan MacKinnon ’ s team-friendly cap hit of $ 6.3 million could double after 2022-23 .
The Avs are currently the best team with the lowest payroll , standing second in the Western Conference standings and 28th in lowest payroll .
The only other budget-friendly team in the league currently in playoff position is Columbus , which is barely in the Eastern Conference wildcard picture .
Colorado ’ s payroll won ’ t change much next season when Newhook is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his fourth full season of major-junior or a rookie with the Avs .
Newhook ’ s decision to play another year at BC is a sound one .
It will prepare him to step into a top-six role late next season after the Eagles are eliminated or to begin 2021-22 .
And it ’ s going to be fun to watch .
Newhook carries himself and shoots like a young Joe Sakic .
Lofty praise , indeed , but I remember that thought being thrown around with veteran journalists like myself during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And none of us were that surprised that Newhook was such a tremendous freshman for BC — tying senior forward Julius Mattila with a team-high 42 points in 34 games .
Newhook followed now-established NHL forwards Jack Eichel ( 2015 ) , Kyle Connor ( 2016 ) and Clayton Keller ( 2016 ) as Tim Taylor Award winners , and 2017 winner Scott Perunovich , a defenseman , won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey ’ s best player last week .
Taylor winners seem destined for NHL stardom and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Avs .
1 .
Bowen Byram , D , 18 , 6-1 , 192 , Vancouver Giants ( WHL ) – drafted No .
4 overall in 2019 .
2 .
Alex Newhook , F , 18 , 5-11 , 195 , Boston College ( NCAA ) – drafted No .
16 overall in 2019 .
10 .
Logan O ’ Connor , F , 23 , 6-0 , 175 , Colorado Eagles ( AHL ) – signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019 .

When looking at the Avalanche’s foreseeable future long beyond the coronavirus pandemic — meaning next season and beyond — Alex Newhook and a boatload of salary-cap space begin to paint a colorful picture in Colorado.
Newhook, the 19-year-old Boston College freshman who recently won the Tim Taylor Award as NCAA freshman of the year, is among the Avs’ two can’t-miss prospects and I suspect he’ll enjoy a stout NHL career.
The other? Bo Byram, 18, whom The Hockey News rated No. 1 among all 310 eligible prospects (Newhook is No. 13) in the magazine’s Future’s Watch. To be eligible, the player has to be 21-younger and in a team’s system — drafted, signed or acquired in a trade — or a young gun currently on the NHL team.
Colorado was the only team to have two players in the top-13.
I’m leading this space with Newhook, a high-scoring forward, because he’s coming off a better season than Byram, the high-scoring defenseman. But not by much.
Newhook and the Eagles were 24-8-2 and Hockey East regular-season champions when the NCAA season was canceled because of COVID-19. Byram and the Vancouver Giants stood third in the Western Hockey League’s B.C. Division at the time and probably wouldn’t have made the 20-team WHL playoffs if the season was completed.
Financially, the 2019 Colorado draft classmates (Byram went fourth and Newhook 16th) are the ideal type of entry-level players every NHL team needs to balance payroll.
And make no mistake, the Avs are going to need those modest three-year contracts when extensions for Gabe Landeskog and Cale Makar kick in for 2021-22 and Nathan MacKinnon’s team-friendly cap hit of $6.3 million could double after 2022-23.
The Avs are currently the best team with the lowest payroll, standing second in the Western Conference standings and 28th in lowest payroll. The only other budget-friendly team in the league currently in playoff position is Columbus, which is barely in the Eastern Conference wildcard picture.
Colorado’s payroll won’t change much next season when Newhook is a sophomore at BC and Byram is either in his fourth full season of major-junior or a rookie with the Avs.
Newhook’s decision to play another year at BC is a sound one. It will prepare him to step into a top-six role late next season after the Eagles are eliminated or to begin 2021-22. And it’s going to be fun to watch.
Newhook carries himself and shoots like a young Joe Sakic. Lofty praise, indeed, but I remember that thought being thrown around with veteran journalists like myself during the Avs’ development camp last summer. And none of us were that surprised that Newhook was such a tremendous freshman for BC — tying senior forward Julius Mattila with a team-high 42 points in 34 games.
Newhook followed now-established NHL forwards Jack Eichel (2015), Kyle Connor (2016) and Clayton Keller (2016) as Tim Taylor Award winners, and 2017 winner Scott Perunovich, a defenseman, won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s best player last week.
Taylor winners seem destined for NHL stardom and I believe Newhook will do just that for the Avs.
Avalanche top-10 prospects, per The Hockey News:
1. Bowen Byram, D, 18, 6-1, 192, Vancouver Giants (WHL) – drafted No. 4 overall in 2019.
2. Alex Newhook, F, 18, 5-11, 195, Boston College (NCAA) – drafted No. 16 overall in 2019.
3. Conor Timmins, D, 21, 6-2, 185, Colorado Eagles (AHL) – drafted 32nd overall in 2017.
4. Martin Kaut, F, 20, 6-2, 180, Colorado Eagles (AHL) – drafted 16th overall in 2018.
5. Justus Annunen, G, 19, 6-3, 200, Karpat (SM-Liiga) – drafted 64th overall in 2018.
6. Shane Bowers, F, 20, 6-2, 180, Colorado Eagles (AHL) – drafted 28th in 2017 (by Ottawa).
7. Drew Helleson, D, 18, 6-2, 191, Boston College (NCAA) – drafted 47th overall in 2019.
8. Sampo Ranta, F, 19, 6-2, 190, Minnesota (NCAA) – drafted 78th overall in 2018.
9. Alex Beaucage, F, 18, 6-2, 192, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) — drafted 78th in 2019.
10. Logan O’Connor, F, 23, 6-0, 175, Colorado Eagles (AHL) – signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019.


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--PHOTOS: Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Denver

The Air Force Thunderbirds flew over Denver and the Front Range on Saturday to honor frontline workers in the fight @ @ @ @ @ They started their day with a flyover at the Air Force Academy graduation , then @ @ @ @ @ Greeley and worked their way back south to Pueblo .

Christian Murdock, The Gazette via AP
The class of 2020 toss their caps into the air as the Thunderbirds fly over Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the conclusion of the Air Force Academy graduation in Colorado Springs, Colo. Nearly 1,000 cadets graduated in a scaled-down ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic. Saturday's commencement was attended by Vice President Mike Pence and capped a difficult final semester in which the cadets attended virtual classes and ate their meals alone in dorm rooms.


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--“America is being tested,” Pence says at unusual Air Force graduation

At an Air Force Academy graduation unlike any other in the school ’ s storied history , cadets sat 8 feet apart , their faces uncovered , as Vice President Mike Pence told them a weary nation needs their leadership now more than ever .
“ America is being tested , ” the vice president told 967 graduating cadets .
“ While there are signs that we are making progress in slowing the spread , as we stand here today , more than 700,000 Americans have contracted the coronavirus and tragically more than 37,000 of our countrymen have lost their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you has shown in your time here , ” he went on , “ and as the American people always show in challenging times , when hardship comes , Americans come together .
We rise to the challenge .
The courage , compassion and generosity of the nation you will defend are shining through every day.
” The vice president ’ s remarks extolled patriotism , military might and American perseverance .
They also praised President Donald Trump , last year ’ s graduation speaker , and the Trump administration ’ s military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
We will protect our most vulnerable people .
And we will heal our land , ” Pence told the academy ’ s Class of 2020 .
Graduating weeks ahead of schedule , the cadets traded in Falcon Stadium , the usual graduation location , for an outdoor pavilion near the academy chapel .
They did not march to receive their diplomas and no spectators were allowed to attend .
The Air Force Thunderbirds performed their traditional flyover of the ceremony but did not perform their usual aerobatics demonstration .
And after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quiet academy , graduates jumped and cheered in place , but could not hug or shake hands .
Some waved to classmates instead .
The class of 2020 was historic even before coronavirus precautions drastically changed Saturday ’ s ceremony .
Eighty-six graduates will now go on to serve as officers in the new Space Force , the first class of academy graduates to do so .
“ You , if deterrence fails , will fight and win the battle for space superiority , ” said Gen. John “ Jay ” Raymond , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s remarks , “ which is so vital to our nation , to our allies , and our joint coalition forces.
” The graduation was given an exception from the state ’ s stay-at-home orders and ban on gatherings because it occurred at a federal institution and because military members are essential employees .
“ Governor Polis congratulates the Air Force Academy cadets on their commission as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force , ” said the governor ’ s press secretary in the days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be practicing good social distancing and he hopes they stay safe during this challenging time for our state and country.
” Polis and Pence spoke for five minutes on a Colorado Springs tarmac before the graduation , according to a White House pool report .
They did not shake hands due to social distancing restrictions .
Polis wore a mask with the Colorado logo on the front ; the vice president did not wear a mask as they spoke .

At an Air Force Academy graduation unlike any other in the school’s storied history, cadets sat 8 feet apart, their faces uncovered, as Vice President Mike Pence told them a weary nation needs their leadership now more than ever.
“America is being tested,” the vice president told 967 graduating cadets. “While there are signs that we are making progress in slowing the spread, as we stand here today, more than 700,000 Americans have contracted the coronavirus and tragically more than 37,000 of our countrymen have lost their lives.
“But as each of you has shown in your time here,” he went on, “and as the American people always show in challenging times, when hardship comes, Americans come together. We rise to the challenge. The courage, compassion and generosity of the nation you will defend are shining through every day.”
The vice president’s remarks extolled patriotism, military might and American perseverance. They also praised President Donald Trump, last year’s graduation speaker, and the Trump administration’s military policies.
“We will get through this. We will protect our most vulnerable people. And we will heal our land,” Pence told the academy’s Class of 2020.
Graduating weeks ahead of schedule, the cadets traded in Falcon Stadium, the usual graduation location, for an outdoor pavilion near the academy chapel. They did not march to receive their diplomas and no spectators were allowed to attend.
The Air Force Thunderbirds performed their traditional flyover of the ceremony but did not perform their usual aerobatics demonstration. And after the Thunderbirds took flight over an unusually quiet academy, graduates jumped and cheered in place, but could not hug or shake hands. Some waved to classmates instead.
The class of 2020 was historic even before coronavirus precautions drastically changed Saturday’s ceremony. Eighty-six graduates will now go on to serve as officers in the new Space Force, the first class of academy graduates to do so.
“You, if deterrence fails, will fight and win the battle for space superiority,” said Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, the Space Force leader, during Saturday’s remarks, “which is so vital to our nation, to our allies, and our joint coalition forces.”
The graduation was given an exception from the state’s stay-at-home orders and ban on gatherings because it occurred at a federal institution and because military members are essential employees.
“Governor Polis congratulates the Air Force Academy cadets on their commission as second lieutenants in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force,” said the governor’s press secretary in the days before the event. “The academy will be practicing good social distancing and he hopes they stay safe during this challenging time for our state and country.”
Polis and Pence spoke for five minutes on a Colorado Springs tarmac before the graduation, according to a White House pool report. They did not shake hands due to social distancing restrictions. Polis wore a mask with the Colorado logo on the front; the vice president did not wear a mask as they spoke.


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--These are the most difficult areas of Colorado to practice social distancing

People living in poorer areas of Denver and in portions of Colorado ’ s Eastern Plains are in the worst positions to practice social distancing and may be most at risk of spreading the novel coronavirus , according to a new social distancing index released Friday .
The Colorado Health Institute used several factors to determine where the COVID-19 outbreak could be most impactful in Colorado , including percentage of people working in essential jobs that can not be done remotely , areas with overcrowded housing and densely populated neighborhoods .
“ Staying at home to help fight the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of people , ” Emily Johnson , director of Policy Analysis at the health institute , said in a news release .
“ But for others , it ’ s a luxury they can ’ t afford.
” The data will be able to help health officials target areas that may need additional resources to fight the pandemic .
Neighborhoods with high scores on the index , for example , could be first in line to receive internet-connected thermometers or more coronavirus tests to provide an early warning of new outbreaks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The index found social distancing is hardest in agricultural areas such Yuma and Weld counties , as well as in lower-income Denver neighborhoods — such as Montbello and Westwood — where crowded housing and low-wage hands-on work make it easier for the virus to spread .
Researchers noted that overcrowding isn ’ t necessarily occurring where one might think .
Central Denver is the most densely populated area in Colorado , but people there aren ’ t living in crowded conditions .
Rather it ’ s in poorer areas — including Adams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge and northwest Aurora — where “ current and historic discriminatory policies … have prevented people of color from owning homes and building generational wealth , ” the Colorado Health Institute found .
Cell phone data analyzed by Tri-County Health found Adams County to have the highest rates of movement in the metro area , which the Colorado Health Institute says confirms their social distancing findings .
These people don ’ t want to be going out , the institute says .
They simply don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … demonstrates how social inequities in many neighborhoods can hinder public health efforts , ” the health institute says on its website .
“ Public health professionals and social justice advocates have warned that a widening gap between the rich and poor will harm the health of the entire society .
The pandemic is now driving that lesson home .
”

People living in poorer areas of Denver and in portions of Colorado’s Eastern Plains are in the worst positions to practice social distancing and may be most at risk of spreading the novel coronavirus, according to a new social distancing index released Friday.
The Colorado Health Institute used several factors to determine where the COVID-19 outbreak could be most impactful in Colorado, including percentage of people working in essential jobs that cannot be done remotely, areas with overcrowded housing and densely populated neighborhoods.
“Staying at home to help fight the coronavirus pandemic seems like a hardship for a lot of people,” Emily Johnson, director of Policy Analysis at the health institute, said in a news release. “But for others, it’s a luxury they can’t afford.”
The data will be able to help health officials target areas that may need additional resources to fight the pandemic. Neighborhoods with high scores on the index, for example, could be first in line to receive internet-connected thermometers or more coronavirus tests to provide an early warning of new outbreaks, the health institute said on its website.
The index found social distancing is hardest in agricultural areas such Yuma and Weld counties, as well as in lower-income Denver neighborhoods — such as Montbello and Westwood — where crowded housing and low-wage hands-on work make it easier for the virus to spread.
Researchers noted that overcrowding isn’t necessarily occurring where one might think. Central Denver is the most densely populated area in Colorado, but people there aren’t living in crowded conditions. Rather it’s in poorer areas — including Adams County suburbs along Interstate 25 and west of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge and northwest Aurora — where “current and historic discriminatory policies … have prevented people of color from owning homes and building generational wealth,” the Colorado Health Institute found.
Cell phone data analyzed by Tri-County Health found Adams County to have the highest rates of movement in the metro area, which the Colorado Health Institute says confirms their social distancing findings. These people don’t want to be going out, the institute says. They simply don’t have a choice.
“The index … demonstrates how social inequities in many neighborhoods can hinder public health efforts,” the health institute says on its website. “Public health professionals and social justice advocates have warned that a widening gap between the rich and poor will harm the health of the entire society. The pandemic is now driving that lesson home.”


thedenverpost--2020-04-18--Kickin’ It with Kiz: Is Broncos linebacker Von Miller a hero for our times or a covidiot?

Broncos linebacker Von Miller is a covidiot .
But he ’ s not a bad person .
After testing positive for COVID-19 , Miller can use his experience to teach and share .
Let ’ s all learn to beat this thing and move back toward normal .
But it ’ s a long season , and we ’ ve got to play smart .
Kiz : First and foremost , let me wish Miller a speedy and full recovery .
But as he made the media rounds to declare we all should be taking this shelter-in-place stuff seriously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has recently been visited by his trainer , his maid , his fish-tank cleaners and his place-kicker .
While I ’ m not certain that rises to the level of covidiot , it does make me wonder if visitors enter Miller ’ s crib through a revolving door .
Miller last week posted a photograph of a new tattoo .
Instead of “ Sack Master ” maybe the tat should have said : “ Knucklehead.
” Yeah , my place-kicker keeps coming over to my house , too .
Kiz : Hey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our huggy bear .
And we all miss our workout buddies .
But let ’ s wait until the worst of this corona storm passes , K ?
Alas , I fear we shall all be forced to furlough our domestic staffs .
Who shall do my daily mani-pedi ?
I am ruined .
Kiz : Sociologists claim this pandemic will change American culture forever .
It makes sense to me , because all the money I used to waste on haircuts has now been put to better use : beer .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ d look in dreadlocks ?
The rules of our new normal are not that hard for most people .
What was Miller ’ s score on the Wonderlic test ?
The people having the toughest time sheltering in place are the dumb , the young , the rich and the red-hat wearers .
Kiz : Red-hat wearers ?
You mean Chiefs fans ?
( Only kid the ones I love . )
From Denver to Kansas City , we ’ ve all discovered if coronavirus doesn ’ t kill us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love Von , but he let all these people into his home .
What did he expect ?
That ’ s not social-distancing .
I wish him a safe recovery , regardless .
— Krissi , likes chocolate for breakfast • Kiszla : Three good reasons why John Elway and Broncos should attempt to trade up in NFL draft • Kiszla : Will NBA finish season ?
“ Not a chance , ” sports doc insists .
With football also iffy , pray baseball can return .
• 🔊 Kickin ’ It with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooler than Graham Glasgow ’ s $ 44 million contract with Broncos ?
His dog Gordy .
• Kiszla : In a spring without sports , who are real MVPs in stay-at-home lives of athletes and fans alike ?
Dogs , bruh .
• Kiszla vs. O ’ Halloran : A better fit at receiver for Broncos — Justin Jefferson or Henry Ruggs ?
Kiz : The staff here at Kickin ’ It Headquarters is grateful a coronavirus test was available for Miller , because he has an underlying condition of asthma and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But we will be even more grateful when tests with rapid results are available for more than 90 % of Coloradans .
And today ’ s parting shot is a much-appreciated ( virtual ) fist bump delivered from a safe social distance .
My family and I have been Colorado residents , as well as loyal fans of the local sports teams , since 1992 .
Kiz , I can ’ t remember the exact date I started reading your columns , but it has been a long time .
I wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughtful and entertaining content each and every day in The Denver Post .
I look forward to it , especially during these uncertain times .

Broncos linebacker Von Miller is a covidiot. But he’s not a bad person. After testing positive for COVID-19, Miller can use his experience to teach and share. Let’s all learn to beat this thing and move back toward normal. But it’s a long season, and we’ve got to play smart.
— Greg, values teaching moments
Kiz: First and foremost, let me wish Miller a speedy and full recovery. But as he made the media rounds to declare we all should be taking this shelter-in-place stuff seriously, the fun-loving Vonster casually mentioned his home has recently been visited by his trainer, his maid, his fish-tank cleaners and his place-kicker. While I’m not certain that rises to the level of covidiot, it does make me wonder if visitors enter Miller’s crib through a revolving door. Miller last week posted a photograph of a new tattoo. Instead of “Sack Master” maybe the tat should have said: “Knucklehead.”
Yeah, my place-kicker keeps coming over to my house, too.
— Reg, punk-rocking engineer
Kiz: Hey, we all want Brandon McManus to be our huggy bear. And we all miss our workout buddies. But let’s wait until the worst of this corona storm passes, K?
Alas, I fear we shall all be forced to furlough our domestic staffs. Who shall do my daily mani-pedi? I am ruined.
— Tex, dreading sandal season
Kiz: Sociologists claim this pandemic will change American culture forever. It makes sense to me, because all the money I used to waste on haircuts has now been put to better use: beer. By the way, how do you think I’d look in dreadlocks?
The rules of our new normal are not that hard for most people. What was Miller’s score on the Wonderlic test? The people having the toughest time sheltering in place are the dumb, the young, the rich and the red-hat wearers.
— Sam, Aurora
Kiz: Red-hat wearers? You mean Chiefs fans? (Only kid the ones I love.) From Denver to Kansas City, we’ve all discovered if coronavirus doesn’t kill us, we might perish from boredom.
I love Von, but he let all these people into his home. What did he expect? That’s not social-distancing. I wish him a safe recovery, regardless.
— Krissi, likes chocolate for breakfast
Kiz: The staff here at Kickin’ It Headquarters is grateful a coronavirus test was available for Miller, because he has an underlying condition of asthma and COVID-19 ain’t no joke. But we will be even more grateful when tests with rapid results are available for more than 90% of Coloradans.
And today’s parting shot is a much-appreciated (virtual) fist bump delivered from a safe social distance.
My family and I have been Colorado residents, as well as loyal fans of the local sports teams, since 1992. Kiz, I can’t remember the exact date I started reading your columns, but it has been a long time. I wanted to say thank you for delivering heartfelt, thoughtful and entertaining content each and every day in The Denver Post. I look forward to it, especially during these uncertain times.
— Michael, representing the 303


thedenverpost--2020-04-19--From wealthy students to impoverished refugees, Denver Public Schools’ focus on equity plays out in

From wealthy students to impoverished refugees, Denver Public Schools’ focus on equity plays out in remote learning

Some Denver Public Schools students come from affluent families equipped with an abundance of meals , technology and support at home .
Others are experiencing homelessness , tackling language barriers or lacking internet access to connect them to their virtual classrooms .
Establishing an emergency remote-learning protocol to serve the needs of more than 90,000 Denver students with vastly different socioeconomic backgrounds and home lives — all amid a global pandemic that shuttered Colorado ’ s school buildings — was not on DPS Superintendent Susana Cordova ’ s radar at the start of the school year .
Once it became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the process illuminated the path forward .
“ That meant thinking all the way from basic needs like food and support for families who are losing their jobs and connections to things like energy assistance and food pantries , ” Cordova said .
“ But also , then , how we could create an environment where both the social emotional and academic needs of students could continue to be supported .
“ We have a significantly diverse population , so people all the way from very , very , very privileged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English or Spanish.
” Natalie Jacobs is a bilingual teacher to 11 Denver students who receive a majority of their instruction in Spanish .
While there are many resources and platforms being thrown at teachers to facilitate online learning , Jacobs is struggling to find tools accommodating Spanish speakers and straining even more to get her young students logged in .
“ I ’ ve spent a lot of time writing out translations of how to log in , making screencasts of how to log in , but then I have families who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technological literacy , ” Jacobs said .
“ It ’ s been a lot of phone calls and texting with families , which has been time consuming and frustrating because I know that other families are using these things much more readily and probably much more effectively for their child.
” DPS has posted COVID-19 information and resources on its website in 10 different languages , but communicating that to families without internet access is a moot point .
Cordova was surprised how much of a struggle connecting families to the internet was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nestled in the state ’ s metropolitan hub .
DPS distributed nearly 40,000 Chromebook laptops to students in need of devices after school buildings closed in March to help fight the spread of the highly contagious new coronavirus .
Of those , the district used bond money to supplant its existing supply by purchasing 9,000 Chromebooks for nearly $ 3 million .
At least 8 % of DPS students don ’ t have internet access , according to a mid-April Board of Education update on remote learning .
The district also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund money on more than 4,000 mobile “ hotspots ” to enable internet access in families homes .
Due to nationwide demand , hotspot acquisition has been delayed .
Available hotspots were prioritized for high school students in the highest poverty schools first , Cordova said , to ensure older students can stay on track for graduation .
“ In some ways we ’ re grappling not because of the infrastructure but because of other barriers in the same way rural districts do , ” Cordova said .
“ Particularly , setting up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been challenging — some of our families who are very low income and our refugee families , and working with our undocumented community who actually can qualify for things like Comcast Internet Essentials but are afraid to share their private information .
It ’ s become clear to me that broadband needs to be treated like a utility like electricity and water.
” However , the battle doesn ’ t end once technology and internet are acquired .
Basic needs take precedent .
DPS has handed out more than 177,000 meals to students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relied on school breakfasts and lunches or who are now having a hard time making ends meet amid a drastic spike in layoffs , furloughs and business closures .
Cordova noted supporting the emotional needs of students , educators and staff also was a priority during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Obviously , there are lot of sick people , ” Cordova said .
“ There ’ s going to be a lot of grief .
One of my aunts passed away , and I can ’ t see my cousins right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space , and when this all comes to an end , it ’ s all going to be there .
We will need to be thoughtful about how we support the emotional needs of our students.
” Jacobs worries about her students ’ social and emotional growth as they ’ ve been abruptly plucked from their school communities and peers and instructed to keep away from their friends and teachers who typically make up big portions of their day .
“ Plus , I have some families where parents are working from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some families where their level of schooling might not be supporting what their student needs at home now , ” Jacobs said .
Jacobs ’ s class is small enough to allow time to video chat one-on-one with students who can catch glimpses of familiar classroom decorations like a piñata and pictures of their class behind their teacher while learning about double-digit addition and subtraction .
Jacobs is trying to let her families know she doesn ’ t want to add stress to their lives for the sake of completed homework assignments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some parents are complaining about the rigor and amount of coursework , Cordova said others are complaining there isn ’ t enough for their kids to do .
“ We need to be back in our buildings ” Courtney Forman , a fifth-grade teacher at Samuels Elementary School , said she wants to help her class in these uncertain times by making them feel like students again and giving them purpose throughout their day .
“ I don ’ t want to make something hard enough that they don ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want to insult their intelligence by giving them work that ’ s dumbed down , but I don ’ t want to heighten their stress for them and their parents , ” Forman said .
“ I ’ m looking for that sweet spot , and it ’ s so hard to gauge from a distance.
” Everything is so much harder at a distance , Cordova agreed .
In the superintendent ’ s eyes , a successful day means teachers meaningfully engaged with kids .
If that wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent was too busy working that day or some other individual circumstance , then at least parents and caregivers can communicate that everyone is safe , Cordova said .
Even with parents , teachers , students , staff and district administrators working tirelessly , there are still students without internet access , some who haven ’ t been able to be reached by their teachers and others navigating a scary time without the same support of their teachers and peers they may be used to .
“ I don ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term for the learning needs of our kids , ” Cordova said .
“ We are not geared up to do this well at a large scale — and that ’ s not to say we can ’ t get there — and I think people are doing phenomenal work to make it work .
But , ultimately , when it ’ s safe , we need to be back in our buildings interacting with kids .
”

Some Denver Public Schools students come from affluent families equipped with an abundance of meals, technology and support at home. Others are experiencing homelessness, tackling language barriers or lacking internet access to connect them to their virtual classrooms.
Establishing an emergency remote-learning protocol to serve the needs of more than 90,000 Denver students with vastly different socioeconomic backgrounds and home lives — all amid a global pandemic that shuttered Colorado’s school buildings — was not on DPS Superintendent Susana Cordova’s radar at the start of the school year.
Once it became her reality, Cordova said centering equity in the process illuminated the path forward.
“That meant thinking all the way from basic needs like food and support for families who are losing their jobs and connections to things like energy assistance and food pantries,” Cordova said. “But also, then, how we could create an environment where both the social emotional and academic needs of students could continue to be supported.
“We have a significantly diverse population, so people all the way from very, very, very privileged to refugee families who don’t speak English or Spanish.”
Natalie Jacobs is a bilingual teacher to 11 Denver students who receive a majority of their instruction in Spanish. While there are many resources and platforms being thrown at teachers to facilitate online learning, Jacobs is struggling to find tools accommodating Spanish speakers and straining even more to get her young students logged in.
“I’ve spent a lot of time writing out translations of how to log in, making screencasts of how to log in, but then I have families who do not have a high level of technological literacy,” Jacobs said. “It’s been a lot of phone calls and texting with families, which has been time consuming and frustrating because I know that other families are using these things much more readily and probably much more effectively for their child.”
DPS has posted COVID-19 information and resources on its website in 10 different languages, but communicating that to families without internet access is a moot point.
Cordova was surprised how much of a struggle connecting families to the internet was for Colorado’s largest school district, nestled in the state’s metropolitan hub.
DPS distributed nearly 40,000 Chromebook laptops to students in need of devices after school buildings closed in March to help fight the spread of the highly contagious new coronavirus. Of those, the district used bond money to supplant its existing supply by purchasing 9,000 Chromebooks for nearly $3 million.
At least 8% of DPS students don’t have internet access, according to a mid-April Board of Education update on remote learning.
The district also has spent more than $666,000 of general fund money on more than 4,000 mobile “hotspots” to enable internet access in families homes.
Due to nationwide demand, hotspot acquisition has been delayed. Available hotspots were prioritized for high school students in the highest poverty schools first, Cordova said, to ensure older students can stay on track for graduation.
“In some ways we’re grappling not because of the infrastructure but because of other barriers in the same way rural districts do,” Cordova said. “Particularly, setting up our most vulnerable families with internet has been challenging — some of our families who are very low income and our refugee families, and working with our undocumented community who actually can qualify for things like Comcast Internet Essentials but are afraid to share their private information. It’s become clear to me that broadband needs to be treated like a utility like electricity and water.”
Technological and emotional needs
However, the battle doesn’t end once technology and internet are acquired. Basic needs take precedent.
DPS has handed out more than 177,000 meals to students and their families who may have normally relied on school breakfasts and lunches or who are now having a hard time making ends meet amid a drastic spike in layoffs, furloughs and business closures.
Cordova noted supporting the emotional needs of students, educators and staff also was a priority during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Obviously, there are lot of sick people,” Cordova said. “There’s going to be a lot of grief. One of my aunts passed away, and I can’t see my cousins right now. It’s just this weird space, and when this all comes to an end, it’s all going to be there. We will need to be thoughtful about how we support the emotional needs of our students.”
Jacobs worries about her students’ social and emotional growth as they’ve been abruptly plucked from their school communities and peers and instructed to keep away from their friends and teachers who typically make up big portions of their day.
“Plus, I have some families where parents are working from home and trying to simultaneously support their student and some families where their level of schooling might not be supporting what their student needs at home now,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs’s class is small enough to allow time to video chat one-on-one with students who can catch glimpses of familiar classroom decorations like a piñata and pictures of their class behind their teacher while learning about double-digit addition and subtraction.
Jacobs is trying to let her families know she doesn’t want to add stress to their lives for the sake of completed homework assignments in an already concerning time.
While some parents are complaining about the rigor and amount of coursework, Cordova said others are complaining there isn’t enough for their kids to do.
“We need to be back in our buildings”
Courtney Forman, a fifth-grade teacher at Samuels Elementary School, said she wants to help her class in these uncertain times by making them feel like students again and giving them purpose throughout their day.
“I don’t want to make something hard enough that they don’t want to even go on there, and I don’t want to insult their intelligence by giving them work that’s dumbed down, but I don’t want to heighten their stress for them and their parents,” Forman said. “I’m looking for that sweet spot, and it’s so hard to gauge from a distance.”
Everything is so much harder at a distance, Cordova agreed.
In the superintendent’s eyes, a successful day means teachers meaningfully engaged with kids. If that wasn’t possible because a student’s parent was too busy working that day or some other individual circumstance, then at least parents and caregivers can communicate that everyone is safe, Cordova said.
Even with parents, teachers, students, staff and district administrators working tirelessly, there are still students without internet access, some who haven’t been able to be reached by their teachers and others navigating a scary time without the same support of their teachers and peers they may be used to.
“I don’t want to pretend like this will be a solution long-term for the learning needs of our kids,” Cordova said. “We are not geared up to do this well at a large scale — and that’s not to say we can’t get there — and I think people are doing phenomenal work to make it work. But, ultimately, when it’s safe, we need to be back in our buildings interacting with kids.”
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thedenverpost--2020-04-19--“It’s not going very well:” The Class of 2020 searches for a job amid a pandemic that has crippled t

“It’s not going very well:” The Class of 2020 searches for a job amid a pandemic that has crippled the economy

This May , Rishab Kharidhi will be one of the 6,120 students receiving a diploma from the University of Colorado Boulder .
He , along with thousands more graduating from the state ’ s colleges and universities , spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to earn a degree but will launch into the workforce under the shadow of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
Kharidhi , a student from Bangalore , India , who will earn his master ’ s degree in cybersecurity , said his job search makes him worried for his future .
There simply are too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer hiring.
” “ It ’ s not going very well , ” Kharidhi said .
“ There ’ s usually no reply .
Only a couple companies have gotten back to me , saying they ’ re no longer hiring.
” The Class of 2020 is graduating into the worst job market in a generation as the novel coronavirus cripples the economy .
More than 13 % of the entire American workforce has become unemployed since mid-March with more than 22 million people filing for unemployment , according to federal economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 250,000 are among those who have sought support since the pandemic hit .
And there is no telling how deep the job losses will go or how long it will take the country to recover .
Kharidhi applied to jobs near and far from Boulder , he said , hoping to find an opportunity in cybersecurity or software development .
The applications that generated responses provided no time frame for when there might be an opening , he said .
Even worse — some friends have watched job offers be rescinded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried , ” Kharidhi said .
“ Even if I do get a job , will it still be there ?
” Kharidhi worried about being prepared for interviews but CU Boulder ’ s Career Services office set up practice interviews over Zoom and Webex .
The office staff also provided resume reviews .
“ Our students had to quickly move to online learning the week of March 16 .
They weren ’ t given much notice , and it was a big change , ” said Cori Shaff , senior assistant director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re doing what we can to support employers and students.
” People who run career service centers are monitoring the job market and doing their best to help students find work .
On April 9 , CU Boulder ’ s office held its Just In Time job fair online , and about 400 students met with about 40 employers for online chats with some doing multiple interviews , Shaff said .
Job postings in fields such as hospitality , art , restaurant services , social services , recreation , retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
But other fields , including warehouse management , technology and project management , are still hiring .
Many employers are waiting to see how long the stay-at-home orders last before making any cancellations , Heidi Perman , the assistant vice chancellor of career and professional development at the University of Denver , said .
Companies are interacting with students virtually since they can ’ t come to campus , Perman said .
Tony Smith , director of the Experiential Learning Center at the University of Colorado Denver , said he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last month , but jobs and internships remain available .
Some fields , such as the health care industry , have suspended internships due to safety concerns , he said .
“ Given the circumstances , we did anticipate a change in this type of activity as we all work through the current COVID-19 situation , ” Smith said .
“ That being said , we forecast it will return to normal , go back up again once this crisis improves.
” Taylor Joachim , a strategic communication major at DU , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 jobs in the Denver area , and she gets emails every other day saying openings are either canceled or postponed .
“ It ’ s really scary , ” she said .
“ How am I supposed to find a job come August ?
” Joachim wants a job or internship near Denver in advertising .
But her lease ends in August , and if she hasn ’ t found a job by then , she ’ ll have to return home to Michigan , she said .
“ I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is not what I want to do , ” she said .
“ It would completely derail my career plans.
” As the coronavirus lingers , students are keeping their fingers crossed and hoping something will come along .
Kharidhi is making a list of essential services jobs and aiming for those .
Joachim is appreciative of the opportunities she has while she ’ s still in school .
“ The only things I can find positive is at least I ’ m not laid off , ” Joachim said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college and have that buffer of time.
” In February , Esteban Ortiz III , an ethnic studies major at CU Denver , worked with the learning center to find potential job opportunities .
He was told it was the perfect time to be applying for jobs , because companies start looking to hire in March , Ortiz said .
Ortiz spent the past six years preparing for a job in public service with state or local government .
With graduation a month away , opportunities he had in the first week of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after weeks of being told “ No , ” a local nonprofit organization took a chance on him .
“ I feel so relieved .
When I got those no ’ s and the notifications of hiring freezes , it was a bit disheartening , ” Ortiz said .
“ It ’ s an incredibly difficult job market for everyone , not just for recent graduates .
It ’ s not what we planned for , but there ’ s hope and all our hard work will pay off .
”

This May, Rishab Kharidhi will be one of the 6,120 students receiving a diploma from the University of Colorado Boulder. He, along with thousands more graduating from the state’s colleges and universities, spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to earn a degree but will launch into the workforce under the shadow of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Kharidhi, a student from Bangalore, India, who will earn his master’s degree in cybersecurity, said his job search makes him worried for his future. There simply are too many companies saying, “We are no longer hiring.”
“It’s not going very well,” Kharidhi said. “There’s usually no reply. Only a couple companies have gotten back to me, saying they’re no longer hiring.”
The Class of 2020 is graduating into the worst job market in a generation as the novel coronavirus cripples the economy. More than 13% of the entire American workforce has become unemployed since mid-March with more than 22 million people filing for unemployment, according to federal economic data released Thursday.
In Colorado, more than 250,000 are among those who have sought support since the pandemic hit. And there is no telling how deep the job losses will go or how long it will take the country to recover.
Kharidhi applied to jobs near and far from Boulder, he said, hoping to find an opportunity in cybersecurity or software development. The applications that generated responses provided no time frame for when there might be an opening, he said. Even worse — some friends have watched job offers be rescinded.
“I’m actually really worried,” Kharidhi said. “Even if I do get a job, will it still be there?”
Kharidhi worried about being prepared for interviews but CU Boulder’s Career Services office set up practice interviews over Zoom and Webex. The office staff also provided resume reviews.
“Our students had to quickly move to online learning the week of March 16. They weren’t given much notice, and it was a big change,” said Cori Shaff, senior assistant director at the campus Career Services office. “We’re doing what we can to support employers and students.”
People who run career service centers are monitoring the job market and doing their best to help students find work. On April 9, CU Boulder’s office held its Just In Time job fair online, and about 400 students met with about 40 employers for online chats with some doing multiple interviews, Shaff said.
Job postings in fields such as hospitality, art, restaurant services, social services, recreation, retail and personal care have dropped, Shaff said. But other fields, including warehouse management, technology and project management, are still hiring.
Many employers are waiting to see how long the stay-at-home orders last before making any cancellations, Heidi Perman, the assistant vice chancellor of career and professional development at the University of Denver, said. Companies are interacting with students virtually since they can’t come to campus, Perman said.
Tony Smith, director of the Experiential Learning Center at the University of Colorado Denver, said he has seen a slight drop in listings over the last month, but jobs and internships remain available. Some fields, such as the health care industry, have suspended internships due to safety concerns, he said.
“Given the circumstances, we did anticipate a change in this type of activity as we all work through the current COVID-19 situation,” Smith said. “That being said, we forecast it will return to normal, go back up again once this crisis improves.”
Taylor Joachim, a strategic communication major at DU, said she has applied for at least 10 jobs in the Denver area, and she gets emails every other day saying openings are either canceled or postponed.
“It’s really scary,” she said. “How am I supposed to find a job come August?”
Joachim wants a job or internship near Denver in advertising. But her lease ends in August, and if she hasn’t found a job by then, she’ll have to return home to Michigan, she said.
“I’ll have to move back to Michigan, which is not what I want to do,” she said. “It would completely derail my career plans.”
As the coronavirus lingers, students are keeping their fingers crossed and hoping something will come along. Kharidhi is making a list of essential services jobs and aiming for those. Joachim is appreciative of the opportunities she has while she’s still in school.
“The only things I can find positive is at least I’m not laid off,” Joachim said. “At least I’m still in college and have that buffer of time.”
There is hope.
In February, Esteban Ortiz III, an ethnic studies major at CU Denver, worked with the learning center to find potential job opportunities. He was told it was the perfect time to be applying for jobs, because companies start looking to hire in March, Ortiz said.
Ortiz spent the past six years preparing for a job in public service with state or local government. With graduation a month away, opportunities he had in the first week of March seemed to evaporate.
Then, after weeks of being told “No,” a local nonprofit organization took a chance on him.
“I feel so relieved. When I got those no’s and the notifications of hiring freezes, it was a bit disheartening,” Ortiz said. “It’s an incredibly difficult job market for everyone, not just for recent graduates. It’s not what we planned for, but there’s hope and all our hard work will pay off.”


thedenverpost--2020-04-19--NBA Journal: Why I can’t wait to watch Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance”

The last two All-Star Games should ’ ve been the perfect time to celebrate Michael Jordan , the greatest player the NBA ’ s ever known .
He hosted last year ’ s annual showcase in Charlotte , and this year ’ s took place in Chicago , where his six championship banners and his iconic Jump Man statue lord over the United Center .
But for both , and almost certainly by design , Jordan was invisible .
The most fiercely competitive and ruthless athlete in NBA history was loath to drop his guard in public .
I mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re talking about .
That ’ s why I can ’ t wait to watch ESPN ’ s “ The Last Dance , ” which chronicles his last title run and debuts Sunday night .
Jordan apparently had some degree of control over the project , which had been sequestered in the NBA ’ s archives for over two decades .
I doubt that means he can scrub the unflattering portions of Chicago ’ s 1997-98 championship run – the last title in their second three-peat .
I can ’ t wait to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottie Pippen , reportedly fraught after Pippen delayed a surgery that kept him out half the season .
The same goes for longtime GM Jerry Krause , whose meddling was a constant source of friction but whose legacy was that of a championship architect .
I ’ m eager to see how Jordan wore the weight of expectations after it became public that Phil Jackson would be gone after the year .
Jordan famously responded he wouldn ’ t play for anyone other than Jackson .
Was it liberating to know that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , regardless of outcome ?
Was it daunting to know another three-peat was at stake ?
This was a theme Golden State ’ s dynasty talked about excessively : The fatigue of being around each other and winning to the degree that they did .
Steve Kerr , Jordan ’ s teammate for the entire second three-peat , knows as well as anyone the toll winning takes .
But what I ’ m most excited about is seeing the spotlight reignited on Jordan .
Ever since LeBron James came into the league in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heir .
His championship failures and successes have been documented more heavily than anyone else in the modern era , and it ’ s spawned a loud chorus that he ’ s perhaps better than Jordan .
I hope the documentary helps correct the record , or at least mandates more critical comparisons .
As the groundswell of coverage surrounding the documentary picked up over the last week , one question kept being revisited .
Why had it taken so long for Jordan to allow the footage to be used and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was just a private person and might be embarrassed at how he ’ d be portrayed ?
ESPN reported Saturday that Jordan finally agreed to the documentary in 2016 , on the same day that James and the Cavs held their championship parade .
Was it a coincidence or was Jordan at all threatened by James ’ growing fairytale , not to mention the 73-win Warriors that had broken the Bulls ’ regular-season record that season ?
I hope James ’ most recent championship compelled Jordan to greenlight the project .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the perfect ending to a career marked by an obsession to be the best .

The last two All-Star Games should’ve been the perfect time to celebrate Michael Jordan, the greatest player the NBA’s ever known.
He hosted last year’s annual showcase in Charlotte, and this year’s took place in Chicago, where his six championship banners and his iconic Jump Man statue lord over the United Center.
But for both, and almost certainly by design, Jordan was invisible.
The most fiercely competitive and ruthless athlete in NBA history was loath to drop his guard in public. I mean naturally. This is MJ we’re talking about.
That’s why I can’t wait to watch ESPN’s “The Last Dance,” which chronicles his last title run and debuts Sunday night.
Jordan apparently had some degree of control over the project, which had been sequestered in the NBA’s archives for over two decades. I doubt that means he can scrub the unflattering portions of Chicago’s 1997-98 championship run – the last title in their second three-peat.
I can’t wait to see unvarnished Jordan’s relationship with Scottie Pippen, reportedly fraught after Pippen delayed a surgery that kept him out half the season. The same goes for longtime GM Jerry Krause, whose meddling was a constant source of friction but whose legacy was that of a championship architect.
I’m eager to see how Jordan wore the weight of expectations after it became public that Phil Jackson would be gone after the year. Jordan famously responded he wouldn’t play for anyone other than Jackson. Was it liberating to know that it would ultimately be over after the season, regardless of outcome? Was it daunting to know another three-peat was at stake?
This was a theme Golden State’s dynasty talked about excessively: The fatigue of being around each other and winning to the degree that they did. Steve Kerr, Jordan’s teammate for the entire second three-peat, knows as well as anyone the toll winning takes.
But what I’m most excited about is seeing the spotlight reignited on Jordan. Ever since LeBron James came into the league in 2003, he’s been anointed the heir. His championship failures and successes have been documented more heavily than anyone else in the modern era, and it’s spawned a loud chorus that he’s perhaps better than Jordan.
I hope the documentary helps correct the record, or at least mandates more critical comparisons.
As the groundswell of coverage surrounding the documentary picked up over the last week, one question kept being revisited. Why had it taken so long for Jordan to allow the footage to be used and what ultimately changed? Was it really that he was just a private person and might be embarrassed at how he’d be portrayed?
ESPN reported Saturday that Jordan finally agreed to the documentary in 2016, on the same day that James and the Cavs held their championship parade.
Was it a coincidence or was Jordan at all threatened by James’ growing fairytale, not to mention the 73-win Warriors that had broken the Bulls’ regular-season record that season?
I hope James’ most recent championship compelled Jordan to greenlight the project. More than 20 years later, it would be the perfect ending to a career marked by an obsession to be the best.