thedenverpost--2020-11-12--Nuggets Mailbag: Is the Jrue Holiday-to-Denver trade chatter real?

Beat writer Michael Singer opens up the Nuggets Mailbag periodically throughout the offseason .
Pose a Nuggets — or NBA — related question here .
I ’ ve probably listened to a million different sports podcasts on Jrue Holiday destinations .
Realistically , I think it comes down to the Nuggets , Warriors , Heat and Nets .
I don ’ t think the Pelicans want Wiggins nor does he fit with them .
And I don ’ t think the Pelicans take anyone outside of Herro from the Heat .
For the Nets , what I ’ ve gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give up at least 2 of the 3 in Jarrett Allen , Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie and picks .
My question is if the Nets want to keep Levert , would Dinwiddie , Allen and picks be more ideal than Gary Harris , Bol and two future picks ?
I feel like Gary Harris still has value to Van Gundy based off the podcasts he was on during the Western Conference Finals .
Bol has high potential .
I see him like Thon Maker and the Pelicans get more picks to combine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Lakers and move up in the draft and get someone you really like .
Is my mindset off on that ?
I love it .
I strongly believe the Holiday-Denver chatter is still real .
To the question about Brooklyn , I ’ d be surprised if New Orleans was interested in Dinwiddie .
It would have to take LeVert and , maybe , Allen , which is a lot for the Nets to part with .
Also , plenty of NBA insiders are skeptical the Nets want to part with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Kevin Durant .
If I was Pelicans executive David Griffin , I ’ d prefer an iteration of your Nuggets offer .
It ’ s debatable whether Harris is a positive or negative asset at this point , but they ’ d need to include him for salary matching purposes .
From there , Bol is an intriguing player .
It ’ s not known how the Pelicans feel about him .
Instead of one of your picks ( which won ’ t be high since the Nuggets expect to make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ d add Monte Morris .
The 25-year-old is a perfect fit in New Orleans .
He ’ d replace Holiday , is a fantastic locker room guy and would have a chance to start .
Though the Nuggets love Morris , are they going to be willing to pay him handsomely as a backup ?
Or would Morris , set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer , be content elsewhere and get paid like a starter ?
We might get clarity as the trade window opens in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holder with seats on the floor .
With COVID , do you think courtside seats and seats by the benches are no longer going to be an option for fans ?
The NBA sent a memo to teams outlining potential protocols for fans in arenas .
The memo , which was in draft form and was obtained by The Denver Post , said this : “ Fans seated within 30 feet of the court would be required to undergo and return a negative coronavirus test that is either ( 1 ) , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than two days prior to the game or ( 2 ) , an NBA-approved rapid test sampled the day of the game.
” Obviously , the league is considering it .
The memo mentioned “ the possibility of some teams beginning to host fans for games.
” It ’ s unclear where the Nuggets stand .
Do you think Michael Malone will rest Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic to start the season ?
And , if so , for how long you think they will sit ?
The Nuggets ’ season ended Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start Dec. 1 .
That ’ s an offseason of 65 days ( in addition to more than four months off from March to August ) .
Between their 2019 exit against Portland and the start of training camp last season , the Nuggets had 141 days off .
That ’ s a massive difference .
I don ’ t see Malone outright resting Jokic and Murray , but I do see him monitoring their minutes in training camp and especially once the season gets going .
In March , Murray was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ d expect that number to be a lot closer to 30 throughout December and January .
But your question raises an interesting point .
The schedule isn ’ t out yet , and it ’ s rumored that we ’ ll have more back-to-backs to crunch 72 games into the season .
Will the NBA be more lenient if players rest as a result of the truncated offseason ?
Teams should have far more leverage given that the Players ’ Association agreed to an earlier start date ( Dec. 22 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date .
Big Nuggets fan all the way in Kentucky , love the team .
Is there any way MPJ and Bol Bol can improve enough defensively in this shortened offseason to play long stretches in important games ?
They were both liabilities in the bubble , and I was hoping that especially MPJ would have some time to work on shifts and close-outs .
What do you guys think ?
On one hand , the absence of Will Barton was devastating for the Nuggets in the “ bubble.
” On the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 23 minutes per game in the playoffs , thus feel what it ’ s like to get targeted .
Throughout the playoffs , Porter took it personally that he was a liability on defense .
More than once he mentioned how Malone challenged him to not just be an elite scorer , but be a complete player .
One of the reasons his rookie season was so inconsistent in terms of playing time was because he didn ’ t value the defensive end as much as Malone needed him to .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Depending on Barton ’ s health or other potential offseason machinations , Porter may well be starting this upcoming season .
That means Malone ’ s going to have to trust him .
Porter made rapid improvements defensively throughout the playoffs .
With more consistent playing time this regular season , the hope is he ’ ll improve at the same rate .
With Bol , my read is he ’ s still about two years away from really contributing .
There were too many wonky factors from his “ bubble ” ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real .
There was , obviously , the environment itself , but there were also the seeding games where teams had various levels of motivation .
I don ’ t see him being a rotation mainstay next season .
Do you see a scenario where the Nuggets trade up to like 15-20 in the draft ?
If so , who are guys they could be trading up for ?
The Nuggets have explored getting into the top-10 , two sources told The Denver Post .
I don ’ t think moving up incrementally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled out , either .
If they were to move up into that range , there are a few names that are obvious fits .
Kentucky ’ s Tyrese Maxey would fill a need at shooting guard .
Unless you consider P.J .
Dozier your immediate backup shooting guard , Denver ’ s a little weak in that department depending on your confidence level in Gary Harris .
Maryland ’ s Jalen Smith , a 6-foot-10 center , is another intriguing big man ( do the Nuggets not have enough already ? )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season while connecting on nearly 37 % from 3-point range .
His stock ’ s been jumping in recent weeks .
Finally , Precious Achiuwa might be the perfect target in that range .
The 6-foot-9 , 225-pound combo forward from Memphis is a beast defensively and could pair perfectly with Jokic on that end .
Though he ’ s a work in progress on offense , how much would the Nuggets need to rely on him to score with Jamal Murray , Jokic and Porter doing their thing on offense ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the Nuggets have on targeting a shooter in this draft ?
Wing shooters such as Tyler Bey , Aaron Nesmith , Desmond Bane , Markus Howard , Ty-Shon Alexander and Tyrell Terry would all fit in with what the Nuggets need on the offensive end , with Bey , Nesmith and even Bane being great potential additions on the defensive end , as well .
Do you think the Nuggets try to trade up for Bey or Nesmith ?
Also , do you think the Nuggets will target Joe Harris in free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have a lot of wiggle room in terms of cap space , but I see Harris as the exact fit for what the Nuggets need on the wing , a marksman with defensive toughness and versatility .
I ’ m not sure the Nuggets target “ shooting ” as much as they target value .
On draft night , teams need to be malleable .
There ’ s strength in the big men around pick No .
22 .
A bit higher , there ’ s expected to be a run on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saddiq Bey .
If the Nuggets move up , into the top-10 or potentially just a few spots , I think they ’ ll do so knowing the value in that tier .
With that being said , they traded perhaps their streakiest perimeter shooter in Malik Beasley last February .
Gary Harris ’ shooting woes are well documented .
The Nuggets could use an infusion of outside 3-point shooting , especially from their backcourt .
Vassell and Nesmith are excellent options if the Nuggets can get within range .
And if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is most of their money in free agency goes to replenishing their frontcourt .
If they draft a big man , vice versa .
They ’ d likely target another guard , but Harris will almost surely be out of their price range .
Personally , I like the playmaking abilities of Jordan Clarkson ( whose stint with Utah may have earned him more than the Nuggets can offer ) .
Though the word is he ’ ll be back with Miami , Jae Crowder is an interesting fit for the Nuggets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bledsoe be a great fit for the Nuggets ?
The Bucks are desperate to get off Bledsoe ’ s contract .
Could the Nuggets buy low and steal him away ?
If so , what do you think the Nuggets could get away with in terms of an offer ?
The same Eric Bledsoe that hasn ’ t shot better than 41 % in either of the last two postseasons and submarined Milwaukee ’ s offense on multiple occasions ?
Bledsoe has three more years left at around $ 18 million per year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Nuggets would be to trade Gary Harris , whose contract is up in two seasons .
While I don ’ t doubt the Bucks badly want to get off Bledsoe ’ s money , I highly doubt Denver is a landing spot .

Beat writer Michael Singer opens up the Nuggets Mailbag periodically throughout the offseason. Pose a Nuggets — or NBA — related question here.
I’ve probably listened to a million different sports podcasts on Jrue Holiday destinations. Realistically, I think it comes down to the Nuggets, Warriors, Heat and Nets. I don’t think the Pelicans want Wiggins nor does he fit with them. And I don’t think the Pelicans take anyone outside of Herro from the Heat. For the Nets, what I’ve gathered is that they’d have to give up at least 2 of the 3 in Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie and picks. My question is if the Nets want to keep Levert, would Dinwiddie, Allen and picks be more ideal than Gary Harris, Bol and two future picks? I feel like Gary Harris still has value to Van Gundy based off the podcasts he was on during the Western Conference Finals. Bol has high potential. I see him like Thon Maker and the Pelicans get more picks to combine with all the other picks they have from the Lakers and move up in the draft and get someone you really like. Is my mindset off on that?
— Akil J., Columbia, MD
I love it. I strongly believe the Holiday-Denver chatter is still real. League insiders believe there aren’t too many realistic landing spots for Holiday, assuming the Pelicans want to move him. At some point, all the rumors take a toll and they might have no choice but to move him.
To the question about Brooklyn, I’d be surprised if New Orleans was interested in Dinwiddie. It would have to take LeVert and, maybe, Allen, which is a lot for the Nets to part with. Also, plenty of NBA insiders are skeptical the Nets want to part with LeVert, who happens to be close with Kevin Durant.
I’ve also heard Atlanta mentioned, building a trade around their No. 6 pick. One thing to keep in mind is that the Pelicans are likely to do right by Holiday and send him somewhere where he can contend. He’s already 30 and could be seeking a new contract next offseason. Atlanta should be fighting for postseason contention, just like the Pelicans were this season. Would Holiday really be content in Atlanta?
If I was Pelicans executive David Griffin, I’d prefer an iteration of your Nuggets offer. It’s debatable whether Harris is a positive or negative asset at this point, but they’d need to include him for salary matching purposes. From there, Bol is an intriguing player. It’s not known how the Pelicans feel about him. Instead of one of your picks (which won’t be high since the Nuggets expect to make the playoffs for the third straight year), I’d add Monte Morris. The 25-year-old is a perfect fit in New Orleans. He’d replace Holiday, is a fantastic locker room guy and would have a chance to start.
Though the Nuggets love Morris, are they going to be willing to pay him handsomely as a backup? Or would Morris, set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer, be content elsewhere and get paid like a starter? We might get clarity as the trade window opens in the days before the draft.
Long-time season-ticket holder with seats on the floor. With COVID, do you think courtside seats and seats by the benches are no longer going to be an option for fans?
— Jimmy, Denver
The NBA sent a memo to teams outlining potential protocols for fans in arenas. The memo, which was in draft form and was obtained by The Denver Post, said this: “Fans seated within 30 feet of the court would be required to undergo and return a negative coronavirus test that is either (1), a PCR or equivalent test sampled no more than two days prior to the game or (2), an NBA-approved rapid test sampled the day of the game.”
Obviously, the league is considering it.
The memo mentioned “the possibility of some teams beginning to host fans for games.” It’s unclear where the Nuggets stand.
Do you think Michael Malone will rest Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic to start the season? And, if so, for how long you think they will sit?
— Roger, Nashville
The Nuggets’ season ended Sept. 26. Their training camp is set to start Dec. 1. That’s an offseason of 65 days (in addition to more than four months off from March to August). Between their 2019 exit against Portland and the start of training camp last season, the Nuggets had 141 days off. That’s a massive difference.
I don’t see Malone outright resting Jokic and Murray, but I do see him monitoring their minutes in training camp and especially once the season gets going. In March, Murray was averaging over 36 minutes per game. I’d expect that number to be a lot closer to 30 throughout December and January.
But your question raises an interesting point. The schedule isn’t out yet, and it’s rumored that we’ll have more back-to-backs to crunch 72 games into the season. Will the NBA be more lenient if players rest as a result of the truncated offseason? Teams should have far more leverage given that the Players’ Association agreed to an earlier start date (Dec. 22), as opposed to a January start date.
Big Nuggets fan all the way in Kentucky, love the team. Is there any way MPJ and Bol Bol can improve enough defensively in this shortened offseason to play long stretches in important games? They were both liabilities in the bubble, and I was hoping that especially MPJ would have some time to work on shifts and close-outs. What do you guys think?
— Oliver, Owensboro, Ky.
On one hand, the absence of Will Barton was devastating for the Nuggets in the “bubble.” On the other, his injury allowed Porter to play over 23 minutes per game in the playoffs, thus feel what it’s like to get targeted. Throughout the playoffs, Porter took it personally that he was a liability on defense. More than once he mentioned how Malone challenged him to not just be an elite scorer, but be a complete player.
One of the reasons his rookie season was so inconsistent in terms of playing time was because he didn’t value the defensive end as much as Malone needed him to. That’s all going to change. Depending on Barton’s health or other potential offseason machinations, Porter may well be starting this upcoming season. That means Malone’s going to have to trust him. Porter made rapid improvements defensively throughout the playoffs. With more consistent playing time this regular season, the hope is he’ll improve at the same rate.
With Bol, my read is he’s still about two years away from really contributing. There were too many wonky factors from his “bubble” ball to know how much of it was real. There was, obviously, the environment itself, but there were also the seeding games where teams had various levels of motivation. I don’t see him being a rotation mainstay next season.
Do you see a scenario where the Nuggets trade up to like 15-20 in the draft? If so, who are guys they could be trading up for?
— Ben Hawk, Omaha, Neb.
The Nuggets have explored getting into the top-10, two sources told The Denver Post. I don’t think moving up incrementally, as you suggest, should be ruled out, either.
If they were to move up into that range, there are a few names that are obvious fits. Kentucky’s Tyrese Maxey would fill a need at shooting guard. Unless you consider P.J. Dozier your immediate backup shooting guard, Denver’s a little weak in that department depending on your confidence level in Gary Harris.
Maryland’s Jalen Smith, a 6-foot-10 center, is another intriguing big man (do the Nuggets not have enough already?) Smith averaged 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds last season while connecting on nearly 37% from 3-point range. His stock’s been jumping in recent weeks.
Finally, Precious Achiuwa might be the perfect target in that range. The 6-foot-9, 225-pound combo forward from Memphis is a beast defensively and could pair perfectly with Jokic on that end. Though he’s a work in progress on offense, how much would the Nuggets need to rely on him to score with Jamal Murray, Jokic and Porter doing their thing on offense?
How much of an emphasis do you think the Nuggets have on targeting a shooter in this draft? Wing shooters such as Tyler Bey, Aaron Nesmith, Desmond Bane, Markus Howard, Ty-Shon Alexander and Tyrell Terry would all fit in with what the Nuggets need on the offensive end, with Bey, Nesmith and even Bane being great potential additions on the defensive end, as well. Do you think the Nuggets try to trade up for Bey or Nesmith? Also, do you think the Nuggets will target Joe Harris in free agency? I know we don’t have a lot of wiggle room in terms of cap space, but I see Harris as the exact fit for what the Nuggets need on the wing, a marksman with defensive toughness and versatility.
— Dawson, Carson City
I’m not sure the Nuggets target “shooting” as much as they target value. On draft night, teams need to be malleable. There’s strength in the big men around pick No. 22. A bit higher, there’s expected to be a run on wings and shooters, like Nesmith or Saddiq Bey. If the Nuggets move up, into the top-10 or potentially just a few spots, I think they’ll do so knowing the value in that tier.
With that being said, they traded perhaps their streakiest perimeter shooter in Malik Beasley last February. Gary Harris’ shooting woes are well documented. The Nuggets could use an infusion of outside 3-point shooting, especially from their backcourt. Vassell and Nesmith are excellent options if the Nuggets can get within range.
And if they draft a shooting guard, my guess is most of their money in free agency goes to replenishing their frontcourt. If they draft a big man, vice versa. They’d likely target another guard, but Harris will almost surely be out of their price range. Personally, I like the playmaking abilities of Jordan Clarkson (whose stint with Utah may have earned him more than the Nuggets can offer). Though the word is he’ll be back with Miami, Jae Crowder is an interesting fit for the Nuggets.
Is it just me or could Eric Bledsoe be a great fit for the Nuggets? The Bucks are desperate to get off Bledsoe’s contract. Could the Nuggets buy low and steal him away? If so, what do you think the Nuggets could get away with in terms of an offer?
— Ben Golopol, Denver
The same Eric Bledsoe that hasn’t shot better than 41% in either of the last two postseasons and submarined Milwaukee’s offense on multiple occasions? Bledsoe has three more years left at around $18 million per year. The only mechanism that makes sense for the Nuggets would be to trade Gary Harris, whose contract is up in two seasons. While I don’t doubt the Bucks badly want to get off Bledsoe’s money, I highly doubt Denver is a landing spot.


thedenverpost--2020-11-12--Undrafted rookie Essang Bassey motivated by brother with autism while establishing himself in the Br

Undrafted rookie Essang Bassey motivated by brother with autism while establishing himself in the Broncos’ secondary

As rookie Essang Bassey works to establish himself in the Broncos secondary , he plays for his brother .
Because Esiong can ‘ t .
Esiong , 25 , is autistic .
The two share a special bond and Bassey , 22 , eventually wants to be his brother ’ s caretaker .
But first he needs to continue to show coach Vic Fangio and the Broncos he can continue to grow as a player .
“ He ’ s my motivation that I use every day , ” Essang said in a phone interview with The Denver Post on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be doing what I ’ m doing and at the level I ’ m at , so I take ( the thought of Esiong ) with me every day and every time I step on the football field… “ He doesn ’ t have the ability to communicate as effectively as normal people , and he ’ s very hyperactive , so it ’ s not that he knows exactly that ( I ’ m an NFL player ) .
But I can always feel his presence when I ’ m around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone away for some time , there ’ s always excitement between us that I ’ m back around .
Those feelings are definitely big motivators for me.
” In addition to Esiong , Bassey got more motivation in April , when the Wake Forest product was initially passed over in the NFL draft .
Bassey thought he had a good chance of being picked , and rallied his family around him on draft weekend in his hometown of Columbus , Ga .
Instead , he ended up signing with the Broncos for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college free agent .
“ Some teams fell in love with size , some teams fell in love with the potential of other guys , ” the 5-foot-10 , 190-pound Bassey said .
“ For whatever reason it was with me , it just didn ’ t happen , but I tried not to think too much about that .
I looked forward to the opportunities in front of me ( with the Broncos ) .
” With that mindset , Bassey went to work .
He spent the first part of training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switched to nickel back in Denver ’ s sub-packages .
A door opened , and he ’ s taken advantage , playing eight games at nickel back this year .
“ I knew at the beginning of camp that my opportunities would be very limited , ” Bassey said .
“ I knew they ’ d come at some point , but once I had a chance to show what I could do , I had to make the most of it .
Every rep I took , I took it as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important rep of my life .
I attacked each day in practice , and went into the facility with an underdog mentality as an undrafted guy , and knowing I ’ m not a guy a lot of people are thinking about.
” At midseason , Bassey ’ s baptism-by-fire is warranting praise , with Fangio giving a vote of confidence by describing him as a “ good , young football player who ’ s learning.
” Bassey ’ s the 24th player since 1997 to make Denver ’ s Week 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a list that includes several prominent players on the current roster including running back Phillip Lindsay and outside linebacker Malik Reed .
“ ( Bassey ’ s ) got the right attitude and disposition , and he approaches his job the right way , ” Fangio said .
• Broncos After Further Review : Losing play following big play plagued offense in loss to Atlanta • “ Terrible ” first half defensively against Falcons sends Broncos to 3-5 at halfway point • Broncos game balls and gassers : Offensive line generates little push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Defense will be without A.J .
Bouye against Atlanta ’ s second-ranked passing game If asked to play a big role Sunday in Las Vegas , Bassey will be ready , even as Bryce Callahan and A.J .
Bouye return from injuries ( ankle and concussion , respectively ) that kept them out of action last week in Atlanta .
Bassey has played 305 snaps this year , fourth-most among Broncos rookies behind center Lloyd Cushenberry ( who has played every offensive snap ) , cornerback Michael Ojemudia and receiver Jerry Jeudy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackles for loss .
He played 48 snaps in the loss to the Falcons on Sunday , getting targeted three times and giving up two catches for 18 yards .
But Bassey isn ’ t letting growing pains , such as when he was benched at halftime of the Week 4 win over the New York Jets in favor of De ’ Vante Bausby , dent his confidence .
“ I knew my first year in the league , there were going to be times I struggled , ” Bassey said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there ’ s going to be times that plays are had on you that you know you can make… I try not to get too down on myself .
I always stay ready and I know my role on the team and in the defense.
” That steady approach has earned Bassey the respect of his veteran teammates .
“ He ’ s very consistent in what he does , he is a smart player and knows where he needs to be on the field , ” safety Kareem Jackson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I know he ’ s going to be consistent , and that ’ s because he ’ s shown that since Day 1 when he walked into the building .
”

As rookie Essang Bassey works to establish himself in the Broncos secondary, he plays for his brother. Because Efiong can’t.
Efiong, 25, is autistic. The two share a special bond and Bassey, 22, eventually wants to be his brother’s caretaker.
But first he needs to keep showing coach Vic Fangio and the Broncos he can continue to grow as a player.
“He’s my motivation that I use every day,” Essang said in a phone interview with The Denver Post on Wednesday. “I’m blessed to be doing what I’m doing and at the level I’m at, so I take (the thought of Efiong) with me every day and every time I step on the football field…
“He doesn’t have the ability to communicate as effectively as normal people, and he’s very hyperactive, so it’s not that he knows exactly that (I’m an NFL player). But I can always feel his presence when I’m around him, and when I’m gone away for some time, there’s always excitement between us that I’m back around. Those feelings are definitely big motivators for me.”
In addition to Efiong, Bassey got more motivation in April, when the Wake Forest product was initially passed over in the NFL draft. Bassey thought he had a good chance of being picked, and rallied his family around him on draft weekend in his hometown of Columbus, Ga.
Instead, he ended up signing with the Broncos for a $20,000 bonus as an undrafted college free agent.
“Some teams fell in love with size, some teams fell in love with the potential of other guys,” the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Bassey said. “For whatever reason it was with me, it just didn’t happen, but I tried not to think too much about that. I looked forward to the opportunities in front of me (with the Broncos).”
With that mindset, Bassey went to work. He spent the first part of training camp as a cornerback, but then switched to nickel back in Denver’s sub-packages. A door opened, and he’s taken advantage, playing eight games at nickel back this year.
“I knew at the beginning of camp that my opportunities would be very limited,” Bassey said. “I knew they’d come at some point, but once I had a chance to show what I could do, I had to make the most of it. Every rep I took, I took it as a game rep and like it was the most important rep of my life. I attacked each day in practice, and went into the facility with an underdog mentality as an undrafted guy, and knowing I’m not a guy a lot of people are thinking about.”
At midseason, Bassey’s baptism-by-fire is warranting praise, with Fangio giving a vote of confidence by describing him as a “good, young football player who’s learning.”
Bassey’s the 24th player since 1997 to make Denver’s Week 1 roster as an undrafted free agent, a list that includes several prominent players on the current roster including running back Phillip Lindsay and outside linebacker Malik Reed.
“(Bassey’s) got the right attitude and disposition, and he approaches his job the right way,” Fangio said.
If asked to play a big role Sunday in Las Vegas, Bassey will be ready, even as Bryce Callahan and A.J. Bouye return from injuries (ankle and concussion, respectively) that kept them out of action last week in Atlanta. Bassey has played 305 snaps this year, fourth-most among Broncos rookies behind center Lloyd Cushenberry (who has played every offensive snap), cornerback Michael Ojemudia and receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Bassey has 15 tackles and two tackles for loss. He played 48 snaps in the loss to the Falcons on Sunday, getting targeted three times and giving up two catches for 18 yards. But Bassey isn’t letting growing pains, such as when he was benched at halftime of the Week 4 win over the New York Jets in favor of De’Vante Bausby, dent his confidence.
“I knew my first year in the league, there were going to be times I struggled,” Bassey said. “Even as a defensive back in general, there’s going to be times that plays are had on you that you know you can make… I try not to get too down on myself. I always stay ready and I know my role on the team and in the defense.”
That steady approach has earned Bassey the respect of his veteran teammates.
“He’s very consistent in what he does, he is a smart player and knows where he needs to be on the field,” safety Kareem Jackson said. “When I see him out there, I know he’s going to be consistent, and that’s because he’s shown that since Day 1 when he walked into the building.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-12--Ask Amy: Mom’s harsh reactions might reveal depression

Dear Amy : I have a toddler and a baby .
When I was a first-time mom , I ’ d get annoyed at the barrage of unsolicited advice from friends .
One of my closest friends has a daughter who is almost a year old .
She lives out of state without family nearby , and does not have many friends or people that she trusts .
One time , I offered unsolicited advice to her , and she snapped at me .
I apologized and recognized that it ’ s annoying when people do that .
Recently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering the challenging toddler stage , she said to me : “ You ’ ve been there .
Why aren ’ t you giving me suggestions ?
” I gave her a couple of ideas , but reminded her that each child is different .
A few days later she texted me , saying she was upset because my suggestions were not helpful .
I apologized and then offered to send her a book I ’ ve found very helpful .
Now she is upset , saying that she doesn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then told her the book ’ s author has a podcast , social media accounts and articles , but beyond that , I am at a loss .
I feel that she is expecting me to have all the answers for her .
She truly is a good and very solid friend .
I don ’ t know what is going on with her .
How do I tell her that I want to share the ups and downs of motherhood , but I do not know how to help without making her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should be concerned about your friend ’ s health .
She is isolated , grouchy , frustrated , and short-tempered .
She is alienating you , a very close and trusted friend .
From what you report , she is not acting like herself .
Say to her , “ This phase of being a mom is so challenging and you don ’ t seem like yourself lately .
Are you OK ?
” As frustrating as her behavior is , I hope you will be extra-compassionate toward her .
URGE her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screened for depression .
Postpartum depression can overwhelm a new mother up to a year after giving birth .
And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time .
Don ’ t wait for her to contact you .
Text her every day .
Keep the line open until you are assured that she is able to take good care of herself and her child .
When she is in a better place , you can express some of your frustration about how boxed-in you feel .
Dear Amy : My mother-in-law will sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us that she can ’ t come , usually the day before .
The text is usually blunt : “ I won ’ t be able to make it tomorrow because I have a work project that I got behind on.
” She then typically follows with , “ Since I couldn ’ t make it this week , I ’ ll plan to come sleep over next week.
” We live just over an hour away from her , so she knows that she ’ s welcome to sleep over .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because my children look forward to her coming , and I often cook a special meal , ready our spare room , or prepare for her in other ways .
It also bothers me that she doesn ’ t feel the need to apologize .
So , I have decided not to answer her texts when she is canceling .
However , recently she let me know that she thinks it ’ s rude of us not to respond to her change-of-plans texts .
Am I wrong here ?
Is there any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her ?
Dear Disappointed : I agree with you that you are owed a more polite acknowledgment .
I agree with your MIL that you should respond to her texts .
Demonstrate polite communication .
When she bluntly cancels , you should respond : “ That ’ s a shame !
The kids and I will be disappointed , but thank you for letting me know .
We ’ ll hope to see you next week.
” In the future , you should let her know that , unless it ’ s an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more notice when she changes her plans .
Dear Amy : I agree with others about how important it is to simply thank someone when they prepare a meal , especially when that person is a family member .
Do you want your wife/mom/dad to make you a nice meal tomorrow ?
Then thank them today !
Dear Grateful : During the Pandemic , with adult children living at home and cooking meals for the family , I have experienced how often gratitude inspires future effort .

Dear Amy: I have a toddler and a baby. When I was a first-time mom, I’d get annoyed at the barrage of unsolicited advice from friends.
One of my closest friends has a daughter who is almost a year old. She lives out of state without family nearby, and does not have many friends or people that she trusts.
One time, I offered unsolicited advice to her, and she snapped at me. I apologized and recognized that it’s annoying when people do that.
I thought we’d moved past it.
Recently, as she was talking about her daughter entering the challenging toddler stage, she said to me: “You’ve been there. Why aren’t you giving me suggestions?”
I gave her a couple of ideas, but reminded her that each child is different.
A few days later she texted me, saying she was upset because my suggestions were not helpful.
I apologized and then offered to send her a book I’ve found very helpful.
Now she is upset, saying that she doesn’t have time to read a book. I then told her the book’s author has a podcast, social media accounts and articles, but beyond that, I am at a loss. I feel that she is expecting me to have all the answers for her.
She truly is a good and very solid friend. I don’t know what is going on with her. How do I tell her that I want to share the ups and downs of motherhood, but I do not know how to help without making her angry?
— Perplexed Mama
Dear Perplexed: I think you should be concerned about your friend’s health. She is isolated, grouchy, frustrated, and short-tempered. She is alienating you, a very close and trusted friend. From what you report, she is not acting like herself.
Say to her, “This phase of being a mom is so challenging and you don’t seem like yourself lately. Are you OK?”
As frustrating as her behavior is, I hope you will be extra-compassionate toward her. URGE her to see her healthcare provider to be screened for depression. Postpartum depression can overwhelm a new mother up to a year after giving birth. And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time.
Don’t wait for her to contact you. Text her every day. Keep the line open until you are assured that she is able to take good care of herself and her child.
When she is in a better place, you can express some of your frustration about how boxed-in you feel.
Dear Amy: My mother-in-law will sometimes cancel her plans with us, texting us that she can’t come, usually the day before. The text is usually blunt: “I won’t be able to make it tomorrow because I have a work project that I got behind on.”
She then typically follows with, “Since I couldn’t make it this week, I’ll plan to come sleep over next week.”
We live just over an hour away from her, so she knows that she’s welcome to sleep over. However, it annoys me when she cancels, because my children look forward to her coming, and I often cook a special meal, ready our spare room, or prepare for her in other ways.
It also bothers me that she doesn’t feel the need to apologize. So, I have decided not to answer her texts when she is canceling. However, recently she let me know that she thinks it’s rude of us not to respond to her change-of-plans texts.
Am I wrong here? Is there any polite and respectful way to respond to her?
— Disappointed DIL
Dear Disappointed: I agree with you that you are owed a more polite acknowledgment. I agree with your MIL that you should respond to her texts.
Demonstrate polite communication. When she bluntly cancels, you should respond: “That’s a shame! The kids and I will be disappointed, but thank you for letting me know. We’ll hope to see you next week.”
In the future, you should let her know that, unless it’s an emergency, you’d really appreciate more notice when she changes her plans.
Dear Amy: I agree with others about how important it is to simply thank someone when they prepare a meal, especially when that person is a family member. Do you want your wife/mom/dad to make you a nice meal tomorrow? Then thank them today!
— Grateful
Dear Grateful: During the Pandemic, with adult children living at home and cooking meals for the family, I have experienced how often gratitude inspires future effort.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-11-12--8 Colorado high school football games to watch in Week 6

No .
1 Cherry Creek ( 5-0 ) vs. No .
4 Eaglecrest ( 4-0 ) Last meeting : Cherry Creek 41 , vs. Eaglecrest 3 , on Oct. 18 , 2019 A week after being sidelined by COVID , Eaglecrest returns to the field with the Centennial League title on the line .
When they ’ ve been able to play , the Raptors have had little trouble scoring points , averaging 45.75 behind a stacked offensive line .
They ’ ve also given up a fair amount ( 29.5 ppg ) , too .
Now they get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just two TDs in its last four games and an offense that ’ s as deadly through the air ( 225.6 ypg ) as it is on the ground ( 159.8 ) .
No .
3 Pomona ( 5-0 ) vs. No .
5 Columbine ( 4-0 ) Last meeting : Pomona 34 , vs. Columbine 33 , on Oct. 24 , 2019 Columbine enters the last week of the regular season possibly needing a win to guarantee a spot in the 5A playoffs .
The Rebels missed a matchup with Ralston Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could use a quality win over Pomona .
All-everything senior Jack Pospisil , a converted wide receiver at QB , is the Panthers ’ leading passer ( 304 yards , 9 TDs ) and rusher ( 469 , 9 ) , but will get plenty of resistance from a Rebels defense that held Mullen to one field goal its last time out .
5A No .
8 Regis Jesuit ( 4-1 ) vs. 4A No .
7 Pine Creek ( 2-1 ) Defending 4A champion Pine Creek enters Week 6 out of mulligans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last Saturday .
The Eagles may very need a win over the 5A Raiders to secure entry into the 4A playoff bracket .
Regis finds itself in a similar position , with a lopsided loss to Legend its only blemish .
The challenge this week : Stopping Iowa State commit Beau Freyler , whose put up back-to-back 100-yard rushing games for the Eagles .
No .
6 Skyline ( 5-0 ) vs. No .
5 Loveland ( 5-0 ) Last meeting : Skyline 20 , vs. Loveland 15 , on Nov. 8 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero and one loss in 4A , the only way for Skyline or Loveland to feel good about its playoff fate is to come out of Thursday night ’ s showdown with a win .
Both teams have won all of its games by double digits , and both featuring game-breaking running backs .
Skyline senior Grayden Bridwell has already surpassed 1,000 yards through five games , while Loveland ’ s Zack Rakowsky ( 791 yards , 12 TDs ) isn ’ t far behind .
Last meeting : Rampart 17 , vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 After COVID struck both of their scheduled opponents , Rampart and Fountain-Fort Carson set up a rematch of last week ’ s 17-14 thriller .
Rampart likely needs to beat FFC one more time to secure a spot in the 4A playoff bracket , while the Trojans can ’ t afford another loss , either .
Running back Q Jones went off for 219 yards in last week ’ s loss , but was held to just one touchdown .
Can the Rams limit his end zone trips one more time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Brighton 14 , on Nov. 8 , 2019 It ’ s must-win time for Windsor and Brighton — two teams that saw credible chances to knock of Broomfield slip away .
For the Wizards , it was an overtime turnover that sealed it last week .
The Bulldogs have won three straight since falling to Broomfield , with running back Vershon Brooks averaging 119.3 yards per game over that span .
Windsor ’ s two-headed running back tandem of Dax Polka ( 464 yards , 12 TDs ) and Jaden Thomas ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle .
No .
10 Cañon City ( 3-1 ) vs. No .
3 Durango ( 4-0 ) Last meeting : Durango 49 , vs. Cañon City 21 , on Nov. 10 , 2017 A week removed from a narrow 26-21 loss to Pueblo South , Cañon City can give its playoff hopes a serious boost with a win Friday night against unbeaten Durango .
Outside of a 17-8 win over Evergreen , the Demons have cruised through the regular season .
The Tigers ’ defense , which has 19 tackles for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , should offer a stiff test .
Last meeting : Pueblo South 35 , vs. Vista Ridge 14 , on Nov 18 , 2017 Pueblo South lost its first two-regular season games to the coronavirus , but has ripped off three straight wins since , with all-state running back George Longoria averaging 212 yards per game with eight touchdowns .
The Wolves , meanwhile , find themselves on the fringe of the 4A playoff picture thanks to sophomore quarterback Brayden Dorman , who has thrown for 1,529 yards and 21 TDs in four @ @

Class 5A
No. 1 Cherry Creek (5-0) vs. No. 4 Eaglecrest (4-0)
When/where: 1 p.m. Saturday at Legacy Stadium
Last meeting: Cherry Creek 41, vs. Eaglecrest 3, on Oct. 18, 2019
A week after being sidelined by COVID, Eaglecrest returns to the field with the Centennial League title on the line. When they’ve been able to play, the Raptors have had little trouble scoring points, averaging 45.75 behind a stacked offensive line. They’ve also given up a fair amount (29.5 ppg), too. Now they get a Cherry Creek defense that’s allowed just two TDs in its last four games and an offense that’s as deadly through the air (225.6 ypg) as it is on the ground (159.8).
No. 3 Pomona (5-0) vs. No. 5 Columbine (4-0)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Jeffco Stadium
Last meeting: Pomona 34, vs. Columbine 33, on Oct. 24, 2019
Columbine enters the last week of the regular season possibly needing a win to guarantee a spot in the 5A playoffs. The Rebels missed a matchup with Ralston Valley last week due to COVID, and could use a quality win over Pomona. All-everything senior Jack Pospisil, a converted wide receiver at QB, is the Panthers’ leading passer (304 yards, 9 TDs) and rusher (469, 9), but will get plenty of resistance from a Rebels defense that held Mullen to one field goal its last time out.
5A No. 8 Regis Jesuit (4-1) vs. 4A No. 7 Pine Creek (2-1)
When/where: 6 p.m. Saturday at Garry Berry Stadium
Last meeting: N/A
Defending 4A champion Pine Creek enters Week 6 out of mulligans after a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Legend last Saturday. The Eagles may very need a win over the 5A Raiders to secure entry into the 4A playoff bracket. Regis finds itself in a similar position, with a lopsided loss to Legend its only blemish. The challenge this week: Stopping Iowa State commit Beau Freyler, whose put up back-to-back 100-yard rushing games for the Eagles.
Class 4A
No. 6 Skyline (5-0) vs. No. 5 Loveland (5-0)
When/where: 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Loveland
Last meeting: Skyline 20, vs. Loveland 15, on Nov. 8, 2019
With so many teams hovering between zero and one loss in 4A, the only way for Skyline or Loveland to feel good about its playoff fate is to come out of Thursday night’s showdown with a win. Both teams have won all of its games by double digits, and both featuring game-breaking running backs. Skyline senior Grayden Bridwell has already surpassed 1,000 yards through five games, while Loveland’s Zack Rakowsky (791 yards, 12 TDs) isn’t far behind.
Rampart (4-1) vs. No. 8 Fountain-Fort Carson (4-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Guy R. Barickman Stadium
Last meeting: Rampart 17, vs. Fountain-Fort Carson 14, on Nov. 5, 2020
After COVID struck both of their scheduled opponents, Rampart and Fountain-Fort Carson set up a rematch of last week’s 17-14 thriller. Rampart likely needs to beat FFC one more time to secure a spot in the 4A playoff bracket, while the Trojans can’t afford another loss, either. Running back Q Jones went off for 219 yards in last week’s loss, but was held to just one touchdown. Can the Rams limit his end zone trips one more time?
No. 8 Windsor (4-1) vs. Brighton (4-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. Friday at Brighton
Last meeting: Windsor 35, at Brighton 14, on Nov. 8, 2019
It’s must-win time for Windsor and Brighton — two teams that saw credible chances to knock of Broomfield slip away. For the Wizards, it was an overtime turnover that sealed it last week. The Bulldogs have won three straight since falling to Broomfield, with running back Vershon Brooks averaging 119.3 yards per game over that span. Windsor’s two-headed running back tandem of Dax Polka (464 yards, 12 TDs) and Jaden Thomas (416, 2) is a lot to handle.
Class 3A
No. 10 Cañon City (3-1) vs. No. 3 Durango (4-0)
When/where: 6 p.m. Friday at Demon Stadium
Last meeting: Durango 49, vs. Cañon City 21, on Nov. 10, 2017
A week removed from a narrow 26-21 loss to Pueblo South, Cañon City can give its playoff hopes a serious boost with a win Friday night against unbeaten Durango. Outside of a 17-8 win over Evergreen, the Demons have cruised through the regular season. The Tigers’ defense, which has 19 tackles for loss and 15 turnovers through four games, should offer a stiff test.
Vista Ridge (3-1) vs. No. 5 Pueblo South (3-0)
When/where: TBA Friday at Pueblo
Last meeting: Pueblo South 35, vs. Vista Ridge 14, on Nov 18, 2017
Pueblo South lost its first two-regular season games to the coronavirus, but has ripped off three straight wins since, with all-state running back George Longoria averaging 212 yards per game with eight touchdowns. The Wolves, meanwhile, find themselves on the fringe of the 4A playoff picture thanks to sophomore quarterback Brayden Dorman, who has thrown for 1,529 yards and 21 TDs in four starts.


thedenverpost--2020-11-13--Kiszla: Trade for Jrue Holiday, win a championship. For Nuggets, what’s not to like?

The Nuggets are one player away from winning the NBA championship .
When have we ever been able to say that with a straight face ?
Never .
Until now .
For first time since joining the NBA in 1976 , the Nuggets are one piece shy of legit championship contention .
Even better : Rather than being some crazy , fanciful , never- gon na -happen dream about adding a superstar named LeBron or K.D.
, what Denver needs to do is acquire a a high-quality complementary player to support center Nikola Jokic and point guard Jamal Murray when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trade for veteran guard Jrue Holiday and the Nuggets can win the championship in 2021 .
The dalliance between Denver and New Orleans regarding Holiday has been a months-long affair .
With the draft rapidly approaching and a moratorium on trades expected to be lifted early next week in an abbreviated offseason that will play out at hyper speed , now is the time for Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly to get serious with the Pelicans .
For a franchise that values cultural fit as much as stand-out talent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more ideal player within their reach than Holiday .
The 30-year-old veteran of 11 NBA seasons would be outstanding for Denver from the court to the locker room to the community .
For all the ways Holiday could help the Nuggets , let ’ s start with one bold assertation .
Pair him alongside Murray in the backcourt , with Jokic , Jerami Grant and Michael Porter Jr. manning positions up front , and the strength of Denver ’ s starting five has the depth and versatility to match any team in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points for the Pelicans last season , the real strength of Holiday ’ s game ?
Defense , dimes and all the little things that sometimes get taken for granted by a young team that can not fully realize how much everything matters until it is down 3-1 in the Western Conference Finals to LeBron and the Lakers .
Holiday is a beloved teammate often described as selfless , as selfless as the $ 5 million in salary he pledged to Black-owned businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , to relieve the court time coach Michael Malone puts on Murray ’ s shoulders during the playoffs .
Holiday believes a winning culture is more than philosophy ; he walks the talk in ways that would help Denver teammates grow .
Trading for Holiday is a no-brainer .
Getting it done ?
Well , that ’ s a whole ‘ nuther thing .
Let ’ s do the accounting first .
The salary-cap math has to match up to allow a trade for Holiday .
His current salary is on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So for the trade machine to green-light this transaction , Denver almost has to include guard Gary Harris and his $ 19.6 million cap hit in the deal .
And that ’ s where things start to get sticky .
Make any excuse for Harris you want , but after two seasons in which his jumper has gone clink , clank , clunk far too often , he ’ s an over-priced defensive specialist , either as a starter or a substitute .
So Connelly is going to have to part ways with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver fans appreciate .
Yes , I like the steady hand and steely competitive nerve of point guard Monte Morris as much as Malone does .
The big upside of Bol Bol might just exceed his 7-foot-2 frame .
• NBA draft : Why the Nuggets might have a perfect match at No .
22 • Nuggets have explored trading into top-10 of NBA draft , sources says • NBA draft : Why picking a power forward has huge free agent implications for Nuggets • Nuggets NBA mock draft tracker 2.0 : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do the Nuggets have the talent that can engage New Orleans in serious negotiations ?
There ’ s only one way to find out .
If two players ( Morris , Bol ) that Denver acquired at rock-bottom NBA prices can be flipped to help land Holiday , Connelly can ’ t say no if he truly believes Denver ’ s time to win a championship is now .
While Connelly has been a masterful talent scout and the Nuggets were built with draft gems rival teams overlooked , his maturation as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slower .
We won ’ t mention swapping the draft rights of Donovan Mitchell to Utah , because that would be cruel .
But many of Connelly ’ s trades have off-loaded players that no longer fit in the Nuggets locker room , whether we ’ re talking Kenneth Faried or Jusuf Nurkic .
Although to be fair , the acquisitions of both Will Barton and Grant proved to be sweet deals .
For seven years , Connelly has refused to skip steps in nurturing a contender .
Is he ready to push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table and gamble the Nuggets are one player away from claiming the Larry O ’ Brien trophy ?
Find a way to trade for Holiday .

The Nuggets are one player away from winning the NBA championship.
When have we ever been able to say that with a straight face?
Never. Until now.
For first time since joining the NBA in 1976, the Nuggets are one piece shy of legit championship contention. Even better: Rather than being some crazy, fanciful, never-gonna-happen dream about adding a superstar named LeBron or K.D., what Denver needs to do is acquire a a high-quality complementary player to support center Nikola Jokic and point guard Jamal Murray when the going gets tough in the playoffs.
Trade for veteran guard Jrue Holiday and the Nuggets can win the championship in 2021.
The dalliance between Denver and New Orleans regarding Holiday has been a months-long affair. With the draft rapidly approaching and a moratorium on trades expected to be lifted early next week in an abbreviated offseason that will play out at hyper speed, now is the time for Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly to get serious with the Pelicans.
For a franchise that values cultural fit as much as stand-out talent, the Nuggets would be hard-pressed to find a more ideal player within their reach than Holiday. The 30-year-old veteran of 11 NBA seasons would be outstanding for Denver from the court to the locker room to the community.
For all the ways Holiday could help the Nuggets, let’s start with one bold assertation. Pair him alongside Murray in the backcourt, with Jokic, Jerami Grant and Michael Porter Jr. manning positions up front, and the strength of Denver’s starting five has the depth and versatility to match any team in the league.
Although he averaged 19 points for the Pelicans last season, the real strength of Holiday’s game? Defense, dimes and all the little things that sometimes get taken for granted by a young team that cannot fully realize how much everything matters until it is down 3-1 in the Western Conference Finals to LeBron and the Lakers.
Holiday is a beloved teammate often described as selfless, as selfless as the $5 million in salary he pledged to Black-owned businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s a combo guard who can run the point, to relieve the court time coach Michael Malone puts on Murray’s shoulders during the playoffs. Holiday believes a winning culture is more than philosophy; he walks the talk in ways that would help Denver teammates grow.
Trading for Holiday is a no-brainer. Getting it done? Well, that’s a whole ‘nuther thing.
Let’s do the accounting first. The salary-cap math has to match up to allow a trade for Holiday. His current salary is on the glitzy side of $26 million. So for the trade machine to green-light this transaction, Denver almost has to include guard Gary Harris and his $19.6 million cap hit in the deal.
And that’s where things start to get sticky. Make any excuse for Harris you want, but after two seasons in which his jumper has gone clink, clank, clunk far too often, he’s an over-priced defensive specialist, either as a starter or a substitute.
So Connelly is going to have to part ways with players New Orleans values as much as Denver fans appreciate. Yes, I like the steady hand and steely competitive nerve of point guard Monte Morris as much as Malone does. The big upside of Bol Bol might just exceed his 7-foot-2 frame.
Do the Nuggets have the talent that can engage New Orleans in serious negotiations? There’s only one way to find out. If two players (Morris, Bol) that Denver acquired at rock-bottom NBA prices can be flipped to help land Holiday, Connelly can’t say no if he truly believes Denver’s time to win a championship is now.
While Connelly has been a masterful talent scout and the Nuggets were built with draft gems rival teams overlooked, his maturation as a wheeler-dealer in the trade market has been slower. We won’t mention swapping the draft rights of Donovan Mitchell to Utah, because that would be cruel.
But many of Connelly’s trades have off-loaded players that no longer fit in the Nuggets locker room, whether we’re talking Kenneth Faried or Jusuf Nurkic. Although to be fair, the acquisitions of both Will Barton and Grant proved to be sweet deals.
For seven years, Connelly has refused to skip steps in nurturing a contender. Is he ready to push his chips to the middle of the table and gamble the Nuggets are one player away from claiming the Larry O’Brien trophy?
Find a way to trade for Holiday.


thedenverpost--2020-11-13--Colorado tightens COVID-19 restrictions in 12 more counties as infections, hospitalizations reach ne

Colorado tightens COVID-19 restrictions in 12 more counties as infections, hospitalizations reach new levels

Colorado is moving 12 more counties to the state ’ s second-highest level of COVID-19 restrictions in the coming days , meaning at least 27 counties will be a step away from lockdown if they don ’ t slow the surging transmission of the novel coronavirus .
The pandemic continues to worsen in Colorado , with the state again reporting record numbers of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations Thursday .
State public health officials — reluctant to issue another statewide stay-at-home order — continued to urge Coloradans to only interact with people in their households , wear masks and stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the community .
“ Our hope with all of this , these are the kinds of local interventions that will help control the spread of this pandemic in these local communities , ” said Dr. Eric France , chief medical officer at the state Department of Public Health and Environment , about moving more counties to Level Orange on the state ’ s color-coded dial system .
That level reduces most business capacity to 25 % .
“ While we can impact the pandemic through these local interventions , and potentially state interventions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all begins at home , ” he said during a news briefing .
“ It begins with us as individuals.
” The 10 counties will move to Level Orange on Friday are : Douglas , El Paso , La Plata , Phillips , Prowers , Sedgwick , Otero , Crowley , Gilpin and Clear Creek .
Two more counties — Pueblo and Conejos — will move to that level on Saturday , according to the state health department .
Boulder County , already at Level Orange , took additional local action Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events to 25 % and no more than 25 people .
The county previously allowed indoor events to have multiple rooms with each at the 25 % limit , health department spokeswoman Chana Goussetis said in an email .
Pueblo on Thursday also extended the city ’ s 10 p.m. curfew until Nov. 27 .
The county has issued 11 citations for people not abiding by the curfew , according to a news release .
“ Most of our businesses , communities and schools are doing exactly what we need to do to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Jeff Zayach , director of Boulder County Public Health , in a statement .
“ But when we don ’ t all take this seriously it impacts everyone — from those who have lost loved ones , to the ability to keep kids in school , to our businesses being able to continue to operate , and certainly our emotional , physical and mental health.
” He warned that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment could put the county into lockdown if transmission of the novel coronavirus continues The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , on Wednesday .
That ’ s the highest daily number of cases reported since the pandemic began , though there was insufficient testing in early months .
Colorado ’ s percentage of tests coming back positive over the past seven days is 11.68 % — well above the recommended 5 % goal .
The high positivity , along with hospitalizations , means transmission of the disease is increasing and that the rise in new cases is not simply due to more testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there who are not being identified through testing and therefore could be out and about and not either isolated or quarantined as we ’ d like , ” France said .
On Thursday , 1,183 people were hospitalized with confirmed cases of the virus , the day after the number of total COVID-19 hospitalizations — now 1,322 confirmed and suspected — surpassed the April peak for the first time .
So far , 85 % of the state ’ s intensive-care unit beds are being used , according to state Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials have asked state leaders to implement tougher interventions to curb the rise of COVID-19 .
They said the surge in new infections is surpassing their ability to conduct contact tracing and for the state ’ s dial system to work in the way it was built .
The dial system assigns counties a level based on new cases , the percentage of tests that are positive and how hospitalizations are trending over a two-week period .
The highest stage is Level Red , and a county that reaches that would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the counties at Level Orange , at least 25 , including most of the Denver metro area , have case incidences that are high enough to quality for Level Red .
Four counties — Adams , Morgan , Prowers and Summit — also have test positivity rates the in the red .
Pueblo has hospitalization numbers that also qualify for Level Red , according to the state health department .
The state Department of Public Health and Environment gives counties time to work on a plan to bring their case , test positivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to a higher level .
It takes about two weeks for data to show whether there have been any changes in disease transmission because of additional restrictions put in place when counties move from a lower level to a higher one .
The Colorado health department hopes to start seeing the effects of the state order limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people from two households in counties in the Safer-at-Home phase — Levels Blue , Yellow and Orange — in the next week , France said .
Still , France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado would see a decline in COVID-19 cases because of the current interventions in place .
“ If cases continue to go up over these two weeks , it ’ s clear counties will need to do more to slow things down , ” he said .
Local public health officials have said that the state needs to take action sooner because of just how quickly cases and hospitalizations are increasing in Colorado .
They have argued it would be more efficient to have at least a regional response , partly because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how mobile people are .
“ We ’ re at a time where we have significantly increasing numbers so we have to take action now , ” Zayach said during a Boulder City Council meeting this week .
But state leaders , including Gov .
Jared Polis , have said they would prefer local public health officials to take the lead .
Even as France said that a regional lockdown is possible , he said such a decision would have to come from regional officials .
“ If there are political reasons that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s needed , then I am sure they will turn to the state for our help to make that happen , ” he said .

Colorado is moving 12 more counties to the state’s second-highest level of COVID-19 restrictions in the coming days, meaning at least 27 counties will be a step away from lockdown if they don’t slow the surging transmission of the novel coronavirus.
The pandemic continues to worsen in Colorado, with the state again reporting record numbers of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations Thursday.
State public health officials — reluctant to issue another statewide stay-at-home order — continued to urge Coloradans to only interact with people in their households, wear masks and stay six feet from others when out in the community.
“Our hope with all of this, these are the kinds of local interventions that will help control the spread of this pandemic in these local communities,” said Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer at the state Department of Public Health and Environment, about moving more counties to Level Orange on the state’s color-coded dial system. That level reduces most business capacity to 25%.
“While we can impact the pandemic through these local interventions, and potentially state interventions, we have to remember that it all begins at home,” he said during a news briefing. “It begins with us as individuals.”
The 10 counties will move to Level Orange on Friday are: Douglas, El Paso, La Plata, Phillips, Prowers, Sedgwick, Otero, Crowley, Gilpin and Clear Creek. Two more counties — Pueblo and Conejos — will move to that level on Saturday, according to the state health department.
Boulder County, already at Level Orange, took additional local action Thursday, announcing it is limiting capacity at indoor events to 25% and no more than 25 people. The county previously allowed indoor events to have multiple rooms with each at the 25% limit, health department spokeswoman Chana Goussetis said in an email.
Pueblo on Thursday also extended the city’s 10 p.m. curfew until Nov. 27. The county has issued 11 citations for people not abiding by the curfew, according to a news release.
“Most of our businesses, communities and schools are doing exactly what we need to do to reduce the spread of this disease,” said Jeff Zayach, director of Boulder County Public Health, in a statement. “But when we don’t all take this seriously it impacts everyone — from those who have lost loved ones, to the ability to keep kids in school, to our businesses being able to continue to operate, and certainly our emotional, physical and mental health.”
He warned that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment could put the county into lockdown if transmission of the novel coronavirus continues
The state health department reported 4,591 new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, on Wednesday. That’s the highest daily number of cases reported since the pandemic began, though there was insufficient testing in early months.
Colorado’s percentage of tests coming back positive over the past seven days is 11.68% — well above the recommended 5% goal. The high positivity, along with hospitalizations, means transmission of the disease is increasing and that the rise in new cases is not simply due to more testing.
“That means there are people out there who are not being identified through testing and therefore could be out and about and not either isolated or quarantined as we’d like,” France said.
COVID-19 basics
Symptoms of COVID-19 — including fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, and nausea — can appear between two and 14 days after exposure, the CDC says. Public health recommendations: — Wear masks that cover your mouth and nose — Stay at least 6 feet from others — Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds More guidelines: covid19.colorado.gov
On Thursday, 1,183 people were hospitalized with confirmed cases of the virus, the day after the number of total COVID-19 hospitalizations — now 1,322 confirmed and suspected — surpassed the April peak for the first time. So far, 85% of the state’s intensive-care unit beds are being used, according to state Department of Public Health and Environment.
Local public health officials have asked state leaders to implement tougher interventions to curb the rise of COVID-19. They said the surge in new infections is surpassing their ability to conduct contact tracing and for the state’s dial system to work in the way it was built.
The dial system assigns counties a level based on new cases, the percentage of tests that are positive and how hospitalizations are trending over a two-week period. The highest stage is Level Red, and a county that reaches that would be placed under a stay-at-home order.
Of the counties at Level Orange, at least 25, including most of the Denver metro area, have case incidences that are high enough to quality for Level Red. Four counties — Adams, Morgan, Prowers and Summit — also have test positivity rates the in the red. Pueblo has hospitalization numbers that also qualify for Level Red, according to the state health department.
The state Department of Public Health and Environment gives counties time to work on a plan to bring their case, test positivity and hospitalization numbers back down before moving them to a higher level. It takes about two weeks for data to show whether there have been any changes in disease transmission because of additional restrictions put in place when counties move from a lower level to a higher one.
The Colorado health department hopes to start seeing the effects of the state order limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people from two households in counties in the Safer-at-Home phase — Levels Blue, Yellow and Orange — in the next week, France said.
Still, France said he wasn’t sure that Colorado would see a decline in COVID-19 cases because of the current interventions in place.
“If cases continue to go up over these two weeks, it’s clear counties will need to do more to slow things down,” he said.
Local public health officials have said that the state needs to take action sooner because of just how quickly cases and hospitalizations are increasing in Colorado. They have argued it would be more efficient to have at least a regional response, partly because of the widespread transmission in the state and how mobile people are.
“We’re at a time where we have significantly increasing numbers so we have to take action now,” Zayach said during a Boulder City Council meeting this week.
But state leaders, including Gov. Jared Polis, have said they would prefer local public health officials to take the lead. Even as France said that a regional lockdown is possible, he said such a decision would have to come from regional officials.
“If there are political reasons that it can’t be done and it’s needed, then I am sure they will turn to the state for our help to make that happen,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-11-13--Paul Casey rides the buzz of Masters history to 65 and early lead

AUGUSTA , Ga. — Already seven months behind schedule because of the pandemic , the most unusual Masters was 30 minutes old Thursday when the silence was interrupted by a rumble down by Amen Corner .
No roars this week .
Just thunder .
And then a weather delay of nearly three hours .
All that , and it was still worth the wait .
Paul Casey matched his lowest score at the Masters with a 7-under 65 , giving him a two-shot lead among half the field fortunate to play in perfect scoring conditions .
Tiger Woods matched his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept a bogey-free card in a major for the first time in 11 years .
The course was different than what they expected , a result of the rain and the calendar .
The silence was exactly what they expected because majors haven ’ t had spectators in 16 months .
But it was still the Masters .
“ So many people like myself are just excited to play this , ” Casey said .
“ This is a treat .
It always has been and always will be a real treat.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was as eerie as the sound of a drone that approached the first tee as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player prepared to hit their ceremonial tee shots .
The Masters is using two drones this year , a first .
“ A lot of firsts today .
That ’ s kind of the way this entire year has been , ” Woods said .
“ The fact that we ’ re able to compete for a Masters this year , considering all that ’ s been going on , it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Casey found energy from the familiarity of the course , from the history , from the mystique .
And it was enough to carry him to a round he needed on a day — a partial day — of low scoring .
Twelve of the 48 players who finished shot in the 60s .
Woods , a notorious slow starter despite his five green jackets , had one moment where he thought trouble might lurk .
It was the fifth hole , which he bogeyed all four rounds last year when he won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fade off the tee that left him 227 yards to the hole .
“ Hit a 4-iron to the back edge and it only rolled out a foot , ” Woods said .
“ That doesn ’ t happen here.
” The biggest crowd — about 100 people in this case — was two groups ahead of Woods watching Bryson DeChambeau smash shots into trees and one shot into the azaleas bushes behind the 13th green .
He was lucky to find it because his provisional shot went into the creek .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to scratch out a 70 .
So much action , typical of the Masters , and so little volume .
And for so many players , they wouldn ’ t want to be anywhere else .
“ I was vocal earlier in the year about not enjoying golf in a pandemic , ” Casey said .
“ I didn ’ t know how the fan-less experience would be and so far , I ’ ve not enjoyed it .
I ’ ve had nothing , or very little , to draw on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Masters , though , this week it still has a buzz to it .
There ’ s an energy and a little bit of vibe .
“ Yes , it ’ s clearly a lot less than what we ’ re used to .
But there ’ s something about this place .
I felt excited to be here.
” The excitement for Casey began on the fearsome 10th hole when he hit his approach to a front pin about 5 feet away for birdie .
He had eagle chances on both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settled for birdies .
He took on a left pin at the par-5 second with a 6-iron and watched the ball plop 6 feet away for eagle .
“ You can ’ t hit that shot in April , ” he said .
“ It pitched and stopped instantly , and that shot in April would have one-hopped over into the patrons.
” Webb Simpson played a tidy round , making eagle on No .
2 after the turn and finishing with seven pars for a 67 .
He was joined by Xander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , who had seven birdies in his round of 67 .
“ You ’ re going at pins that you wouldn ’ t really feel that comfortable with , ” Schauffele said .
“ There ’ s so many spots where your ball will stay .
It was just really strange.
” Lee Westwood wasn ’ t sure he would ever make it back to the Masters , earning a ticket back with his tie for fourth in the British Open last summer .
The best player without a major showed he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He shot 31 on the front and limited the damage on the back for a 68 , joining the group that included Woods , former Masters champion Patrick Reed , Hideki Matsuyama and Louis Oosthuizen .
Dustin Johnson , the world ’ s No .
1 player , was among those who played in the afternoon and had to return Friday morning to finish .
He opened with an eagle on No .
2 and was 3 under at the turn .
Justin Thomas started with three straight birdies and was at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McIlroy also played in the afternoon , made bogey on his first hole and was struggling to make birdies .
He was even par at the turn , which felt worse on a day like this .
The delay was the last thing the Masters needed with limited daylight hours leading to the two-tee start .
Every minute counts , and it was doubtful 36 holes could be completed by Friday .
The loudest cheer — applause , certainly not a roar — came for Nicklaus and Player hitting tee shots so early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they landed .
Five groups got through one hole before the siren sounded to stop play for 2 hours , 45 minutes .
And then players began to light up the course as the clouds moved to the east and those famous shadows from Georgia pines stretched across the fairways .
It looked just the Masters , minus the spring blooms , even if it didn ’ t sound like one .

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Already seven months behind schedule because of the pandemic, the most unusual Masters was 30 minutes old Thursday when the silence was interrupted by a rumble down by Amen Corner.
No roars this week. Just thunder. And then a weather delay of nearly three hours.
All that, and it was still worth the wait.
Paul Casey matched his lowest score at the Masters with a 7-under 65, giving him a two-shot lead among half the field fortunate to play in perfect scoring conditions. Tiger Woods matched his lowest start, a 68, and kept a bogey-free card in a major for the first time in 11 years.
The course was different than what they expected, a result of the rain and the calendar. The silence was exactly what they expected because majors haven’t had spectators in 16 months.
But it was still the Masters.
“So many people like myself are just excited to play this,” Casey said. “This is a treat. It always has been and always will be a real treat.”
No doubt, the absence of roars was as eerie as the sound of a drone that approached the first tee as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player prepared to hit their ceremonial tee shots. The Masters is using two drones this year, a first.
“A lot of firsts today. That’s kind of the way this entire year has been,” Woods said. “The fact that we’re able to compete for a Masters this year, considering all that’s been going on, it’s a great opportunity for all of us.”
Casey found energy from the familiarity of the course, from the history, from the mystique. And it was enough to carry him to a round he needed on a day — a partial day — of low scoring. Twelve of the 48 players who finished shot in the 60s.
Woods, a notorious slow starter despite his five green jackets, had one moment where he thought trouble might lurk. It was the fifth hole, which he bogeyed all four rounds last year when he won the Masters. He hit a low fade off the tee that left him 227 yards to the hole.
“Hit a 4-iron to the back edge and it only rolled out a foot,” Woods said. “That doesn’t happen here.”
The biggest crowd — about 100 people in this case — was two groups ahead of Woods watching Bryson DeChambeau smash shots into trees and one shot into the azaleas bushes behind the 13th green. He was lucky to find it because his provisional shot went into the creek. He still made double bogey, though he managed to scratch out a 70.
So much action, typical of the Masters, and so little volume.
And for so many players, they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“I was vocal earlier in the year about not enjoying golf in a pandemic,” Casey said. “I didn’t know how the fan-less experience would be and so far, I’ve not enjoyed it. I’ve had nothing, or very little, to draw on from being out playing tournament golf. The Masters, though, this week it still has a buzz to it. There’s an energy and a little bit of vibe.
“Yes, it’s clearly a lot less than what we’re used to. But there’s something about this place. I felt excited to be here.”
The excitement for Casey began on the fearsome 10th hole when he hit his approach to a front pin about 5 feet away for birdie. He had eagle chances on both par 5s on the back nine and settled for birdies. He took on a left pin at the par-5 second with a 6-iron and watched the ball plop 6 feet away for eagle.
“You can’t hit that shot in April,” he said. “It pitched and stopped instantly, and that shot in April would have one-hopped over into the patrons.”
Webb Simpson played a tidy round, making eagle on No. 2 after the turn and finishing with seven pars for a 67. He was joined by Xander Schauffele, a runner-up to Woods last year, who had seven birdies in his round of 67.
“You’re going at pins that you wouldn’t really feel that comfortable with,” Schauffele said. “There’s so many spots where your ball will stay. It was just really strange.”
Lee Westwood wasn’t sure he would ever make it back to the Masters, earning a ticket back with his tie for fourth in the British Open last summer. The best player without a major showed he still has some life at age 47. He shot 31 on the front and limited the damage on the back for a 68, joining the group that included Woods, former Masters champion Patrick Reed, Hideki Matsuyama and Louis Oosthuizen.
Dustin Johnson, the world’s No. 1 player, was among those who played in the afternoon and had to return Friday morning to finish. He opened with an eagle on No. 2 and was 3 under at the turn. Justin Thomas started with three straight birdies and was at 5 under through 10 holes.
Rory McIlroy also played in the afternoon, made bogey on his first hole and was struggling to make birdies. He was even par at the turn, which felt worse on a day like this.
The delay was the last thing the Masters needed with limited daylight hours leading to the two-tee start. Every minute counts, and it was doubtful 36 holes could be completed by Friday.
The loudest cheer — applause, certainly not a roar — came for Nicklaus and Player hitting tee shots so early that they couldn’t see where they landed. Five groups got through one hole before the siren sounded to stop play for 2 hours, 45 minutes. And then players began to light up the course as the clouds moved to the east and those famous shadows from Georgia pines stretched across the fairways.
It looked just the Masters, minus the spring blooms, even if it didn’t sound like one.


thedenverpost--2020-11-13--CU to work with state legislature to offer in-state tuition to Indigenous students from outside Colo

CU to work with state legislature to offer in-state tuition to Indigenous students from outside Colorado

The University of Colorado committed Thursday to work with the state legislature to approve in-state tuition for any Indigenous students living outside Colorado whose tribal nations are historically tied to the state ’ s land .
The proposal — shepherded by outgoing Regent Irene Griego , D-Lakewood — passed during a Board of Regents meeting on a 7-2 vote , with Republicans John Carson and Chance Hill opposing .
The resolution authorizes CU ’ s system administration to work on legislation with the Colorado General Assembly “ as soon as reasonably practicable within the constraints of the legislative process ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campuses for out-of-state Indigenous people whose tribal nations are tied to Colorado .
It was not immediately clear how much money this resolution would cost to achieve as the legislature will work on details , regents said during the meeting .
“ The university resides on the historical homelands of the Cheyenne , Arapaho , Ute , Apache , Comanche , Kiowa , Lakota , Pueblo and Shoshone Nations , ” Griego wrote in a statement to The Denver Post .
“ In an effort to honor this fact and the history surrounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making the conscious decision to offer in-state tuition to students form those Tribal Nations… Hopefully , the in-state tuition will encourage Indigenous students to study at CU.
” CU ’ s tuition level depends on which campus a student is attending and whether they ’ re coming from within Colorado or outside the state .
The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition ranges from more than $ 25,000 on the Boulder campus to about $ 15,000 on the Colorado Springs campus .
Out of the more than 35,500 students enrolled at CU Boulder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Indian , according to university data .
Of the nearly 15,000 students enrolled on the Denver campus in 2019 , 2 % identified as Native American .
And on the Colorado Springs campus , that number dropped to about about 0.3 % of the more than 12,000 students in 2019 , according to a campus diversity report .
Aurelia Guerue , a 27-year-old CU Denver political science student and president of the Native American student organization on campus , was one of the driving forces behind the resolution passing .
Guerue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives in Denver because her grandparents were forced to move here due to the Indian Relocation Act of 1956 .
“ One of the biggest misconceptions is that we ( Indigenous students ) are receiving free tuition , and technically we should be receiving free tuition through our treaties , ” Guerue said .
“ I have paid my whole way .
I haven ’ t taken out a student loan .
I ’ ve worked two to three jobs at various times to pay for everything and worked hard to get good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just want to make it easier for the next generations so they don ’ t have to struggle as much.
” Griego said offering Indigenous people in-state tuition is the right thing to do considering the atrocities committed by the federal government against Native Americans , including locally with the slaughter of Cheyenne and Arapaho people by the U.S. Army during the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre .
Native Americans — historically pushed out of their homes by the federal government — who try to come back to their original lands deserve to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roots , Griego said .
Other Colorado universities already provide tuition relief for Native American students .
Colorado State University has offered in-state tuition for Indigenous students whose tribal lands reside in Colorado since 2011 and , in 2019 , expanded that offer to all federal- and state-recognized nations and tribes .
Durango ’ s Fort Lewis College has a Native American tuition waiver — a longstanding agreement between the state of Colorado and Fort Lewis College in the form of a federal land grant .
The federal government deeded more than 6,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the condition it be used as a learning institution where Indigenous people be admitted tuition-free .
The Durango campus ’ student population is made up of more than 40 % Native American and Alaska Native students .
“ This will make college and higher education a lot more accessible to our future Indigenous scholars , ” Guerue said of CU ’ s move .

The University of Colorado committed Thursday to work with the state legislature to approve in-state tuition for any Indigenous students living outside Colorado whose tribal nations are historically tied to the state’s land.
The proposal — shepherded by outgoing Regent Irene Griego, D-Lakewood — passed during a Board of Regents meeting on a 7-2 vote, with Republicans John Carson and Chance Hill opposing.
The resolution authorizes CU’s system administration to work on legislation with the Colorado General Assembly “as soon as reasonably practicable within the constraints of the legislative process” to approve in-state tuition status at CU campuses for out-of-state Indigenous people whose tribal nations are tied to Colorado.
It was not immediately clear how much money this resolution would cost to achieve as the legislature will work on details, regents said during the meeting.
“The university resides on the historical homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute, Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, Lakota, Pueblo and Shoshone Nations,” Griego wrote in a statement to The Denver Post. “In an effort to honor this fact and the history surrounding it, we as a university are making the conscious decision to offer in-state tuition to students form those Tribal Nations… Hopefully, the in-state tuition will encourage Indigenous students to study at CU.”
CU’s tuition level depends on which campus a student is attending and whether they’re coming from within Colorado or outside the state. The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition ranges from more than $25,000 on the Boulder campus to about $15,000 on the Colorado Springs campus.
Out of the more than 35,500 students enrolled at CU Boulder in 2019, 1.5% identified as American Indian, according to university data. Of the nearly 15,000 students enrolled on the Denver campus in 2019, 2% identified as Native American. And on the Colorado Springs campus, that number dropped to about about 0.3% of the more than 12,000 students in 2019, according to a campus diversity report.
Aurelia Guerue, a 27-year-old CU Denver political science student and president of the Native American student organization on campus, was one of the driving forces behind the resolution passing.
Guerue, a Sicangu Lakota member, said she lives in Denver because her grandparents were forced to move here due to the Indian Relocation Act of 1956.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that we (Indigenous students) are receiving free tuition, and technically we should be receiving free tuition through our treaties,” Guerue said. “I have paid my whole way. I haven’t taken out a student loan. I’ve worked two to three jobs at various times to pay for everything and worked hard to get good grades to have some scholarships.
“I just want to make it easier for the next generations so they don’t have to struggle as much.”
Guerue and fellow Native American activists on campus told CU leaders offering Indigenous people in-state tuition is the right thing to do considering the atrocities committed by the federal government against Native Americans, including locally with the slaughter of Cheyenne and Arapaho people by the U.S. Army during the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre.
Native Americans — historically pushed out of their homes by the federal government — who try to come back to their original lands deserve to pay a tuition rate that reflects their roots, Guerue said.
Other Colorado universities already provide tuition relief for Native American students.
Colorado State University has offered in-state tuition for Indigenous students whose tribal lands reside in Colorado since 2011 and, in 2019, expanded that offer to all federal- and state-recognized nations and tribes.
Durango’s Fort Lewis College has a Native American tuition waiver — a longstanding agreement between the state of Colorado and Fort Lewis College in the form of a federal land grant. The federal government deeded more than 6,000 acres of land to the state under the condition it be used as a learning institution where Indigenous people be admitted tuition-free.
The Durango campus’ student population is made up of more than 40% Native American and Alaska Native students.
“This will make college and higher education a lot more accessible to our future Indigenous scholars,” Guerue said of CU’s move.


thedenverpost--2020-11-13--Jeffco Public Schools will send most students to remote learning by the end of November, citing COVI

Jeffco Public Schools will send most students to remote learning by the end of November, citing COVID-19 surge

Jeffco Public Schools will shift all students except for those in preschool to remote learning by the end of the month , as COVID-19 continues to run rampant in the Denver region .
Students in grades six through 12 will start learning online on Monday , followed by kindergarten through fifth grade on Nov. 30 after Thanksgiving break .
In a note to families Thursday , Kristopher Schuh , the district ’ s interim superintendent , said students would remain in online education until winter break , at which time administrators will reevaluate COVID-19 conditions to see if they permit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-time , in-person learning ; however , parents can call the preschool office at 303-982-1737 if they would like to enroll their children in e-learning during this time period .
Students with special needs in all grade levels are also eligible to continue in-person classes four days per week .
This move was expected after Schuh told the Board of Education on Wednesday that COVID-19 cases and quarantines were frequently disrupting classes and often shutting down schools .
“ The data shows unrelenting increases in COVID-19 cases and none of the public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates in the weeks ahead , ” Sshuh said in his note .
“ Simply put , we ’ ve now reached the point at which the benefits of in-person learning are outweighed by the disruption caused by abrupt transitions to quarantines and by the risk of COVID-19 exposures within our buildings.
” The district will continue to watch COVID-19 trends and make any modifications or extensions to learning format as necessary , Schuh added .
Jeffco originally delayed the start of in-person classes until after Labor Day .
Since then , elementary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person learning , while middle and high school students have attended two days a week in-person on a hybrid schedule .
The district has reported dozens of cases , but remained firmly committed to keeping schools open , even as Jefferson County tightened restrictions on businesses and community gatherings in response to rising COVID-19 rates .
The county experienced a seven-day average positivity rate of 12.92 % for the week ending Nov. 5 , according to Jefferson County Public Health .
There were also about 500 cases per 100,000 people over the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Jeffco is just the latest district to transition online in light of the recent COVID-19 surge .
Cherry Creek School District , Aurora Public Schools , Sheridan School District No .
2 , Westminster Public Schools , Adams County School District 14 and Adams 12 Five Star Schools have recently moved much of , if not all of their student bodies online .

Jeffco Public Schools will shift all students except for those in preschool to remote learning by the end of the month, as COVID-19 continues to run rampant in the Denver region.
Students in grades six through 12 will start learning online on Monday, followed by kindergarten through fifth grade on Nov. 30 after Thanksgiving break.
In a note to families Thursday, Kristopher Schuh, the district’s interim superintendent, said students would remain in online education until winter break, at which time administrators will reevaluate COVID-19 conditions to see if they permit in-person learning.
Preschools will still offer full-time, in-person learning; however, parents can call the preschool office at 303-982-1737 if they would like to enroll their children in e-learning during this time period. Students with special needs in all grade levels are also eligible to continue in-person classes four days per week.
This move was expected after Schuh told the Board of Education on Wednesday that COVID-19 cases and quarantines were frequently disrupting classes and often shutting down schools.
“The data shows unrelenting increases in COVID-19 cases and none of the public health officials forecast a significant reduction in those rates in the weeks ahead,” Sshuh said in his note. “Simply put, we’ve now reached the point at which the benefits of in-person learning are outweighed by the disruption caused by abrupt transitions to quarantines and by the risk of COVID-19 exposures within our buildings.”
The district will continue to watch COVID-19 trends and make any modifications or extensions to learning format as necessary, Schuh added.
Jeffco originally delayed the start of in-person classes until after Labor Day. Since then, elementary school students have been attending full-time, in-person learning, while middle and high school students have attended two days a week in-person on a hybrid schedule.
The district has reported dozens of cases, but remained firmly committed to keeping schools open, even as Jefferson County tightened restrictions on businesses and community gatherings in response to rising COVID-19 rates.
The county experienced a seven-day average positivity rate of 12.92% for the week ending Nov. 5, according to Jefferson County Public Health. There were also about 500 cases per 100,000 people over the two weeks ending Nov. 4, the agency said.
Jeffco is just the latest district to transition online in light of the recent COVID-19 surge. Cherry Creek School District, Aurora Public Schools, Sheridan School District No. 2, Westminster Public Schools, Adams County School District 14 and Adams 12 Five Star Schools have recently moved much of, if not all of their student bodies online.


thedenverpost--2020-11-13--Denver man charged in federal court with pointing laser at police helicopter

A man who allegedly pointed a laser light at a Denver Police Department helicopter has been charged in federal court @ @ @ @ @ of Denver , made an initial appearance in federal court Thursday , according to a @ @ @ @ @ , District of Colorado , news release .
Debyle allegedly pointed a “ green laser @ @ @ @ @ of Air 1 as the helicopter was in flight on Nov. 4 , the release @ @ @ @ @ a federal offense to aim a laser pointer at an aircraft .
If convicted , @ @ @ @ @ five years in prison , according to the release .

A man who allegedly pointed a laser light at a Denver Police Department helicopter has been charged in federal court.
Logan Scott Debyle, of Denver, made an initial appearance in federal court Thursday, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Colorado, news release.
Debyle allegedly pointed a “green laser” light at the cockpit of Air 1 as the helicopter was in flight on Nov. 4, the release said. It’s a federal offense to aim a laser pointer at an aircraft.
If convicted, Debyle could face up to five years in prison, according to the release.


thedenverpost--2020-11-13--Douglas County School District will go remote after Thanksgiving due to COVID-19 surge

Students in the Douglas County School District will finish the fall semester remotely , the district announced Thursday .
The district will move all students to virtual learning on Nov. 30 , following Thanksgiving break .
The move was anticipated , as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue to surge across Colorado .
Earlier this week , interim Superintendent Corey Wise proposed the transition to remote learning , telling the board of education that case management , contact tracing efforts and widespread quarantines were crippling schools ’ operations .
“ DCSD currently has nearly 5,000 students and staff members in quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it appears those numbers will continue to rise in the coming days , ” Wise said in an announcement .
Both figures are up from Tuesday , when he told the Board of Education nine schools were already closed and utilizing online education .
Douglas County joins a growing roster of Denver-area school districts to opt for virtual learning in light of COVID-19 trends .
Westminster Public Schools is an outlier , as it prepares to welcome students back to in-person learning on Monday following a two-week , districtwide shutdown .

Students in the Douglas County School District will finish the fall semester remotely, the district announced Thursday.
The district will move all students to virtual learning on Nov. 30, following Thanksgiving break. The move was anticipated, as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue to surge across Colorado.
Earlier this week, interim Superintendent Corey Wise proposed the transition to remote learning, telling the board of education that case management, contact tracing efforts and widespread quarantines were crippling schools’ operations.
“DCSD currently has nearly 5,000 students and staff members in quarantine and 13 schools in remote learning status, and it appears those numbers will continue to rise in the coming days,” Wise said in an announcement.
Both figures are up from Tuesday, when he told the Board of Education nine schools were already closed and utilizing online education.
Douglas County joins a growing roster of Denver-area school districts to opt for virtual learning in light of COVID-19 trends. Westminster Public Schools is an outlier, as it prepares to welcome students back to in-person learning on Monday following a two-week, districtwide shutdown.


thedenverpost--2020-11-12--Broncos podcast: Denver makes first trip to Las Vegas looking to re-find lost momentum

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast sponsored by SportsBetting.com , Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O @ @ @ @ @ ’ showdown against the Raiders in Las Vegas .
The duo provides injury updates leading @ @ @ @ @ at Allegiant Stadium , plus discussion on the secondary , Denver ’ s lethargic first-half @ @ @ @ @ , reasons for hope at the halfway point and much more analysis .
The Broncos @ @ @ @ @ ( 5-3 ) have split the season series in each of the past five years @ @ @ @ @ Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox .

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast sponsored by SportsBetting.com, Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O’Halloran preview the Broncos’ showdown against the Raiders in Las Vegas.
The duo provides injury updates leading into the Week 10 game at Allegiant Stadium, plus discussion on the secondary, Denver’s lethargic first-half offense, dwindling tight-end depth, reasons for hope at the halfway point and much more analysis.
The Broncos (3-5) and Raiders (5-3) have split the season series in each of the past five years.
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