The Denver Nuggets are in the midst of another fantastic season in the NBA. It’s been said by many experts that they can truly compete for a shot at winning the Finals. It’s been a fun season so far to watch, but the biggest victory any fan can hope for won’t be at Pepsi Center in June, or even beating the Lakers. We are rooting for head coach George Karl, who once again is fighting for his life after being diagnosed with cancer for the second time in his life, this time in the throat and neck.

Karl has become a fan favorite in the Denver area, both on and off the court. He has led the Nuggets to fantastic records ever since he was named head coach in 2005. He also goes around the community with the players and host charity events. It is painful to see him suffer through what has killed many Americans.

But what’s going to be something to pay most attention to is how close the team becomes. When Karl announced that he had been diagnosed on Feb. 16, team unity showed at the press conference as the entire team was there at his side. They showed that they will be there for him at all times, and with players mainly focused on high paying contracts, it’s hard to find true teams these days in the professional levels.

This isn’t the first time the Nuggets had to rally and play under tough circumstances. Just a couple of seasons ago Nuggets center Nene battled testicular cancer. He missed a majority of the season and yet the team held together and made a run in the postseason. Karl’s son, Coby Karl, also battled for his life when he was stricken with cancer, and once again the team rallied together to really show that the Nuggets are a true team.

Karl has said that he needs the game to help him get through the pain easier. Basketball has always treated him right. But when it comes to his life, basketball is the last thing on our minds. At that point it’s just a sport and we couldn’t care less. And when it comes to the game, just watching the Nuggets play on Feb. 19 was an eerie feeling because Karl wasn’t there eating his cough drops and leading the team to victory. Yes, it’s a very treatable and curable cancer that Karl has, but just the thought can have everybody worried. Watching the Nuggets rally is very inspirational to everybody. Hollywood couldn’t even write a better script. For now, we all cheer for the Nuggets, and especially we cheer for George Karl.

ahimes@mesastate.edu