NBA Panic Meter: 10 Teams To Monitor

Nov 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) goes past Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) to the basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Lakers won 107-92. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 11

Oct 29, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Nuggets (1-5)

Six games into the season, the Nuggets have the second worst record in the West. They’ve lost five straight, they’re giving up 108 points per game (trailing only the Lakers for the worst mark in the league) and they’re one of the worst shooting teams in the league. This team is advertised as being “15 deep,” but we’re seeing what happens when a coach doesn’t know how to get the most out of his rotations.

Panic Meter: 7 (Start stocking up on water and canned goods)

The truth is, the Nuggets can’t win as currently constructed unless Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried and/or Danilo Gallinari are able to step up as stars. Brian Shaw doesn’t look like the right man for the job and despite the numerous first round exits, George Karl is probably looking pretty good right now. This team was supposed to at least compete for a playoff spot, so in the brutal West it’s probably time to start trading pieces and rebuild.

Next: Can SVG Save The Pistons?