Sue Ogrocki, Associated Press file)
All things considered, the first Nuggets training camp under new coach Michael Malone had to be deemed a success. The Nuggets appear to have made strides offensively and defensively, while learning how Malone and the new staff run things.
Now comes the hard part: translating that progress into the regular season, which opens Wednesday at Houston.
"It's for real now," Malone said. "In the preseason, I don't think anyone cares about wins and losses. It's about evaluating players on your roster, it's about evaluating guys who are fighting for a roster spot, trying different things out.