--G J.R. Smith is called a Nuggets star of the future. Although consistency sometimes was a problem, Smith overall had a solid postseason. He averaged 14.9 points and shot 38-of-106 (35.8 percent) from 3-point range. Smith tried to keep the Nuggets in Game 6 of the Western Conference final against the Lakers, which they lost 119-92 to lose the series 4-2. He scored 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range. But the drawback was Smith didn't have a single assist after having averaged 4.0 per game in the first five games of the series. He needs to be a scoring and passing threat at the same time.

--F Kenyon Martin gave the Nuggets some unexpected scoring in the Western Conference final against the Lakers. Martin averaged 11.7 points during the regular season, but he exceeded his average in five of six games during the series. Martin scored 13 points in Friday's 119-92 loss, which ended Denver's season in the 4-2 series loss. He tried to keep the Nuggets afloat in the third quarter, scoring eight points when other Denver players had a hard time getting it going offensively.

--C Chris Andersen, known as the "Birdman," never really took flight as Denver's season ended with a loss to the Lakers on Friday in Game 6 of the Western Conference final. In 21 minutes, the fan favorite scored just two points and grabbed two rebounds, although he did block three shots. Andersen's showing was a far cry from his previous outing at the Pepsi Center, when he had 14 rebounds in Game 4. Andersen usually gives the Nuggets great energy, but he was rather inconsistent against the Lakers.

--G Anthony Carter had a playoff series to forget for the second straight year against the Lakers. Carter last season averaged just 2.0 points against the Lakers and lost his starting job after the first game as the Nuggets were swept 4-0. In the Western Conference final against the Lakers this year, Carter was even worse, averaging 1.8 points. Carter went scoreless in four of the six games as the Nuggets lost 4-2. He threw away a pivotal last-minute inbound pass in a Game 1 loss.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Steven Hunter (Nov. 14 right knee surgery) didn't play after the first preseason game, although he was cleared to play late in the regular season. But he never got into a regular-season or playoff game, and he was active only for Game 2 of the Western Conference final against the Lakers.

--C Nene (left forearm fracture) was hurt in the fourth quarter of Game 6 of the Western Conference final against the Lakers on Friday, when the Nuggets' season ended with a 119-92 loss. Nene will wear a splint for three to four weeks. He's expected to be at full strength for training camp in the fall.