Another season of hopes and dreams lost. Another strong team full of potential failed. The Denver Nugget's franchise has experienced drastic changes over the past few years, going from last in the League to first in the Northwest Division. What seems like a team on the rise is in fact the opposite. They are falling fast and hard. With a strong team put together by Kiki Vandeweghe, the 2005-2006 season seemed to be the year, the year where the Nuggets were leaders, not followers. The year where barriers would be broken between a good team to greatness. It did not happen. Many blame the collapse of the team on injuries, but that is just a lame excuse. Yes, injuries hurt, but it is only when a team can overcome them that they can achieve that greatness. It is only when the bench can step up that a team can win championships. The Nuggets don't have that X-factor. Sure, they have phenom Earl Boykins, but he alone will not cut it. This off season the franchise has a lot that they need to consider: should the source of the team's controversies Kenyon Martin stay or go; should they trade him and keep Nene; should the team go with defense or offense; will a shooting guard solve all of their problems? With all of these questions unanswered, a not-so-surprising departure from GM Kiki Vandeweghe may bring optimism. Will a new GM bring the extra spark to the team? Will change turn the Nuggets into champs? Those questions will play themselves out next season, but what really needs to be found now is the hope that once shined so bright that seems to be diminishing. No matter who is in office, the Nuggets need to relight that fire of passion that once burned, and it needs to be lit fast, or there will be no hope.