Karl a tough customer - If having to battle his way through the extremely competitive Western Conference wasn't enough, Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl will have to cope with another difficult battle, one that can strike when least expected and one that he's already won before. His opponent? -- Cancer. The Nuggets skipper is facing a familiar foe as he suffered from cancer in the past. But similar to the different style of opponents coach Karl faces on the hardwood, cancer attacks it's opponent from different areas depending on what type of disease the patient is diagnosed with. In 2005, it was confirmed that Karl had prostate cancer. And just five years later, he finds himself in a familiar situation, this time facing throat cancer.
Karl held a press conference earlier last week, where he announced he was diagnosed with treatable neck and throat cancer. Seen in the shadows of the background behind him, was his team. Although the gathering wasn't a pleasant one, seeing the heart broken faces of Carmelo and the rest of the Nuggets squad, gave you a heartwarming feeling that they're determined to win it all this year for the one they call coach. After breaking in tears behind the table in front of camera crews and media, Karl joked about it with a straight face. "I love a challenge", the 4-time NBA All-Star coach said. & There's no doubt cancer fits that description. While receiving treatment in Denver, Karl will miss a few games with assistant Adrian Dantley to fill in.
As of today, Karl's Nuggets (39-19) find themselves in 2nd place in the Western Conference, only 4.5 games behind a Los Angeles Lakers (44-15) squad in which they've defeated already twice this season. Karl hopes to be back with his team at full strength come playoff time.
Coach Karl, my prayers are with you and yours.
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