If the Nuggets are about advancing to the second round of the playoffs this season, then they're on the right track.

If they're about reaching the Western Conference finals and having a legitimate shot at playing for the NBA championship, then the Nuggets ought to be players at the trade deadline.

The Los Angeles Lakers are considered the team to beat in the West. They're beatable - with the right ingredients. Denver has a few of those ingredients, but not enough. Especially when it comes to the bench.

Stronger play at all positions will help. A guard that can handle the ball, score when needed - and defend - would help. (I have Chicago's Kirk Hinrich on my list) Add another big-bodied player that can contribute solid minutes on a nightly basis.

The Portland Trailblazers, breathing down the Nuggets' backs in the Northwest Division, are discussing deals for players like Phoenix's Amare Stoudamire. That would be a bold move for a young club with high postseason aspirations.

The Nuggets are playing some of the best basketball we've seen in a while, and a 55-win season - which would be an all-time best since the club joined the NBA in 1976 - is reachable.

Imagine what happens if and when they improve the ball club. The time is now for Denver to make that move . . .

Along those lines, what are the Avalanche going to do before the trade deadline? Remember the good old days, when a Raymond Bourque and Rob Blake would fall into their gloves. Is there another star available with the initials "R.B."? . . .

The Colorado Golden Gloves state tournament will be held Mar. 25-28 at the Mile High Events Center (5155 E. 64th Ave in Commerce City). For tickets and reservations please call 303-424-9569. Colorado Golden Gloves Charities Inc. has established a scholarship program for athletes seeking to further their education beyond high school. To obtain an application, contact Beau Campbell at 303-263-9024 or Jeanne DePrist at 970-978-5188 . . .

Speaking of scholarships, two former Broncos players are offering them to local youth. John Lynch's Family Legacy Scholarships award up to $10,000 to Denver-ares student athletes. Scholarship applications can be downloaded from the Web site www.johnlynchfoundation.org. Ian Gold's Web site for youth - www.whatarekidssaying.com - is sponsoring an essay contest for youth ages 18 and under, with tuition to a four-year U.S. college as the prize. Go to the Web site for more details.