And Scott Hastings talks too fast, often swallowing words like a hungry python.

As I've noted previously, such negatives can produce a grind- the-teeth viewer response when watching the Nuggets on Altitude, particularly in close contests in noisy arenas.

But Hastings now offers positives to counter this negative voice criticism.

In his fourth season as a Nuggets analyst, Hastings has developed into a knowledgeable NBA broadcaster who regularly does his homework.

And I enjoy Hastings' self-deprecating style when he talks about his 11-season NBA career — much of which was spent on the bench.

A "homer" (in the positive sense), Hastings has been effusive

in his praise of this season's playoff team while regularly pinpointing its specific deficiencies.

During last Monday's Nuggets division-clinching game against the Kings, Hastings deftly summed up the problems of Nene, saying the Nuggets center needs to "toughen up" for the playoffs, particularly under the offensive basket.

Hastings added that NBA players feel they can "get into Nene's head," thus throwing him off his game.

While regularly praising the explosive offensive ability of J.R. Smith, Hastings constantly reminds that Smith is a work in progress on defense. And Hastings supplies specific examples.

Such analysis by Hastings is usually made during timeouts or when the action slows on the court.

My frustration in deciphering Hastings occurs when the game action is fast and furious.

Hastings has been in Denver broadcasting for more that 16 years, after his career with five NBA teams, including the Nuggets.

He was with KOA 850 AM for a dozen years, teaming with Dave Logan on Broncos coverage and "The Sports Zoo," a weekday sports-talk show.

In those KOA days, his delivery, while still rapid, was somewhat slower, possibly because of Logan's patented, low-key style. Now, in addition to Nuggets coverage, Hastings works with Alfred Williams on a weekday talk show on The Fan (104.3 FM).

Does the pace of this often-frenetic show carry over to Hastings' work in Nuggets games?

A native of Kansas and an alumnus of the University of Arkansas, Hastings' twang probably is in his DNA.

Let's call it a "KanArk" brogue and leave it at that.

But Hastings' broadcasting profile could rise considerably if he'd slow down his game delivery.

The current playoff series with New Orleans would be a logical starting point.