Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly joined the Denver Post Sports Show this afternoon to talk about the trade deadline and the future of the Denver Nuggets.

Connelly was asked about the maturation and leadership of Nuggets guard Ty Lawson and had this to say.

He needs to grow up. It’s time for several of our guys to either grow up or its time for us to look elsewhere.

Connelly admitted Lawson is the team’s best player and has been given every opportunity and trust with the “keys to the car”. Lawson missed a team practice earlier this week and there was speculation the Nuggets were looking to move him.

The Nuggets and Connelly have shown they aren’t afraid to shake things up and move players for the betterment of the coaches and organization, evidenced by yesterday’s trade deadline.

Connelly also spoke about the job Brian Shaw has done and it’s pretty clear he believes in his coach.

Im not going to grade him (Shaw). I don’t think it would be fair. He’s dealt with so many issues, and I certainly haven’t knocked it out of the park.

So often GM’s in sports are afraid of making themselves look bad and won’t admit their own shortcomings. It’s refreshing to hear Connelly take some responsibility himself for his team’s lackluster performance.

It appears Shaw and Connelly are in this together and its up for them to get the right team in place that they can be successful with. If any of the current roster will be a part of that team, is up to the players buying in.