King George is ready to return to his throne.

Last season, George Karl watched helplessly as the Denver Nuggets stumbled to one of the least inspiring 50-win seasons in NBA history. This season, Karl promises to convert from spectator to emperor.

Brace yourself. Either the Nuggets will climb to impressive heights or crash. There's no need to worry about boring middle ground, not with Karl promising to punish his players - including Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson - if they fail to obey his commands.

The NBA is run by its stars. Coaches, owners, refs and TV viewers embrace this philosophy. Karl has spent 20 seasons wrestling with the stars-first mentality. He usually loses these wrestling matches, but they sure are fun to watch.

I admire his courage and success. Karl has won 879 games, traveled to the NBA Finals and revived franchises in Cleveland, Golden State, Seattle and Milwaukee.

But I wonder about his oblivious refusal to accept NBA reality. Karl was fired by all four of his previous NBA employers. Now, he flirts with firing No. 5. Karl and the Nuggets open their season tonight at Utah.

Karl embraced a mellow approach last season. He accepted the eccentric ways of his players and his reward was a four-game playoff thrashing by the Los Angeles Lakers.

That left him reeling, and he spent the offseason examining his basketball heart.

He bid farewell to George the Mellow. Say hello to George the Angry.

"I have no desire to be liked," Karl announced on the first day of training camp. "I don't think coaching is a game of like. I don't know if I want them to like me."

This isn't empty talk. The man is blessed in the art of abrasiveness. A few hours after Karl was hired in 2004 he summoned Anthony to a one-on-one meeting.

Karl immediately told Anthony he was selfish, which is the most insulting word possible to describe a basketball player. It was an amazing moment. Karl had spent his career clashing with his stars. He also spent his career getting fired.

He refused to change. Karl, the battered survivor, announced himself as the boss. Anthony, the team star, was a mere employee.

The conversation served as the start to a tempestuous basketball relationship. Karl and Anthony have tolerated each other - often barely - during four seasons.

This season will define their relationship. If Anthony and Karl struggle as a mismatched couple, a divorce is inevitable.

If the Nuggets bungle to yet another first round playoff exit - or, worse, fail to make the playoffs - either Anthony or Karl will pack bags when the season ends.

Anthony is saying the right things. Of course, he always says the right things before doing the wrong things.

"You will see a different me," Anthony said. "Just making that commitment to being that all-around player - grabbing rebounds, passing, talking. You will see a different me."

Karl wants to see a version of Anthony that more closely resembles a long-haired player known as "Kamikaze King."

When Karl played in the NBA and the defunct ABA, was one of the game's most dangerous characters. He attacked opponents, swinging elbows and fists. He was basketball's version of a kamikaze.

He remains proud of his menacing reputation, both as a player and a coach. He hopes the Nuggets will follow his example. He says he likes this edition of the Nuggets.

"This team has more George Karl personalities," he said. "More guys who want to be mean and angry than cool and pretty."

King George has returned to his throne. This should be a great show, even if it doesn't last long.

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Contact the writer: Columnist David Ramsey can be reached at 476-4895 or david.ramsey@gazette.com