We miss you Marcus and Eddie, but…
November 19th, 2008 by aswitzer
your new teams miss you even more…
Oh, ouch, that hurts… but Camby and Najera appear to be hurting more this season…
Double slam… okay, I’ll stop there. Namely, because I respect both players, and appreciate what they did for the Nuggets and the city of Denver. They are both stand-up guys. (I keep setting myself up for further zingers, but I’ll finally resist this time)
The season is still young, but its starting to look more and more like Nuggets’ management offseason moves were more than smart, and possibly about more than just saving money.
Exhibit A: Marcus Camby
LA Clippers Games: 10 (thru 11/18)
Games available for: 7
Games started: 6
Total playable minutes: 480
Minutes on court: 187
Total season points: 54, total rebounds 67
Current status: Playing
Team’s record: 1-9
Thoughts: Marcus missed the entire preseason and the first three games (all Clippers losses) but has played in every game since and played well in all but two. (Lakers and Sacramento) He’s down from last year’s averages in all major categories, but has been playing well for the Clippers of late. Unfortunately, it hasn’t helped translate for the Clippers yet this season.
Exhbit B: Eduardo Najera
New Jersey Nets Games: 10 (thru 11/18)
Games available for: 6
Total playable minutes: 480
Minutes on court: 55
Total season points: 4, total rebounds 10
Current status: Out with neck/back injury
Team’s record: 4-6
Thoughts: The Nets signed Eduardo on the cheap - $12 million over four seasons, when the Nuggets weren’t willing to offer that much for the 32 year old this past July. WIth averages of 5.9 pts and 4.3 rebounds a game last season, I think the Nets were hoping for more from Eduardo. He may still get back to that level, but early play this season has amounted to very little. Either Eduardo has had trouble meshing with his new team, or he has started down that slippery slope that inevitably occurs with most NBA players in their thirties.
I’ll check in again on both players later this season, but thus far, the Nuggets moves… unpopular and considered shrewd at the time this past summer, may have been wiser that originally thought. Still, I wish Camby and Najera good health and fortune the rest of the season. The Nuggets have moved forward in a new direction with extremely positive early results… there is no reason to have any ill wishes towards the remaining careers of these two popular ex-Nuggets.
Why Detroit trade works for Denver
November 5th, 2008 by aswitzer
The short-lived AI era is over in Denver. Turns out he was not the Answer, or at least not the answer to Nuggets fans NBA Championship dreams.
The Nuggets had two playoff series with Iverson at guard, and their record for those two series was a dismal total of 1-8.
If you’re like me, you’ve already read a plethora of articles dissecting the trade. In case you just woke up from a 48 hour nap, here’s the details:
Detroit Pistons get:
Guard Allen Iverson and his large, but expiring contract
Denver Nuggets get:
Guard Chauncey Billups
Forward Antonio McDyess
Center Cheikh Samb
Here’s why this trade works well for Denver:
- Despite Iverson’s incredible work ethic, intensity, and toughness, he does not seem to be able to inspire it in other’s. Carmelo Anthony’s upward climb as a top-tier NBA player took a serious hit nearly the instant Iverson arrived - not only flat-lining his growth but taking a few steps backward in some areas.
- The Nuggets had or have All-Star level talent at shooting guard (Allen Iverson) and small forward (Carmelo Anthony) and power forward (Kenyon Martin), and above average talent at center (Marcus Camby and Nene) but they’ve had journeymen running the point (Chucky Atkins and Anthony Carter) since Andre Miller was traded to the 76ers to bring Iverson here. That’s like putting a Yugo engine in your 750i BMW… it may look great, but it won’t run half as good as it looks.
- JR Smith is a raw talent with amazing potential. This is not that untapped potential that never quite comes to fruition… this is potential that has shown itself on numerous occasions in the past few seasons - scoring 43 against Chicago last year, or his play in game 4 against the Lakers in the playoffs. With Iverson no longer in front of him at his primary position, JR will get his change to shine. He may continue to come off the bench for the immediate future, but when this season gets serious in March/April - he’ll get that opportunity to help take the Nuggets to the next level.
- With Chauncey Billups returning home (he played HS and College ball here in town) the Nuggets get a true point guard and floor general back on the court. The kind of guy that can get the ball to the many offensive talents the Nuggets have and take the big shot himself when needed.
- Come on, you knew I had to work in a Mr. Big Shot reference somewhere in this article, right?
On a closing note, after the Camby trade and the way it was handled left a very bad taste in my mouth, a little faith is restored in how the Nuggets handled trading Iverson. Rex Chapman, Nuggets VP of Player Personel was on the 104.3 the Fan today and stated that owner Stan Kroenke went out of his way to make sure that he dealt Iverson to a contender and not just any NBA team, because of his respect for Iverson as a player and what the kind of effort he brought to the court each and every game he played for the Nuggets. Iverson’s effort can not be questioned… it’s just too bad that it didn’t translate to more wins and success for the Nuggets as a team.
Are Retreads the Answer?
October 31st, 2008 by aswitzer
The 2008-2009 season is upon us.
Like it or not, Nuggets regulars Marcus Camby and Eduardo Najera are gone. Offseason financial casualties for a franchise that just made the playoffs for the fifth season in a row, but lost yet again in the first round. The Nuggets also gave up on a few shorter-term projects - Yakhouba Diawara, Von Wafer, and Bobby Jones.
Re-enter two Nuggets players from the past - Chris “Birdman” Andersen and Juwan Howard. Along with the failed Nuggets comeback attempt by Ruben Patterson, (waived the last week of preseason) that’s quite a few retreads on the 2008-2009 roster.
Andersen appears to still have quite a bit left in the tank, after two years away from the NBA due to a drug suspension. He brings energy and shot-blocking, but is a big drop-off talent-wise when compared to Camby. Juwan Howard is a consummate professional and brings aged but steady inside skills along with a solid locker-room presence - although again, when compared with Najera, another talent drop-off.
Actual new newcomers - Dahntay Jones and Renaldo Balkman bring a common and needed theme - defense. Judgement on rookie draft pickup Sonny Weems will have to wait until later in the season, as he ended up missing most of the preseason. The main words I’ve heard used to describe him so far are “athletic” and “upside”.
The Nuggets will start Allen Iverson, Anthony Carter, Nene, Carmelo Anthony, and Kenyon Martin. All have at least 5 seasons in the NBA, with Iverson leading the experience way as he enters his 13th NBA season. Despite the seasoned starting five, there are a lot of questions. Does Iverson still have enough gas left in his tank to lead the way? Can Carter keep the other starters happy by distributing the ball? Can Nene have a healthy and full productive season? Can Carmelo Anthony take his game to a higher level and finally embrace the defensive end to go along with his many offensive talents? Lastly, Kenyon Martin has finally shown up as a healthy Nugget, but can he keep his powerful intensity and energy positive on the court and in the locker room?
The top two players off the bench are unquestionably J.R. Smith and Linas Kleiza. Can both continue their upward trends from last year and provide steady and strong contributions when called upon. J.R. has definitely shown the unique ability to take over games offensively, especially when teams are keying on stopping Anthony and Iverson, but can he provide a more steady level of defense so he can stay on the court more?
That’s a lot of questions for 2008-2009, but I for one look forward to the answers. As an optimistic fan who has the ability to past season’s disappointments behind him, I hope these Nuggets can do the same and rise to new heights. Go Nuggets!
Carmelo’s 2008 Olympics are Golden
August 25th, 2008 by aswitzer
The memories of a dissappointing bronze medal in 2004, and a rough start to the 2008 Olympics can all be washed away as Carmelo shared in the satisfying gold medal earned early Sunday morning in the 118-107 victory over Spain. Dwayne Wayned led the way with 27 points, while Carmelo put in 13 points on 5-11 shooting. Carmelo often had to defend much larger Spanish players in the gold medal match as Howard and James found themselves in foul trouble.
Melo’s other boxscores, from most recent to oldest:
Game MIN FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OREB DREB REB AST STL BLK TO PF PTS
vs. Argentina 30 3-14 2-8 13-13 0 4 4 0 1 1 1 2 21
vs. Australia 19 5-9 2-5 3-4 1 4 5 1 1 0 0 3 15
vs. Germany 14 2-7 0-3 0-0 0 6 6 2 2 0 0 2 4
vs. Spain 16 6-8 4-6 0-0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 4 16
vs. Greece 22 2-6 2-4 2-2 2 4 6 0 2 0 2 4 8
vs. Angola 21 4-6 1-2 3-5 1 5 6 0 0 1 1 3 12
vs. China 14 0-3 0-2 3-4 0 4 4 0 1 0 1 3 3
Congrats Melo, on the gold medal!
Nuggets sign JR Smith to 3 year deal
August 24th, 2008 by aswitzer
After giving up Marcus Camby for next-to-nothing earlier this summer, the Nuggets finally have something positive to show for it.
On Friday, the Nuggets re-signed their top free agent - J.R. Smith to a three-year deal worth a guaranteed $16.5 million. J.R. evolved into the Nuggets best bench player and a top-flight NBA 6-man over the past couple of seasons. J.R. set Nuggets team records last season for highest three-point field goal percentage (.403) and most points in a game in a non-starting role (43). He also led the NBA in three-point field goals per 48 minutes (5.3) and twice made 7 three-pointers in a single quarter. In the playoffs last year against the Lakers, J.R. continued to perform at a high level - averaging 18.3 ppg in 27.0 minutes per game in the four game series.
Very nice to see the Nuggets retain an athletic talent on the rise, and not over-pay for it. The Nuggets had some horrific deals earlier in this decade - think Tariq Abdul-Wahad and Cory Alexander, but this is definitely not one of them. Hopefully, J.R. will do his part and continue to work hard and continue his accension into the higher echelon of NBA players.
Carmelo struggles in first Team USA game in Beijing
August 11th, 2008 by aswitzer
After two Team USA summers where Carmelo was arguably one of their best and most dominant players, Carmelo appears to be struggling this summer in the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
While nearly everyone on the roster cruised during Team USA’s rout of China in the opening round, Carmelo played 14 minutes, when 0-3 from the floor (0-2 from three point range) and had 1 turnover, 0 assists and 3 personal fouls. He did have 3 free throws and 4 rebounds.
In the Sunday Denver Post, managing director Jerry Colangelo was quoted as saying the Anthony “could be in better shape”. At Saturday’s team practice, while the rest of his teammates wore sleeveless shirts, Carmelo ran extra sprints in a sweat-drenched baggy shirt. “I don’t want to make a big deal of it”, Colangelo said, “but I just feel in looking at where he was the last two summers, and making a comparison, he seems to be a little heavier.”
Here’s hoping Melo turns things around in China, contributes to the “Team Redeem” campaign for a Gold Medal and returns for the Nuggets training camp in shape, and full of confidence for the upcoming NBA season.
Ex-Nugget Boykins heads to Europe
August 11th, 2008 by aswitzer
Earl Boykins will play for Italy’s Virtus Bologna this coming season, becoming Italy’s highest paid player with a $3.5 million deal.
Since free agency began on July 1st, Boykins is the ninth player who played in the NBA last season to sign overseas. Other familiar names to relocate to Europe this offseason are Atlanta’s Josh Childress and Orlando’s Carlos Arroyo - himself another former Nuggets player.
Boykins had a breakout season offensively in 2006-2007, averaging nearly 15 ppg in Denver and Milwaukee, when he was traded towards the end of that season. Earl opted out of his contract the next season, but a tight free agency market caused him to sit out the majority of the next season, until he finally signed with Charlotte in late January. He played in 36 games for the Bobcats, but averaged just over 5 ppg and shot just .355 from the floor.
I personally wish Earl luck in Italy - hope you have a healthy and successful season there!
Weems not ranked in ESPN Top 50 rookie class
July 30th, 2008 by aswitzer
Nuggets 2008 draft pick, Sonny Weems
David Thorpe of ESPN released a Top 50 NBA 2008-2009 rookie class ranking today and the Nuggets 2nd round 2008 draft pick, Sonny Weems was not listed. The 6-foot-6 Arkansas forward averaged 15 points a game for the Razorbacks before be drafted 39th by the Bulls and then being traded to the Nuggets. Weems scored 17 points in a summer league game but it apparently was not enough to appear on Thorpe’s radar.
I think the Nuggets are truly hoping for some athleticism and inspired defense out of Weems in order for him to see playing time in the upcoming season. Coach Karl is not know for giving rookies much playing time, so Weems will have to show something special in remaining summer league play and preseason games and practices in order to get off the Nuggets bench.
Nuggets trade for Renaldo Balkman
July 30th, 2008 by aswitzer
Balkman brings defensive intensity
The Nuggets trade little used guards Bobby Jones and Taurean Green, and a second round 2010 draft pick to the New York Knicks on Monday, for forward Renaldo Balkman. The Nuggets also got some cash, but gave up the peanuts they acquired in the Marcus Camby trade.
Other than that last sly remark, you could basically say that the Nuggets got Balkman with the roster space and pick the Nuggets acquired from the Camby deal. While this is still a horrible swap talent-wise, you can at least start to see the direction the Nuggets are heading in with an overall increased focus on man-to-man defense.
Nuggets fans may remember that Balkman played some inspired defense on Carmelo at times last year when the Knicks put him on the court to try and cover Carmelo during their two match-ups. The 6-foot-8 Balkman averaged 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 65 games last year, and shot nearly .500 from the field over the past two seasons since being drafted in the second round in 2006.
The Knicks promptly waived Jones and Green today to help free up some cap space. Balkman should see some minutes off the bench for the Nuggets based on his energy and defense-first mentality.
Birdman returns to the nest
July 23rd, 2008 by aswitzer
Chris Andersen will soar again in Denver
That’s correct - Chris Andersen, a Nuggets fan-favorite during the 2001-2004 seasons, is returning to the Nuggets via a one-year contract for the league minimum that he signed today.
Chris got his start in the NBA with the Nuggets, and used a combination of raw athleticism and hustle on the court to get playing time. He signed a free agent deal with New Orleans and averaged 7.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in 2004-2005. In January 2006, he was banned for substance abuse and spent over two years outside the NBA for his punishment. He was reinstated on March 4th, 2008, but only appeared in 5 games.
Andersen, now 30, will be counted on to provide some slender height to the Nuggets frontline. He’ll also be filling in for a role that Eduardo Najera had excelled at over the past few seasons - energy off the bench. While I’ve been a fan of Andersen, this is a really tough comparison for Nuggets fans. Subbing in Andersen for Najera is a major downgrade in nearly every area - basketball IQ, overall talent, shooting ability (anything other than a dunk) and even the little things like setting a decent pick or executing standard basketball plays like the pick-n-roll or give-n-go, all were in Najera’s favor, who now plays for the New Jersey Nets.
Still, I wish the Birdman nothing but luck and hope he plays well this season. If he brings the same work ethic I heard that he had back during his first stint with the Nuggets, he can be a positive factor on the court.