The Nuggets may not be done getting their 2004-05 band back together. With returnees Greg Buckner and DerMarr Johnson set to join newcomer Earl Watson in the fold, Wesley Person and Bryon Russell remain in the mix to come back.
“Those are things that we want to address quickly,” general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said Tuesday. “I’ve spoken with Wesley’s agent a number of times, and I spoke to Bryon (on Monday).”
Vandeweghe added that he expects to have contracts for Watson, Buckner and Johnson wrapped up by the end of this week or early next week. All three agreed in principle last week to stay with the team.
The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported Tuesday that Memphis tried to include Watson in a sign-and-trade deal before he agreed to take the midlevel exception with Denver.
Asked why he chose the Nuggets, Watson told the paper, “Coach (George) Karl is all about defense first. He just told me to come in and work hard.”
The Nuggets are also making a behind-the-scenes move, adding Mark Warkentien as director of player personnel. He is set to begin work this week.
“He’s got a lot of skill in spotting talent, and he’s got a lot of experience,” Vandeweghe said.
Warkentien spent last season as Cleveland’s director of player personnel and was the Cavaliers’ interim general manager before Danny Ferry arrived. He worked the previous 10 years at Portland in different capacities, including assistant general manager and director of player personnel. He spent 11 years working with Jerry Tarkanian at Nevada-Las Vegas as an assistant coach and associate athletic director.
To this point, the nucleus of Denver’s front office has been Vandeweghe and assistant general managers Jeff Weltman and David Fredman.
Buckner spearheading benefit
Greg Buckner will be joined by other Nuggets and Broncos collecting money, clothing and nonperishable items at Club Rise (1909 Blake St.) Thursday to help hurricane victims. KS107.5 will broadcast from the club during the collection and those attending will get the chance to meet local celebrities.
Adam Thompson can be reached at 303-820-5447 or athompson@denverpost.com.
