Nuggets rookie guard Julius Hodge returned to Denver on Thursday after going through the NBA’s Rookie Transition Program. The first-round pick also will have a rookie transition on the court, competing for playing time with veteran shooting guards Voshon Lenard, DerMarr Johnson and probably Greg Buckner.
“I’m definitely going to be ready for a challenge,” Hodge said. “I’m a hard worker. That’s my M.O. That’s what I’m going to do.”
He must also contend with coach George Karl’s reputation of not playing rookies much. “When I talked to him he told me nothing comes easy for a rookie,” Hodge said. “I let him know I understand that.”
Hodge and fellow Nuggets rookie Linas Kleiza attended the event, which featured an assortment of educational and developmental programs, in Palisades, N.Y.
“We learned a lot of different things,” Hodge said. “How to manage your money, how to deal with people that think you’re an NBA millionaire when you haven’t received an NBA check yet. Pretty much, living the right way and turning down temptation.”
Footnotes
Buckner is expected to re-sign with the Nuggets early next week, a one-year deal worth about $1.7 million. … Nuggets free-agent forward Bryon Russell is expected to come to camp as a nonroster invitee.
Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-820-5449 or mspears@denverpost.com.
