The Nuggets’ final roster moves should surprise few as the team prepares to start practice Tuesday. Greg Buckner is in and, at least for now, Wesley Person is out.
Steve Kauffman, Buckner’s agent, said Thursday he assumes his client will sign a new contract with Denver today. Buckner is expected to receive the Nuggets’ biannual exception, a one-year deal worth $1.67 million. Meanwhile, coach George Karl said he did not expect Person, a guard who aided the team in its late push last season, to return to Denver, at least not right now.
“I wouldn’t rule it out in the future, but I think for training camp we’re going to go with what we’ve got right now. Injuries, trades, you never know. I liked Wesley. I’m surprised he hasn’t caught on somewhere,” Karl said.
He added that Minnesota free agent Latrell Sprewell would probably not come to Denver unless an injury or trade occurred. The Los Angeles Daily News reported the Los Angeles Lakers likely will not sign Sprewell.
Karl also suggested Denver’s two rookies, Julius Hodge and Linas Kleiza, would likely spend time early this season in the NBA Development League.
“I wouldn’t mind the Denver Nuggets having the belief that every rookie plays in the D League for six weeks or a month,” Karl said. “Especially if you get drafted where they were, 20 and 27; my gut says that’s probably where they should go to learn the game. But we’re going to give them an opportunity. They both have had good summers.”
Footnote
The Nuggets will hold their intrasquad scrimmage at the Air Force Academy campus Oct. 11. Admission is free but limited to members of the military, the Department of Defense community and their families.
Adam Thompson can be reached at 303-820-5447 or athompson@denverpost.com.
