Kenyon Martin said he feels the same every day as he tries to bring his surgically repaired left knee up to speed. The forward has not missed a practice, but he made his most extensive appearance in a scrimmage Sunday, playing in one of three quarters.
“For the quarter he played, I thought he was very effective,” Nuggets coach George Karl said. “He seemed to be quicker and more athletic than he was last year, which I hope means he feels more confident in his knee.”
Asked if he is being cautious about when to show explosiveness, Martin replied, “I’m playing basketball. I’m not picking my spots this year.”
Karl was generally happy with the scrimmage, though there was a minor incident at one point when an apparently frustrated Carmelo Anthony refused to take the bench before Karl forced him to. The forward did not talk to the media after practice, but Karl did not sound worried.
“It’s training camp,” he said. “Everybody’s kind of tired of playing one another. We’re tired of playing each other. We want to play against another defense, want to play against another rhythm. I thought in general the intensity was incredible. ”
Nene (right hamstring) and Earl Boykins (left groin) continue to nurse minor injuries. Boykins said he expects to play today.
Footnote
Nuggets single-game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are available at the Pepsi Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations, at ticketmaster .com and by calling 800-4NBA-TIX. There will be a lottery for line position at the arena box office Saturday. Fans must arrive by 8 a.m. to be included in the lottery.
Adam Thompson can be reached at 303-820-5447 or athompson@denverpost.com.
