Los Angeles – After hearing the Earl Watson question that has become standard with each day this season, Nuggets coach George Karl wanted to set something straight. Just because Watson sat out Denver’s first two games does not mean Karl doesn’t like him as a player.
The two met Friday to discuss Watson’s situation, and both said the conversation went well.
“I think it was professional,” Watson said Sunday. “He’s a stand-up coach, a stand-up guy, honest. I respect it a lot. I respect our conversation. I respect him even more.”
Karl said in talks like that, the coach usually does most of the talking. But, the coach said, “He talked 80 percent of the time and said all the right things.”
Watson did not play against the Lakers on Sunday.
Asked what he said in the meeting, Watson replied, “It’s a challenging situation. I don’t like to use negative words, but I’m a professional. I think a lot of people are looking at the situation trying to see what type of athlete I am. Am I for real? Like I told him, this is where my true character will show. I have to be professional. I have to be positive.
“Who wants to hear about an athlete complaining about playing time, especially when there are more important things in life, in other people’s lives and in my life?”
Ninety minutes before tipoff Sunday against the Lakers, Watson was arm-in-arm with one of his basketball mentors, Nuggets consultant Jim Harrick.
Harrick recruited Watson to UCLA, but left before the guard played there. He had his own advice for Watson.
“I’ve told most players after their greatest skill is listening, their second-greatest skill is patience – patience to get an opportunity and patience that somebody will have faith in him,” Harrick said. “He’s made his mark. People know how good he is.”
Nene surgery scheduled
According to Nene’s manager, Joe Santos, the forward will undergo surgery Nov. 16 with team doctor Steve Traina.
Nene tore the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus and sprained his medial collateral ligament in his right knee on opening night.
“I hate surgery, but I need to do it,” Nene said. “Never had a surgery.”
If the NBA grants the Nuggets an injury exception, as expected, for Nene, it does not appear the team will sign a replacement right away.
The Nuggets have 15 players under contract, and though the team could cut injured swingman Bryon Russell, general manager Kiki Vandeweghe ruled that out: “There is no choice there.”
However, Denver could use the slot, worth just over $1.5 million – half Nene’s 2005-06 salary – in a trade. Vandeweghe said the team will keep that in mind, though no trade is imminent.
Staff writer Marc J. Spears contributed to this report.
