Earl Boykins expects his next jump shot in a Nuggets uniform to be during the postseason.
The veteran guard has been out since March 15 because of broken bones in his left hand. On Wednesday, X-rays showed he is healing fine. He will have another exam in a week that should determine a more specific return date.
Nuggets coach George Karl expressed hope last week that Boykins could return before the regular season ends. But Boykins said Wednesday he doesn’t expect that scenario.
“I’m trying to get back by the playoffs,” said Boykins, who was averaging 12.6 points before the injury. “It’s still broke. I guess it’s healing. But I’m just shooting for the playoffs. The bone hasn’t moved. It hasn’t got any worse.”
Elson’s return up in the air
Nuggets center Francisco Elson is on an upswing, starting Wednesday against the Utah Jazz in place of Marcus Camby, who sat with a mild back strain. Elson finished with two points.
“He’s been in a tough situation,” Camby said. “If he starts, he plays. If he doesn’t start, sometimes he doesn’t play.”
When Elson does play, good things usually happen for Denver, which is 29-17 when he starts. With big men Kenyon Martin, Eduardo Najera and Camby signed to long-term deals, the Nuggets must weigh their options with their other free agents up front – Elson, Reggie Evans and Nene.
Elson will be a restricted free agent, meaning Denver can match any contract he’s offered. He called his chances of returning “positive,” but added: “It ain’t like I don’t want to be here. I want to be here, but I want to play, too. You’ve got to be professional about it and see where it goes.”
In an era in which most NBA 7-footers are almost guaranteed big deals, Camby guessed Elson may not be back. “He’s one of my closest friends. I personally would hate to see him go. But with the market, the way they’re handing out money to big men who don’t really deserve it, I wouldn’t be surprised if he does leave,” Camby said, adding Elson would deserve such a deal.
