Los Angeles – The Nuggets you saw this season could be a lot different from the Nuggets of next season.
Forward Carmelo Anthony expects change.
“I don’t know what’s really going to happen, but I (would) think so,” Anthony said. “I wouldn’t be surprised because it’s been happening the last two years, going to training camp with different guys.”
Said guard Andre Miller: “I wouldn’t be surprised. We have so many free agents on this team.”
The Nuggets have five free agents heading into the offseason: forward-centers Nene (restricted) and Francisco Elson (restricted), forward Reggie Evans and guards DerMarr Johnson and Howard Eisley. Guard Greg Buckner has a $1.8 million player’s option for next season and is likely to stay with the team. Forward Kenyon Martin, who was suspended for the final three games of the playoffs for conduct detrimental to the team, is expected to be on the trading block.
With the team having been bounced from the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year, it’s apparent the Nuggets have a long wish list in the offseason, through trades or free agency. But Denver has only a mid-level exception to offer non-roster free agents. That means only a sign-and-trade deal would land a major free agent.
A look at the team’s biggest needs:
3-point shooter: The Nuggets desperately need an outside threat. They were last in the NBA in 3-point shooting during the regular season and horrid in the playoffs. Likely sharpshooting free agents include Indiana’s Peja Stojakovic (player option), Utah’s Matt Harpring and the Clippers’ Sam Cassell.
“Most important, we need shooters,” Anthony said.
Strong post player: With Nene having missed all but one game with a knee injury this season, the Nuggets had no true post presence. Center Marcus Camby prefers to shoot from the outside. Talented inside players who will be free agents include Atlanta’s Al Harrington, Cleveland’s Drew Gooden and Portland’s Joel Przybilla.
“I like Nene,” Anthony said. “He’s strong, powerful. He can play in the post.”
Help at shooting guard: Denver hasn’t had an above-average shooting guard since James Posey was traded to Houston on Dec. 18, 2002. Posey, now with Miami, will be a free agent, as will shooting guards Harpring, Sacramento’s Bonzi Wells, Cleveland’s Ronald Murray and Indiana’s Fred Jones (restricted).
“We need offensive weapons,” Miller said.
Team leader: Possibly the toughest position to fill on any team. Cassell, who has helped several teams make the postseason, might be the best of the free agents in that regard. He said he would be interested in rejoining coach George Karl in Denver after playing for him in Milwaukee. Anthony, who is expected to sign a long contract extension this offseason, believes he will be ready to take on more of a leadership role next season.
“It’s time for me to be a little bit more vocal and tell them how I feel about playing and winning basketball games,” said Anthony, 21, who averaged a career-high 26.5 points this season. “At the end of the day, that’s most important, winning basketball games.”
It’s also uncertain who will be making the roster decisions. There is speculation general manager Kiki Vandeweghe will not be retained. His contract expires Aug. 1.
Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-820-5449 or mspears@denverpost.com.
Free-agent outlook
Denver Post Nuggets reporter Adam Thompson looks at the team’s free agents:
#Nene: Looking for contract of $10 million or more, which could be tough for team to match.
Reggie Evans: Good bet for Nuggets to use their mid-level exception.
#Francisco Elson: May have hurt his value with a quiet postseason.
DerMarr Johnson: Hard to think he’ll stay after inconsistent minutes this season.
Howard Eisley: Nuggets like his work but won’t make big effort to re-sign him.
*Greg Buckner: Intends on staying, but wants to opt out for a better contract.
(* – signed, but with player option that he could decline)
(# – restricted, Nuggets have chance to match any offer)
