Mark Warkentien is on the clock, in more ways than one.
The Nuggets announced Wednesday that Warkentien, Denver’s director of player personnel, would lead the team’s draft process and serve as point man for any trade negotiations as the team searches for a replacement for departed general manager Kiki Vandeweghe. Warkentien also is free to make trades.
Asked what his first priority would be, Warkentien pointed to next month’s draft. The Nuggets have only a second-round pick.
“Steal a player at 49,” he said.
Warkentien’s short-term performance could double as an audition for the GM job, though the veteran of 15 NBA seasons would not say if he wants to be considered a candidate. Instead, he discussed how he arrived in Denver last summer because of owner Stan Kroenke, whom he has known for years.
“If they want me to throw 300 innings as a starting pitcher? Great,” Warkentien said. “You want me to be the reliever? Great. You want me to be the closer? You want me to grab the glove and play third for defensive purposes in the ninth inning? Cool. You look at all of Stan’s success and everything that he’s done, that was a compelling reason for me to come here.”
No external candidates for the top front-office job have been contacted.
Paul Andrews, executive vice president of Kroenke Sports Enterprises that oversees the Nuggets, said the search for a GM could last beyond the June 28 draft. He added Kroenke feels comfortable with the group of Warkentien and assistant GMs Jeff Weltman and David Fredman consulting with the rest of the Nuggets’ coaches and scouts.
Warkentien would not address directly whether Denver will attempt to trade disgruntled forward Kenyon Martin.
“Stan’s made it crystal clear for myself and Jeff and Freddy that we’ll explore anything and everything that’s possible to make the team better,” he said.
Andrews added of any possible major move: “Believe me, individuals that would make those decisions are readily available and they could be made very quickly if it’s right for the basketball operation. There will not be any hindrance.”
Warkentien undertook a similar role in Cleveland last summer before the Cavaliers hired Danny Ferry to run their front office.
Kenyon speaks
Speaking to TNT on Wednesday in Game 2 of the Miami-New Jersey series, Martin for the first time discussed his suspension from the team during its first-round loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He was suspended after lashing out at coach George Karl and Denver players.
“The way I went about it was wrong, me voicing the way I wanted to play,” Martin said. “My emotions got the best of me, but I don’t think nobody will fault me for wanting to play in the playoffs.”
Asked if he would speak with Karl soon, Martin replied, “I have no idea. I haven’t spoken to him up to this point, so I don’t know. If it happens, it happens. If not, oh, well.”
Adam Thompson can be reached at 303-820-5447 or athompson@denverpost.com.
