“Bigs” is slang in the NBA for power forwards and centers. And this season, the team with the most impressive group of bigs could be the Nuggets.
“I think every team can be jealous about this lineup,” Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko said. “They can score and they can play ‘D,’ I would say even with the best in all the league. Especially since Carmelo (Anthony) can play big as well.”
The Nuggets’ biggest of the bigs are 6-foot-11 center Marcus Camby and forwards Kenyon Martin (6-9, 240 pounds) and Nene (6-11, 260). That trio is backed up by Reggie Evans (6-8, 245), Eduardo Najera (6-8, 235), Joe Smith (6-10, 225) and Jamal Sampson (6-11, 235). Not many teams can go seven deep on the front line. And that’s not even counting the 6-8 Anthony, who can bounce over to an inside spot when needed.
“They’ve got so many quality bigs,” Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups said.
Much of the Nuggets’ optimism heading into their season opener Thursday night in Los Angeles against the Clippers centers on the biggie-sized roster, which Martin believes can match any team in the NBA with its combination of size, skill and experience.
“We haven’t played any games,” Martin said. “But right now that’s the way it looks, if we can get Nene back to playing the way he is capable of playing. I feel good.”
Much of the bigs’ success depends on health. Camby, Martin and Nene have missed substantial playing time in past years with the Nuggets because of injuries. Martin (finger), Nene (knee) and Camby (heel) are ailing now, too, but are expected to play in the opener.
“There is always going to be a period of time with our big guys with knee injuries with soreness and tenderness,” Nuggets coach George Karl said. “The nature of our bigs right now is there are going to be times where they are not practicing all the time. Hopefully, we can get them in game rhythm and an opportunity where they don’t miss many games.”
Nene, who missed all but one game last season because of a torn ACL in his right knee, still is experiencing soreness. Martin missed 25 games last season because of knee problems and Camby missed 23 because of various injuries.
Camby is the unquestioned leader of the Nuggets’ bigs. He led the league in blocked shots last season and averaged 12.8 points and 11.9 rebounds, all-star type of numbers had he not missed so many games. Martin is a 2004 all-star forward who appears more healthy than last season and vows to get back to the running and dunking style he showed with the New Jersey Nets. Nene is the most physically imposing of the group and ready to make up for his lost season.
Evans is a gritty rebounder. Najera and Smith bring versatility, experience and the ability to knock down midrange jumpers. The unknown is Sampson, because of his inexperience.
“I honestly think we have the best front-court players in the game,” Camby said. “Even the guys that don’t end up starting at the four and five, those guys could probably start on any other team in the NBA.”
Camby played with former New York Knicks star Patrick Ewing, along with Larry Johnson, Kurt Thomas, Chris Dudley and Herb Williams, when the Knicks advanced to the 1999 NBA Finals. As talented as those bigs were, Camby believes the younger Nuggets can be better.
Playing time could be an issue. Martin is expected to start at power forward Thursday, with Camby at center. That means Nene comes off the bench.
“It doesn’t bother me,” Nene said about not starting. “I’m supposed to help the team and play good. That’s my mentality.”
Smith, too, sounds content to contribute when asked.
“You just have to be ready when the opportunity comes,” said the No. 1 pick of the 1995 draft. “You never know when it will come. The main thing is we have to keep coming to practice every day proving that you deserve to be out there and you want to be out there.”
Yes, the Nuggets have reason to be big on their bigs.
But before they get too big-headed, Nene wants to see success on the court.
“We can’t say we’re the best yet,” he said. “We can see in the games.”
Biggest of the bigs
Pound for pound, who has the best group of big men in the NBA? Denver Post NBA writer Marc J. Spears ranks the top groups.
1. Denver: Marcus Camby, Kenyon Martin, Nene, Reggie Evans, Eduardo Najera, Joe Smith, Jamal Sampson.
Comment: Nearly every “big” for the Nuggets could challenge for a starting spot on another team.
2. Phoenix: Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw, Kurt Thomas, Pat Burke, Sean Marks.
Comment: If Stoudemire is healthy, the Suns go to the top of this list.
3. Miami: Shaquille O’Neal, Udonis Haslem, Alonzo Mourning, Michael Doleac, Earl Barron.
Comment: Ouch. Does it get more physical than O’Neal, Haslem and Mourning? No, but depth is lacking.
4. Los Angeles Clippers: Elton Brand, Chris Kaman, Tim Thomas, Zeljko Rebraca, Paul Davis, Aaron Williams.
Comment: Brand is an all-star, Kaman has all-star potential and Thomas can shoot the 3.
5. Indiana: Jermaine O’Neal, Al Harrington, Jeff Foster, David Harrison, Josh Powell.
Comment: O’Neal and Harrington are a terrific 1-2 punch in the post.
Staff writer Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-954-1098 or mspears@denverpost.com.
