Las Vegas – Slot machines chimed, dice were thrown at the crap tables and many claimed to know Lady Luck on Monday at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Not far away, former Nuggets guard Earl Boykins chilled out while drinking a orange-and-pineapple juice at the hotel’s pool while contemplating whether he should gamble on free agency in July.
“I’ve proved what I’m capable of doing in the NBA,” said Boykins, who can opt out of the final year of his $3 million contract next season. “I’ve improved every year in terms of basketball. I gain more experience every year. From that perspective, I’m confident in my ability to play in this league. But I’m just going to take my time, weigh my options and make sure I make the right choice.”
Boykins was dealt from Denver to Milwaukee on Jan. 11, primarily for salary cap reasons. The 5-foot-5, 133-pounder was one of the NBA’s top-scoring reserves, averaging a career-high 14.6 points and 4.4 assists this season.
“He did a heck of a job under the circumstances,” Bucks general manager Larry Harris said. “Anytime someone of that size does what he does, the fans take to him. He plays hard every game. He’s tough, physical. He’s a true pro.”
If Boykins opts out, it’s uncertain whether the Bucks would try to re-sign him. Milwaukee’s first priority is re-signing free-agent point guard Mo Williams. The Bucks also have Charlie Bell, a restricted free-agent point guard, and could have interest in point-guard prospects Michael Conley Jr. of Ohio State, Texas A&M’s Acie Law and Georgia Tech’s Javaris Crittenton in next month’s draft.
“We’ll look at (Boykins) as a free agent, yes,” Harris said. “We have some options.”
Said Boykins, who enjoyed his short stint in Milwaukee: “I’ll definitely be speaking with them about what I’m going to do.”
Even if Boykins doesn’t return to Milwaukee, one NBA executive said Boykins would get interest because the backup point-guard crop is weak. Competition includes Nuggets free agent Steve Blake as well as Jason Hart, Jeff McInnis, Eddie House, Jacque Vaughn and Mike Wilks.
“He’s a good backup, hard to guard,” the NBA executive said. “But he’s a little scorer. He’ll get limited interest. I don’t think there will be tons of teams. But there will be interest. It’s hard to find a backup (point). He can shoot.
“But he’ll have to deal with the prejudice of size. Some GMs will say he’s too small no matter what. But he’ll get interest because he can shoot, and with the no-touch rules you know he can score.”
While it’s unlikely the Nuggets could afford to re-sign Boykins because of salary cap issues, what would he do if they called?
“If I decide to opt out, I’m definitely going to listen to everyone,” he said.
Boykins always seems calm on the court. And considering the odds are in his favor, the proven NBA scorer seems just as calm about his odds in free agency, too.
“I’m just going to take my time, sit down with my sports attorney (Mark Termini) and make a decision on what I’m going to do,” Boykins said.
Billups supports tailor
Detroit guard Chauncey Billups gave his support to his tailor, Cherry Creek North clothier Andre Holliday, who was recently cleared of accusations he was involved in a massive theft from Colorado taxpayers that could reach $10 million.
“I’m just happy that everything got cleared with Andre,” Billups said. “He’s a good dude and he’s close to my family.”
Olive branch for Karl
Earl Smith, the father of Nuggets guard J.R. Smith, has invited coach George Karl to play in the inaugural J.R. Smith Youth Foundation Golf Tournament at the Lakewood Country Club in Lakewood, N.J., on June 29. Karl benched J.R. Smith in the Nuggets’ Game 5 playoff loss at San Antonio. Nuggets Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby are also expected to attend.
“It would be good for (Karl) and J.R. to do something different to get to know each other better,” Earl Smith said.
Footnotes
Toronto assistant and former Nuggets star Alex English said Raptors coach Sam Mitchell is expected to retain his coaching staff whether he is in Toronto or elsewhere. English, who also has been an assistant in Philadelphia and Atlanta, remains hopeful he will get a chance to be a head coach someday soon. “It’s just a matter of getting an opportunity,” he said. “I didn’t pursue it as much with Atlanta and Philadelphia, but I’d like to get my opportunity now as well.” … Word is new Seattle president Lenny Wilkens, who turns 70 on Oct. 28, is looking for a young executive to hire as GM. Keep an eye on San Antonio assistant GM Sam Presti, 29, and Detroit director of player personnel Scott Perry, 43. … Smith is working out twice a day with former Nuggets assistant John Lucas Sr. in Houston. Smith’s brother, Chris, recently signed a letter of intent to play at Seton Hall. … Injured forward Kenyon Martin is rehabilitating in Dallas, and strength and conditioning coach Steve Hess plans on visiting him this week.
Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-954-1098 or mspears@denverpost.com.
