For clarification’s sake, Nuggets coach George Karl doesn’t want anyone going overboard with the idea that from time to time this season he’ll limit Allen Iverson’s minutes.
“Limiting his minutes sounds worse than it’s going to be,” Karl said. “I just want to monitor his minutes against the teams that we can be without him. The teams that we need him to play big minutes, he’ll play big minutes. I just want him to be more ready to play in the playoffs.”
Iverson led the Nuggets in minutes per game last season, averaging 42.4. Carmelo Anthony was second on the team with 38.2 per game. At 32 years old and in his 12th season in the league, keeping Iverson healthy is becoming more of a priority, and the all-star guard is not complaining about the strategy.
“I’m a basketball player, and once I get my second wind I feel a lot better,” Iverson said. “I honestly think it’s about what’s best for your team. … I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”
Iverson has played 31,202 minutes in 747 career games, an average of 41.8 minutes per game.
“I wouldn’t have a problem with my minutes getting cut down because that’s the kind of competitor I am,” Iverson said. “I don’t know if eventually I’d start wearing down, but honestly, to this point it hasn’t happened.”
Time for translation. As the Nuggets close in on their preseason opener Tuesday against the Clippers at the Pepsi Center, Karl is hoping the defensive lessons learned during training camp start to bear fruit in games.
“I hope we play some good defense,” Karl said. “I’d like to see the first couple of games be reinforced by having a good defensive performance.”
Footnotes. The Nuggets likely will be without forward Kenyon Martin (knee, groin) on Tuesday as he continues to work back into game form. … Also iffy for the game are forward Eduardo Najera (back), center Steven Hunter (knee) and guard Chucky Atkins (groin).
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
