Looks like the Nuggets might make a move, after all.
Though Denver kept its rotation intact at the trading deadline, the Nuggets are in the running for Tyronn Lue, a veteran point guard who was waived by Sacramento. Denver coach George Karl said he spoke to Lue on Friday night, and Lue’s agent, Andy Miller, said the point guard is still in the process of making a decision about which team to join.
Lue averages 6.8 points and 1.8 assists in 17.1 minutes this season, all with Atlanta, his team until the trade deadline move to Sacramento. Lue did not play for the Kings, resting a calf injury, which is healed.
Karl said the Nuggets are “thin” at point guard, with starter Anthony Carter, reserve Chucky Atkins on the mend and Taurean Green, a rookie, still learning the playbook since his arrival last week.
“The things I see Tyronn can do for us would be passing and shooting,” Karl said. “When we pass the ball and have a flow and a rhythm to our offense and we play with a freedom, the point guard has more of an impact on that type of offense. His pick-and-roll game seems to be at a higher level than maybe we have now. I would probably speculate that. And the 3-ball. When we make the 3-ball, we’re dangerous.”
Atkins coming back. A spry Atkins bounced around the court after Saturday’s practice, pulling up for jumpers, sweating like the fourth quarter.
The reserve guard underwent sports hernia surgery on Jan. 11, and he said he hopes to return to practice when the team returns from Houston on Monday. As for playing in games? It could be as soon as next weekend, Atkins said, “if I have a good week of practice, and I get my legs strong enough.
“When you come to a new team, you want to show people what you’re worth. I’ve been watching guys play the whole year. I’m excited to finally be out there, and be myself.”
Hitting the boards. Arguably, the biggest play of Friday’s win was Carmelo Anthony’s offensive rebound with 44.9 seconds left — and the Nuggets up two. The small forward elbowed his way into position, grabbed the board and put up a tough layup to take a four-point lead. For good measure, Anthony snagged another offensive board with 10.9 seconds left, preserving the win.
Anthony has had some poor rebounding games this season, but of late, he’s been gluttonous. He averaged 10.3 in his past three games, notably with 14 on Friday, including eight offensive. For the season, he averages 7.5.
“I honestly think — when he puts his mind to it, he can do anything on the basketball court,” guard Allen Iverson said. “He can dominate in every aspect, if he wants to. It’s all on Melo. The rebounding thing, that’s all effort, and when Melo gets down low and starts banging with those guys, it’s hard for people to defend him.”
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
NOTEBOOK
Nuggets: In Denver’s win Friday at the Pepsi Center against the Clippers, three starters had six assists — Allen Iverson, Anthony Carter and Carmelo Anthony. In that same game, Denver’s bench combined for just 10 points. Denver is 1-1 against the Rockets this season, a team the Nuggets are battling for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Denver coach George Karl said of March: “My gut says — let’s go after a 10-win month, understanding that the games against Utah and Golden State are highly important.”
Rockets: Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo is expected to play quality minutes because of Yao Ming’s injury. Mutombo, one of the greatest Nuggets ever, was drafted by Denver in 1991 and played five seasons here. He is Denver’s all-time leader in blocks (1,486) and rebounding average (12.3). Karl said Houston guard Rafer Alston is “probably having his best year ever.” Alston, the point guard, averages 12.2 points and 5.7 assists.
6 p.m. tonight, TV: ESPN/Altitude; radio: KKFN 950 AM
Spotlight on Tracy McGrady: As Marcus Camby said, “You can’t replace 7-foot-6, but T-Mac is a guy who can really put a lot of points on the board.” With center Yao Ming out for the season, Houston’s hopes rest in the hands of McGrady, who has been playing inspired basketball of late. He missed 11 games with a left knee injury, but since his return, Houston is an incredible 17-1.
