In Portuguese, the word is “surpresa.”
On Wednesday, it was indeed a surpresa — a surprise — when Denver’s Nene participated in a scrimmage, and afterward said he could could possibly return to game action tonight against Dallas.
Two days prior, the Brazilian was candid and cautious about his recovery from the January removal of a testicular tumor. Nene had been lifting and playing one-on-one, but was hesitant about playing five-on-five. But 48 hours later, after his performance Wednesday, Nene and the Nuggets coaches were confident he can get back on an NBA court.
Nene said five minutes would be a goal his first time out.
“But it will feel like 50 minutes,” he said. “I’ll be very thankful. I just hope I’ll be able to hold myself emotionally. I’m nervous.”
Denver coach George Karl, a cancer survivor himself, watched with admiration as Nene, who underwent a chemotherapy session in late February, banged in the low post like the old days.
“He looked great,” Karl said. “His presence was very obvious. He and (center) Marcus Camby have a communication between the two of them, and it showed today. I told him we just want to be a part of him celebrating his conquering of a very difficult situation.”
Steve Hess, Denver’s strength and conditioning coach, has been working with Nene. He suggested Nene try to play to see how far he’s come.
Said Nene: “I need to show it to myself, too.”
On Wednesday, Nene spoke with numerous people in his close circle, including his fiancee, his personal manager and even his pastor, all of whom gave him similar words of wisdom: “They told me — all that I’ve been through, you’re going to show people that you’re strong. And that’s going to change a lot of people’s lives.”
DENVER vs. DALLAS
6 p.m. tonight, TNT, KKFN 104.3 FM
Spotlight on Jason Kidd: The Mavericks are 10-8 since acquiring the future Hall of Famer from New Jersey, but none of those wins were against teams with winning records. His averages in the three major statistical categories dropped since joining Dallas. With New Jersey, he averaged 11.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 10.4 assists; with Dallas, he averages 8.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists.
NOTEBOOK
Nuggets: Virginia Beach, Va., police have arrested a man who attempted to extort money from Allen Iverson. Andre Steele is considered a longtime acquaintance of the Denver guard. Iverson did not want to publicly comment on the case. . . . Forward Carmelo Anthony had his contract extended with Nike’s Team Jordan. Anthony’s fifth shoe, the M5, is scheduled for release in November. . . . The NBA Store in New York City announced the 10 most popular jerseys sold in the past decade. Iverson was third, trailing Kobe Bryant (No. 2) and Michael Jordan (No. 1).
Mavericks: After tonight, Dallas has 10 games left. Six are against teams with winning records, including two against eighth-place Golden State. . . . Dirk Nowitzki, the reigning MVP, is out with an injury. He scored 32 points in each of Dallas’ other two games against Denver this season.
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
