The Nuggets re-signed guard J.R. Smith to a three-year contract today.
The high-flying, 6-foot-5 Smith had been a restricted free agent. Negotiations on a contract extension had been on-going after the Nuggets extended him a qualifying offer in June that allowed them to retain their restricted rights.
Smith, who turns 23 on Sept. 9, had a breakthrough season in 2007-08, averaging 12.6 points while shooting 39.6 percent from 3-point range. The percentage ranks as the highest in team history with a minimum of 100 attempts.
“His blend of off-the-charts athleticism and long-range shooting ability is rare, especially for someone his age,” team vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said. “We believe his best basketball is still to come.”
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com