Allen Iverson
6-0, 165 guard from Georgetown, 13th season
Season outlook: The perennial all-star is playing in a contract year. He is an explosive scorer, has been for years, but his coach says he needs to increase his assists for Denver to improve. Since Iverson joined them in December 2006, the Nuggets are 23-4 when A.I. has 10-plus assists in a game. At age 32 last season, he led the NBA in minutes played (3,424). Yes, he has been banged up this preseason, but history shows he should bounce back and play each game, as he often says, “like it’s my last.”
Marquee part of his game: Iverson can take over a contest with his ability to slither through defenders and go on scoring binges.
Contract status: Signed through 2008-09.
Did you know? As a child, Iverson’s favorite athlete was Broncos quarterback John Elway.
Anthony Carter
6-2, 195 guard from Hawaii, 10th season
Season outlook: With Chucky Atkins’ injury, Carter is back as the starting point guard, spearheading a fast-paced attack — and making sure his all-star teammates are happy. Carter is 33, so naturally there is a question about his durability, but last season was his best in the NBA, as he averaged career highs in points (7.8), assists (5.5 — 18th in NBA) and minutes (28.0). At times this preseason he showed his ability to knock down the tough jumper but Carter is out there to pass, pass, pass, set up the offense and fuel Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.
Marquee part of his game: Carter is a sharp passer and a stingy defender, though sometimes his short stature causes defensive mismatches.
Contract status: Signed through 2008-09.
Did you know? A high school dropout, Carter was discovered playing street ball in Atlanta by a former junior college player. That player called his coach, who brought Carter to Saddleback (Calif.) Community College. He transferred to Hawaii.
Nene
6-11, 250 center from Brazil, seventh season
Season outlook: This is the year. Nene’s career has been filled with promise and marred with injuries, but this season, he is Denver’s starting center and a go-to guy in the low post. At times, he can be overwhelming. He has the ability to force his way to the basket and can utilize both hands on a low-post finish. He still is recovering from a draining 2007-08 when he beat testicular cancer and missed the majority of the season. But Nene has a sharper perspective on life and basketball heading into this season.
Marquee part of his game: Nene is a fierce rebounder, and his offensive game, ever-evolving, should expand this season as he logs more minutes.
Contract status: Signed through 2011-12.
Did you know? Nene enjoys Brazilian gospel music and has hosted gospel events with a pastor in his home country.
Carmelo Anthony
6-8, 230 forward from Syracuse, sixth season
Season outlook: Will this be the year Anthony ascends as a leader and carries Denver through a playoff run? The team hopes his maturity and experience with the Olympic team will enhance his game. He redeemed his showing in the 2004 Games this summer with hustle and teamwork while taking pride in his defense and rebounding. The Nuggets need Anthony to embrace defense, and his rebounding should increase with the loss of Marcus Camby. His scoring will always be there, but his dedication to an all-around game will be the key to success.
Marquee part of his game: Anthony is an explosive scorer who has the ability to pull up and make an in-your-face jumper — or battle you in the low post for a tough basket.
Contract status: Signed through 2011-12.
Did you know? After five seasons with the Nuggets, Anthony is fifth all time in team career scoring (9,264 points).
Kenyon Martin
6-9, 240 forward from Cincinnati, ninth season
Season outlook: Martin is healthy and hungry, planning to take on more of a leadership role. Martin said he came to camp with an improved attitude and has been working diligently in practices and scrimmages. Coach George Karl said, “Kenyon has an intensity that can create positive energy, but also can create negative energy.” His personality is so powerful that it sometimes affects the mood of the entire locker room. So a happy Martin makes for a happy team. With Marcus Camby gone, Martin’s rebounds also should increase (6.5 average last season).
Marquee part of his game: Martin is Denver’s top one-on-one defender. He will often guard opponents’ best player, even if it’s a silky guard such as Kobe Bryant.
Contract status: Signed through 2010-11.
Did you know? Martin played in 71 games last season, his most since joining the Nuggets in 2004-05.
