CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After Tuesday’s shootaround, Nuggets coach George Karl was asked about the progress of Sonny Weems, the rookie who has yet to play because of a groin injury. Karl looked to his left and spotted the rookie sitting on the bench.
“That’s what I know about Sonny Weems,” Karl said. “That’s what I see — he looks like an assistant coach.”
Karl did say he believes Weems is a jaw-dropping athlete, but he didn’t think Weems would be available anytime soon, at least on this three- game road trip. Also, with Denver’s upcoming schedule, “I don’t know if we even have a practice in the next few weeks where we’re going to go hard,” Karl said. “We have so many games and travel situations, I don’t know. . . . He’ll probably be starting practice in the D-league before with us.”
Karl feeling down.
Much to his chagrin, Karl said in regards to potential free agents: “Right now, we’re probably not going to pick up anybody.” Karl was optimistic this weekend that Denver would sign recently waived Juwan Howard, but Tuesday seemed pessimistic. After last week’s trade with Detroit, Denver was able to trim its payroll to within $1 million of the luxury tax of $71.15 million.
With injuries, the Nuggets had nine available players Tuesday, but, in the coach’s words, “eight and a half,” because newcomer Cheikh Samb has played only five NBA games. “History says you gain playoff position by winning one or two (close) games every year,” Karl said, implying that he could use some help.
Atkins improving.
Guard Chucky Atkins (knee) has yet to play this season, and though Karl didn’t think Atkins could play this week, Karl said there has been visible progress.
“He’s doing 5-on-0 stuff and working individually on 1-on-1 stuff,” the coach said. “Probably the next step is some up-and-down, 3-on-3 stuff.”
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
