SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nuggets guard Chucky Atkins said his preference is to remain with the Nuggets, but he would be open to a trade to Orlando if it was to materialize.
Magic general manager Otis Smith told Florida Today that Orlando has had discussions with Denver about Atkins as they probe teams around the NBA searching for an additional guard. The deal could involve forward Brian Cook as well as others.
Atkins, who has had an injury-plagued tenure with the Nuggets since signing in 2006, is an Orlando, Fla., native.
“Nothing’s been said to me, I don’t know nothing about it,” Atkins said. “But if there’s a trade that’s on the horizon that will send me to Orlando in a situation where I could help a team and get some minutes, I would welcome it. I’m not sitting here saying I want to be traded, but if that happens, in that particular situation, it would be hard for me to say no.”
Atkins signed with the Nuggets with the intention of being the starting point guard. But injuries cost him 50 games last season and Anthony Carter played well enough in his place to assume the starting point guard slot. Carter was again a starter this season until the Nuggets traded for Chauncey Billups.
Though Atkins has averaged just nine minutes per game this season going into Saturday night, he says he understands the situation.
“I’ve been in this league for 10 years,” Atkins said. “Unfortunately for me, and unfortunately for (Nuggets coach George Karl), I’ve been hurt. So I understand from his perspective how he looks at things, and you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. I can’t sit here and say I should be playing because Anthony Carter stepped in when I was hurt, and he did a (good) job. And George is a loyal guy, so I understand the situation.”
Martin gets rest.
Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin (wrist) did not play against the Kings and it is Karl’s hope that Saturday combined with a few days off will do the big man some good. “We’re hoping that this game and the combination of three days off that his wrist will be fine and he’ll be able to go on Wednesday (against Minnesota),” Karl said.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
