The Nuggets like the team they have but are in the market for front-court depth. That is one of the final pieces those in the organization believe is necessary to complete a team that, surprisingly, has become an up-and-comer in the Western Conference.
“I think the big man just protects you,” Nuggets coach George Karl said. “It’s an insurance policy against the teams that play big, and against foul trouble and injuries. If you’re going to guarantee me that we’re not going to have any of that, then I think we’re OK. But I think there’s a need for one more body.”
The question: What is the market? The short answer: It’s early.
The Nuggets need a veteran rebounder and shot blocker who is competent on offense. That player may have to fill in, should, say, Kenyon Martin miss extended time because of his ailing wrist, or if Nene becomes injured. But the Nuggets also are undersized on many nights. The new player should help make the Nuggets versatile in terms of the size, thereby reducing or eliminating defensive mismatches because of Denver’s lack of height.
Although a deal can come from nearly anywhere, a couple of frustrated big men appear to be just the type the Nuggets seek.
In New Jersey, Sean Williams, a 6-foot-10, 235-pound shot blocker, sits way down the depth chart on a front-court-heavy Nets team. He recently told the Newark Star-Ledger he won’t complain but knows his time with the Nets may be short.
Williams’ agent, Charlie Grantham, told the paper a formal trade request is an option. Williams has one year remaining on a contract that is paying him $1.5 million this year. After that comes a team option.
In Philadelphia, Samuel Dalembert wasn’t getting much time until the team fired coach Maurice Cheeks. Dalembert has seen more court time, and he would come with a big price tag.
Orlando’s Brian Cook is miffed at his lack of a role with the Magic, but he is only 6-8, which doesn’t help the Nuggets. He also has clashed with coaches in stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Magic and is a jump-shooting big man who has a career rebound average of 2.9.
An intriguing, economical option could be former Nugget and fan favorite Dikembe Mutombo, who is out of basketball but wants back in. Mutombo, 42, played for the Houston Rockets last season.
The D-League could provide options, but the Nuggets just sent down 7-footer Cheikh Samb. And the Nuggets aren’t the only team in search of more size. The Toronto Raptors also are in the market for a big man.
Staff writer Benjamin Hochman contributed to this report.
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
Denver at Dallas
6:30 p.m. tonight, ALT, KRCN 1060 AM/KTNI 101.5 FM
Spotlight on Jason Terry: The Mavericks are emerging from an early-season slump and have Jason Terry to thank, in large part. The veteran, in his 10th season, has posted a career-high 20.8 points per game to go along with 3.9 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. And all of that as a sixth man.
Nuggets notes: Kenyon Martin played in the Nuggets’ most recent game against Golden State after missing the previous two with a wrist injury. Nuggets coach George Karl says Martin’s situation is pretty much game by game, but given the importance of the next six games, expect Martin to play. . . . The Nuggets did not practice Sunday, as they took the day off and flew into Dallas in the afternoon. . . . Former coach Doug Moe will travel to see the team on this quick, two-game road trip. He’ll be in the stands in Dallas tonight and in Houston on Tuesday.
Mavericks notes: The Mavericks have been hot even without one of their main stars, forward Josh Howard (ankle). He has missed the last 11 games and is not expected to be back for tonight’s game against the Nuggets. In that time, Dallas has gone 9-2.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
