Linas Kleiza brings speed and energy to the lineup, Nuggets coach George Karl said today after naming the 6-foot-8 forward as a starter for tonight’s game against visiting Miami. Following this morning’s team shootaround at the Pepsi Center, Karl announced that Kleiza would replace injured forward Carmelo Anthony.
“Our spacing and 3-ball are a lot more effective with him on the court,” Karl said. “He’s our best runner, so our court speed and tempo of the game usually is advantageous (with Kleiza in the lineup).”
Kleiza, a former Missouri star, has started four games this season and is averaging 21.9 minutes a game, contributing 9.7 points and 3.7 rebounds.
“He is a better defender than people think he is,” Karl said. “People think he has slow feet, which sometimes he does. But conceptually and focus-wise, he is ahead of the curve. He does a better job than people think.”
Karl said the starter would be determined each night depending on the opponent. Anthony, averaging 21.1 points and 7.3 rebounds, is out 3-4 weeks with a fracture in his right hand.
“I don’t think the game plan changes (without Anthony),” Karl said. “But as a coach, you have to be ready to move quick in the game. … It’s how you are going to adjust, how you’re going to move, how you’re going to fill in the hole.
“The hole isn’t going to be filled in by any one guy. It’s going to be filled in by three or four guys. Hopefully, if we get guys playing well, it will get done.”
Said Kenyon Martin: “Guys need to step up. Injuries are part of the game.”
