The Nuggets expect to sign guard Jason Hart early next week, an NBA source said. He was waived Friday by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Denver coach George Karl has said he wanted another point guard for insurance and Hart, 30, is a seven-year NBA veteran who has averaged 2.3 points per game this season. Hart has been linked to the Nuggets before. The Nuggets had interest in the guard during the free-agent signing period two summers ago.
Behind starter Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets have Anthony Carter at point guard. Carter has been serviceable and plays tough defense, but his turnovers and recent injuries have been cause for concern.
The Nuggets have been searching for either a point guard or a big man. Former Celtic guard Sam Cassell’s name had been a reported possibility.
Filling a void.
Nene was not in the starting lineup, but was back on the court after missing two games with a bruised right knee. Karl talked about the significance of having the Brazilian big man back.
“I think we all know the hole that Nene leaves, it’s substantial,” Karl said. “You never know what player, if you take him away, hurts you the most. You probably could guess. It seems like Nene’s hole, we don’t have that guy. We have to do it with different people and choices. And sometimes, when you have to make choices as a coach, you make mistakes.”
One peg down.
It took nanoseconds for Nuggets assistant coach Adrian Dantley’s friends to start jabbing him about being bumped one slot lower on the NBA all-time scoring chart. On Tuesday, L.A. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant passed the NBA legend to move into 19th place.
“All I can say is he’s lucky I had a broken leg one year, and a broken wrist,” Dantley said, laughing.
When Dantley’s career ended, he was ninth on the all-time scoring list. Asked if being passed on the list has ever bothered him, he replied, “No.”
Chris Dempsey and Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
