Four more games! Then, finally, J.R. Smith will be back from his suspension and back in Denver’s rotation. For now, coach George Karl continues to weather the storm by starting Anthony Carter in the backcourt with Chauncey Billups because “it’s the most confident rotation.”
Carter started 72 games the previous two seasons with the Nuggets, whereas Joey Graham and Arron Afflalo are newcomers.
“We’re familiar with it — we’re just going to rotate the game from that situation,” said Karl, who said he wants to try to play both guys more, notably Graham, who has been battling a toe injury.
As for Smith, he will join Denver on its six-game road trip and is eligible to play his first game at Chicago.
Happy campers.
Afflalo and Renaldo Balkman were in great moods Sunday, the day after both were locked in — Afflalo with the team exercising his option for next season and Balkman signing a three-year deal.
“These guys here are committed to winning right now,” Afflalo said.
“We think both are good young players you should keep around,” Karl said. “We’ll keep coaching and keep hoping opportunities will open up where they can be better players and play more.”
They said it.
“The league doesn’t give us much respect for our mental toughness. We figure out how to win games when we’re not playing well. We keep believing, keep fighting. Whatever problems we have, we don’t get too flustered by it.” — Karl
