Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony will play in the NBA All-Star Game, though it’s understandable that the Nuggets have discussed resting them because of their ankle injuries. But both played Tuesday against the Mavericks and should be able to play Thursday against the Spurs, Denver’s last game before the all-star break.
“I don’t deny (that rest) has been talked about, but I think that conversation for me will be Sunday morning,” said Denver coach George Karl, who will coach the Western Conference all-stars in Sunday’s game in Arlington, Texas. “I’ll ask, ‘How much do you want to play, guys?’ I think it’s an advantage (being the coach). Chauncey’s made it very clear to me that he wants to play, but we’ll see his ankle in his next two games.”
Trade winds.
The Nuggets will be working the phones leading up to the Feb. 18 trade deadline.
Karl said the likelihood of Denver making a trade could be fifty-fifty.
The Nuggets are over the league’s luxury tax line and aren’t looking to spend too much money on an insurance policy on the bench.
According to , the Los Angeles Clippers’ Marcus Camby could return to the Nuggets in a deal. But according to an NBA source, don’t expect Denver to make a trade for the pricey Camby.
According to Chicago newspapers, another big man being shopped is athletic big man Tyrus Thomas of the Bulls. But Thomas clashing with coach Vinny Del Negro over playing time shows he has a volatile personality that might not fit with the Nuggets, according to the source.
