Playing tag. Kiz, you have it all wrong. Star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas does not want a long-term contract with the Broncos. He will play this year with the franchise tag. But Thomas would rather spend future seasons catching passes from Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck or Russell Wilson of Seattle, rather than training Brock Osweiler to be an NFL starter.
Bob, sees the future
Kiz: Thomas wants out? Now there’s a bold prediction. Do you have ESP? Or just ESPN? If we’re straining to see what’s inside the heart of Thomas, here’s my best guess: All pro athletes want you to show them the money. I think Thomas is the rare, sensitive guy who also needs the team to show him the love. Money spends the same for everybody. But money doesn’t mean the same thing to everybody. Whether you think it’s cool or corny, Thomas really does want the Broncos to be his football family, and a long-term contract would be valued most as a sign that team executive John Elway really does love him.
Seeing stars. I think the Los Angeles Lakers could be a willing trade partner with the Nuggets on draft night. Why not send them point guard Ty Lawson and the No. 7 pick for L.A. center Jordan Hill and the No. 2 pick in the draft? That way, the Nuggets can select Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor in the draft, because you need a star to win in the NBA.
Chris, wheeler-dealer
Kiz: I admire your imagination and your chutzpah. Now pardon me why my head explodes. Let me put it this way: My wife has a better chance of trading me and my old Volkswagen for George Clooney and a Lambor- ghini.
From fired to hired. Any chance the Nuggets try to get Tom Thibodeau, recently fired from the Chicago Bulls, as their new coach?
James, Rexburg, Idaho
Kiz: The Magic 8-Ball says: “Don’t count on it.” Thibodeau is a great coach. And the Bulls did him wrong. Thibodeau, however, is not easy to live with. The smartest guy in the room never is. And, for better or worse, that’s one reason George Karl was asked to leave the Nuggets’ locker room.
Wear braces. And today’s parting shot borrows a phrase from our old pal, former Broncos coach John Fox.
Losing offensive tackle Ryan Clady to a knee injury is a tough deal for the Broncos. This pushes the phrase “next man up” to the limit. I’m not sure if the Broncos have their offensive linemen wear knee braces while practicing, but, if not, maybe they should require it.
Harry, better safe than sorry
Mark Kiszla: mkiszla@denverpost.com or
