There are a couple of hurdles to get through, but the Nuggets are expected to have 2014 second-round draft pick Nikola Jokic signed and ready to roll prior to the Nuggets’ summer league in Las Vegas in July.
The 20-year-old Jokic, a 6-11, 253-pound Serbian center, played last season for KK Mega Vizura in the Adriatic League. He led the team in points (15.4), rebounds (9.2) and steals per game (1.5). He also averaged 3.5 assists for the team.
His play has been a constant source of interest and excitement in the Nuggets front office and scouting department. A high basketball IQ and a game that stretches out to the 3-point line — he shot 34.6 percent from there during the season — has the organization eager to see him against NBA-caliber players.
With a deal on the horizon, the Nuggets will get that opportunity.
Wilson Chandler contract guaranteed.
Wilson Chandler’s contract for next season is now fully guaranteed; the time for the Nuggets to release him at a fraction of the cost has now expired.
The Nuggets’ Wilson Chandler will have his contract guaranteed. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)
Next season is the last of his current deal with the Nuggets. He’ll make $7.1 million and be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2016. Chandler had one of his best seasons as a pro in 2014-15, averaging 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
But most importantly, Chandler was durable. He played in 78 games, the second-most in a single season in his career, and the most since he played in all 82 back in the 2008-09 season.
“It felt good,” Chandler said. “That was my biggest thing individually to play a full season.”
Barton’s body holds up.
An increase in minutes with the Nuggets had no ill effect on Will Barton, he said. Barton nearly played more minutes in two months with the Nuggets (683) as he did from 2013 until the time Portland traded him to Denver combined (687).
“It wasn’t taxing on my body at all,” Barton said. “I take care of my body real good — ice tub everyday. With me, it wasn’t much of a change because I prepare. I always wanted to be prepared just in case my number got called. The difference was I was actually playing. But my preparation, my mental preparation, that never changed.”
Christopher Dempsey: @dempseypost or email him at cdempsey@denverpost.com
