“I do think you reach a line where you have too many young players, too many projects. I think there’s a good balance between developing players (and) established players (on the roster). My guess is that we’ll keep trying to employ that strategy. But you never know. If there’s a young player that we really like, we don’t want to limit our options.”
— Tim Connelly, Denver Nuggets GM
PHOTOS
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, CO - JUNE 16: Cyclists climb Trail Ridge Road during day five of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 16, 2016. Ride the Rockies day five took cyclists 49 miles from Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, CO - JUNE 16: Cyclists climb Trail Ridge Road during day five of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 16, 2016. Ride the Rockies day five took cyclists 49 miles from Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, CO - JUNE 16: Cyclists climb Trail Ridge Road during day five of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 16, 2016. Ride the Rockies day five took cyclists 49 miles from Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, CO - JUNE 16: Cyclists climb to the summit of Trail Ridge Road during day five of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 16, 2016. Ride the Rockies day five took cyclists 49 miles from Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, CO - JUNE 16: Cyclists climb Trail Ridge Road during day five of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 16, 2016. Ride the Rockies day five took cyclists 49 miles from Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, CO - JUNE 16: Cyclists climb Trail Ridge Road during day five of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 16, 2016. Ride the Rockies day five took cyclists 49 miles from Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, CO - JUNE 16: Cyclists wait for pancakes to be ready from Flipping' Flapjacks' Dan Kuper at an Aid Station during day five of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 16, 2016. Ride the Rockies day five took cyclists 49 miles from Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, CO - JUNE 16: A cyclist eats Flipping' Flapjacks at an Aid Station during day five of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 16, 2016. Ride the Rockies day five took cyclists 49 miles from Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
LAKE DILLON, CO - JUNE 15: Cyclists ride past Lake Dillon during day four of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 15, 2016. Ride the Rockies day four cyclists traveled 85 miles from Copper Mountain over Ute Pass to Grand Lake. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
UTE PASS, CO - JUNE 15: Cyclists climb Ute Pass during day four of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 15, 2016. Ride the Rockies day four cyclists traveled 85 miles from Copper Mountain over Ute Pass to Grand Lake. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
UTE PASS, CO - JUNE 15: Cyclists climb Ute Pass during day four of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 15, 2016. Ride the Rockies day four cyclists traveled 85 miles from Copper Mountain over Ute Pass to Grand Lake. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
LAKE DILLON, CO - JUNE 15: Cyclists ride past Lake Dillon during day four of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 15, 2016. Ride the Rockies day four cyclists traveled 85 miles from Copper Mountain over Ute Pass to Grand Lake. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
GRAND LAKE, CO - JUNE 15: Jeremy Jancovic washes a bike after day four of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 15, 2016. Ride the Rockies day four cyclists traveled 85 miles from Copper Mountain over Ute Pass to Grand Lake. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
UTE PASS, CO - JUNE 15: Cyclists descend down Ute Pass during day four of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 15, 2016. Ride the Rockies day four cyclists traveled 85 miles from Copper Mountain over Ute Pass to Grand Lake. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
UTE PASS, CO - JUNE 15: Cyclists climb Ute Pass during day four of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 15, 2016. Ride the Rockies day four cyclists traveled 85 miles from Copper Mountain over Ute Pass to Grand Lake. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS, CO - JUNE 15: Cyclists descend down a hill during day four of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 15, 2016. Ride the Rockies day four cyclists traveled 85 miles from Copper Mountain over Ute Pass to Grand Lake. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TENNESSEE PASS, CO - JUNE 14: Cyclists climb Tennessee Pass during day three of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 14, 2016. Ride the Rockies cyclists rode the Copper Triangle 79 miles through Leadville and the Vail Pass. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
VAIL, CO - JUNE 14: Cyclists descend down Vail Pass into Copper Mountain during day three of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 14, 2016. Ride the Rockies cyclists rode the Copper Triangle 79 miles through Leadville and the Vail Pass. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
FREMONT PASS, CO - JUNE 14: A cyclist descends Fremont Pass during day three of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 14, 2016. Ride the Rockies cyclists rode the Copper Triangle 79 miles through Leadville and the Vail Pass. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
TENNESSEE PASS, CO - JUNE 14: Cyclists descend Tennessee Pass during day three of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 14, 2016. Ride the Rockies cyclists rode the Copper Triangle 79 miles through Leadville and the Vail Pass. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
FREMONT PASS, CO - JUNE 14: Cyclists take a rest at an Aid Station at the summit of Fremont Pass during day three of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 14, 2016. Ride the Rockies cyclists rode the Copper Triangle 79 miles through Leadville and the Vail Pass. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
FREMONT PASS, CO - JUNE 14: Don Siekmeier of Denver cuts bananas for riders at an Aid Station during day three of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 14, 2016. Ride the Rockies cyclists rode the Copper Triangle 79 miles through Leadville and the Vail Pass. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
COPPER MOUNTAIN, CO - JUNE 14: Clothes hang to dry at camp after day three of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 14, 2016. Ride the Rockies cyclists rode the Copper Triangle 79 miles through Leadville and the Vail Pass. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
INDEPENDENCE PASS , CO - JUNE 13: Cyclists climb Independence Pass during day two of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 13, 2016. Ride the Rockies day 2 led the cyclists 85 miles from Aspen over Independence Pass, through Leadville to Copper Mountain. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
INDEPENDENCE PASS , CO - JUNE 13: Cyclists take a photo at the summit of Independence Pass during day two of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 13, 2016. Ride the Rockies day 2 led the cyclists 85 miles from Aspen over Independence Pass, through Leadville to Copper Mountain. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
INDEPENDENCE PASS , CO - JUNE 13: A cyclist climbs Independence Pass during day two of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 13, 2016. Ride the Rockies day 2 led the cyclists 85 miles from Aspen over Independence Pass, through Leadville to Copper Mountain. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
LEADVILLE, CO - JUNE 13: A cyclist heads towards Copper Mountain during day two of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 13, 2016. Ride the Rockies day 2 led the cyclists 85 miles from Aspen over Independence Pass, through Leadville to Copper Mountain. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
INDEPENDENCE PASS, CO - JUNE 13: Jay Roth takes a bite of a bratwurst at an Aid Station at the summit of Independence Pass during day two of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 13, 2016. Ride the Rockies day 2 led the cyclists 85 miles from Aspen over Independence Pass, through Leadville to Copper Mountain. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
INDEPENDENCE PASS, CO - JUNE 13: A cyclist begins his descent down Independence Pass during day two of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 13, 2016. Ride the Rockies day 2 led the cyclists 85 miles from Aspen over Independence Pass, through Leadville to Copper Mountain. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
LEADVILLE, CO - JUNE 13: Cyclists ride past an American flag during day two of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 13, 2016. Ride the Rockies day 2 led the cyclists 85 miles from Aspen over Independence Pass, through Leadville to Copper Mountain. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Cyclists ride during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: A cyclist rides during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Cyclists ride during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
A cyclist rides down a hill during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies tour on June 12, 2016.
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: John Jay of Silverton, CO takes a break at an aid station during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: A cyclist rides down a hill during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Cyclists ride through a open field during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: A cyclist races up a hill during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Cyclists ride during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: A cyclist fights up a hill during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Cyclists ride single file through the mountains during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Retired professional Lance Armstrong climbs a hill during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Dave Thompson looks out for his wife Megan during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Cyclists ride during the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. Ride the Rockies kicked off day one with a 50-mile ride from Carbondale to Aspen. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: A cyclist takes off at the start of the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Mark Seaton pumps up his tires before taking off for the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 12: Mike Russo of Westchester, PA puts on his shoes before the first day of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 12, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 11: Jason Timmons and his son, Logan, work on their tandem bike at Roaring Fork High School as they prepare for the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 11, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 11: Cyclist arrive at Roaring Fork High School for the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 11, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 11: Bikes sit outside cyclists tents at Roaring Fork High School as they prepare for the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 11, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 11: Mike Hannas of Boulder adjusts his handlebars at his tent at Roaring Fork High School as he prepares for the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 11, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 11: Tents fill a field outside Roaring Fork High School as cyclists prepare for the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 11, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
CARBONDALE, CO - JUNE 11: Chris Nall of Colorado Springs sets his bike down outside Roaring Fork High School as he prepares for the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 11, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)
Michael Reaves, The Denver Post
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TRAIL RIDGE ROAD, CO - JUNE 16: Cyclists climb Trail Ridge Road during day five of the 31st annual Ride the Rockies on June 16, 2016. Ride the Rockies day five took cyclists 49 miles from Grand Lake through Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)