Post by Denver on Nov 26, 2006 0:57:16 GMT -5
Nuggets Off-Season Recap
Denver, CO - (AP)
With another season watching the playoffs from the sidelines, the Nuggets organization were left to ponder their next move in improving their starting lineup. Joe Johnson elected to test the FA waters, and some wondered if he'd leave town and a significant hole in the Denver lineup. As the draft neared, Denver entered the draft lottery projected at #8. The Nuggets lucked out and came out with the 2nd overall pick.
And when draft day rolled along, many people wondered who the Nuggets would select with the #2 pick. People speculated Ben Gordon would be the logical choice, and round out their starting lineup. With Gilbert Arenas already on-board, the selection of Chris Paul was questioned by some, and wondered if there were enough minutes in the Denver back court. "We had no doubt when we selected Chris Paul." commented GM dasm0kesh0w2474. "To us, he was clearly one of the most talented players in the draft. Ben Gordon is a talented player by all means, but we feel Chris (Paul) can become a very special player, and is somebody who we can build a franchise around."
Chris Paul outworking Julius Hodge for a rebound.
Joe Johnson elected to test the FA market, he re-signed with Denver for a lucrative contract. Johnson came into training camp looking very solid, and elevated his defensive skills to the next level. Center Jake Tsakalidis also re-upped with Denver for a 5 year deal. "I'm happy that we were able to resign these two players, but re-signing Joe (Johnson) back was our priority this off-season. He has been a solid player ever since he first arrived, and we're glad to have him back" commented GM dasm0kesh0w2474.
The former Arkansas standout re-signed with Denver for 7 years.
While most of the focus lied on Chris Paul and Gilbert Arenas and who'd be starting for Denver, Chris Duhon had a very successful training camp himself and arrived in camp in top shape and turned some heads with his development. With Arenas and Paul already in the mix, Denver shipped Duhon off to Utah in exchange for 10th overall pick Eddie Griffin and 2nd round pick Nicolas Nucatola. "Eddie (Griffin) was somebody who we had our eye on during the draft. We weren't able to secure a draft pick to select him, but we're happy to have him join our team nonetheless." commented GM dasm0kesh0w2474.
Eddie Griffin on draft day.
With his name involved in trade negotiations for most of the off-season, Gilbert Arenas hasn't been dealt as of yet, and remains unsure of his status in Denver. "If I get traded, I don't really care where it is, as long as I get a chance of playing." commented Arenas.
Whether or not Arenas gets dealt or stays put remains to be seen, but his future with the Nuggets remains unsure at the moment. It should definitely be an interesting season for the Nuggets. There'll be plenty of expectations placed on Chris Paul and Joe Johnson, and the future of Gilbert Arenas with the team. Nuggets GM dams0kesh0w2474 is optimistic about the teams chances for the upcoming season, "I think we're starting to put together a solid foundation torwards building a playoff contender. We added Eddie Griffin and Chris Paul, and with Joe Johnson and Nene already on-board, we feel we have some very talented young guys on our team. There are still some areas we'd like to improve on, but I think overall we have a decent starting five. Who knows, if we make the right trades, the playoffs couldn't be out of the question this season. " commented GM dasm0kesh0w2474.
Denver, CO - (AP)
With another season watching the playoffs from the sidelines, the Nuggets organization were left to ponder their next move in improving their starting lineup. Joe Johnson elected to test the FA waters, and some wondered if he'd leave town and a significant hole in the Denver lineup. As the draft neared, Denver entered the draft lottery projected at #8. The Nuggets lucked out and came out with the 2nd overall pick.
And when draft day rolled along, many people wondered who the Nuggets would select with the #2 pick. People speculated Ben Gordon would be the logical choice, and round out their starting lineup. With Gilbert Arenas already on-board, the selection of Chris Paul was questioned by some, and wondered if there were enough minutes in the Denver back court. "We had no doubt when we selected Chris Paul." commented GM dasm0kesh0w2474. "To us, he was clearly one of the most talented players in the draft. Ben Gordon is a talented player by all means, but we feel Chris (Paul) can become a very special player, and is somebody who we can build a franchise around."
Chris Paul outworking Julius Hodge for a rebound.
Joe Johnson elected to test the FA market, he re-signed with Denver for a lucrative contract. Johnson came into training camp looking very solid, and elevated his defensive skills to the next level. Center Jake Tsakalidis also re-upped with Denver for a 5 year deal. "I'm happy that we were able to resign these two players, but re-signing Joe (Johnson) back was our priority this off-season. He has been a solid player ever since he first arrived, and we're glad to have him back" commented GM dasm0kesh0w2474.
The former Arkansas standout re-signed with Denver for 7 years.
While most of the focus lied on Chris Paul and Gilbert Arenas and who'd be starting for Denver, Chris Duhon had a very successful training camp himself and arrived in camp in top shape and turned some heads with his development. With Arenas and Paul already in the mix, Denver shipped Duhon off to Utah in exchange for 10th overall pick Eddie Griffin and 2nd round pick Nicolas Nucatola. "Eddie (Griffin) was somebody who we had our eye on during the draft. We weren't able to secure a draft pick to select him, but we're happy to have him join our team nonetheless." commented GM dasm0kesh0w2474.
Eddie Griffin on draft day.
With his name involved in trade negotiations for most of the off-season, Gilbert Arenas hasn't been dealt as of yet, and remains unsure of his status in Denver. "If I get traded, I don't really care where it is, as long as I get a chance of playing." commented Arenas.
Whether or not Arenas gets dealt or stays put remains to be seen, but his future with the Nuggets remains unsure at the moment. It should definitely be an interesting season for the Nuggets. There'll be plenty of expectations placed on Chris Paul and Joe Johnson, and the future of Gilbert Arenas with the team. Nuggets GM dams0kesh0w2474 is optimistic about the teams chances for the upcoming season, "I think we're starting to put together a solid foundation torwards building a playoff contender. We added Eddie Griffin and Chris Paul, and with Joe Johnson and Nene already on-board, we feel we have some very talented young guys on our team. There are still some areas we'd like to improve on, but I think overall we have a decent starting five. Who knows, if we make the right trades, the playoffs couldn't be out of the question this season. " commented GM dasm0kesh0w2474.