Re: Maize's New Nuggets | Building A Champion, At A Mile High
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Re: Maize's New Nuggets | Building A Champion, At A Mile High
Nuggets Decline Option On Chandler
Wilson Chandler was a hot name at the NBA trade deadline. When it became clear the Nuggets were sellers at the deadline, teams did inquire on the versatile wing player. Set to make $7,171,662 next season, the team has decided to move on - declining the option, making Chandler an unrestricted free agent. Chandler finished the season as the team's third leading scorer (11.5 PPG) behind Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried. Statistically, it was one of this best and most efficient seasons.
Head Coach Mike D'Antoni has only been in town for a less than a month, but the roster is already starting to get overhauled. Darrell Arthur and Will Barton join Chandler as unrestricted free agents, leaving Denver. Randy Foye, the veteran combo guard will stay on for one more seaon. The 31 year old Foye will make $3,130,000 million in 2015-16.
Beyond those moves, the team is again 'active' in many NBA rumors. Leading up to the NBA Draft, the Nuggets have been interested in shopping their sixth overall pick. Even more surprising, the trade rumors swirling around power forward Kenneth Faried.
Faried, who will be 26 when the next NBA season starts, just finished his fourth year in the league. Drafted out of Morehead State with the 22nd pick in the 2011 draft, "the manimal" has become a fan favorite. Averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds per game for his career, Faried has a new contract that kicks in for next season.
Faried recently restructured his contract extension with the Nuggets. A four year deal worth $50 million dollars, many believe that number is part of the team's motivation to move Faried. More than that, he has been outspoken and critical of the organization. His style of play never fit previous coach Brian Shaw. But, he seems a great fit for the up-tempo style of Mike D'Antoni.
Coach D'Antoni has not commented on Faried, other than to say he looks forward to working with the young forward. Beyond Faried, it looks like no one on the roster is safe. This major overhaul could continue as the team starts to take on the identity of its' new coach.Comment
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Re: Maize's New Nuggets | Building A Champion, At A Mile High
Being a Memphis Tiger fan I hate seeing you let Barton go. Think he could be a good scoring punch off the bench.Comment
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Re: Maize's New Nuggets | Building A Champion, At A Mile High
Nuggets Announce Billups As Ast. GM, Also Add Analytics Dept.
Days before the NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets called a special press conference. General Manager Tim Connelly was expected to field questions about the draft and off-season. Instead, in a bit of a surprising move, the team introduced Chauncey Billups as Assistant General Manager.
Billups, 38, spent 20 seasons as a player in the NBA. Five of those were in Denver on two separate stops (1998-2000, 2008-2011). Billups looked like a journeyman, before being traded to the Pistons. That's where his career took off. The starting point guard for a team that made six straight Eastern Conference Finals; he made five straight All Star games, and named to the NBA Second Team (2006), and Third Teams (2007, 2009). But most importantly, an NBA Champion and Finals MVP in 2004.
Even more than that, Billups was credited for having a great basketball mind and being a champion teammate. He won the prized J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, the league's Sportsmanship Award, and NBA Teammate of the Year throughout his career. Since retiring in 2014, he has made appearances as an analyst on ESPN and NBA TV.
When the Denver Nuggets fired Brian Shaw, Billups was a leading candidate. Interviewing for the job in early May, GM Tim Connelly said the organization wanted to find Billups a spot. They did just that, making Billups an Assistant General Manager.
The team's other Assistant GM, Arturas Karnisovas, will continue to focus primarily on scouting and day-to-day operations. Billups will assist primarily in player personnel evaluation.
This comes days after the organization sent out a press release about some new additions and changes to the front office. The team hired Keith Goldner as the Director of Advanced Scouting and Analytics. Goldner has worked before in the NBA, working with the Thunder and 76ers in statistical evaluation and 'information logistics.' Recently, he was the Chief Analyst of numberfire, a sports analytics company.
Tommy Balcetis, the organization's Manager of Basketball Analytics, will now work directly with Goldner. Balcetis will be in charge of using XY SportsVu data, and integrating that system into game-to-game analysis.
The Nuggets have been aggressive in bulking up the front office. Adding Billups, a "natural leader" will help as the team continues to build the roster. More than that, the organization has shown they are embracing technology and forward-thinking.Last edited by Maize08; 03-14-2015, 04:02 PM.Comment
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Re: Maize's New Nuggets | Building A Champion, At A Mile High
Nuggets Send Faried To Knicks
One day before the NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets decided to trade, arguably their best player. Kenneth Faried has been traded to the New York Knicks for forward Cleanthony Early, an unprotected 2017 First Round Pick, and the right to swap first round draft picks in 2018.
Kenneth Faried, the 25 year old power forward, had been a name rumored to move all off-season. Even before then, Faried was a popular name as the Nuggets were tagged as 'sellers' at the NBA's trade deadline. Faried was a player that did not seem to fit former coach Brian Shaw's style. However, he seemed a perfect fit for D'Antoni's up-tempo style. Leaving many curious as to why the Nuggets were looking to trade him.
Rumors out of Denver said Faried had been frustrated with the organization. Reports were Faried "was not well liked" inside the organization. The front office was also hesitant to pay the young forward, with his new extension set to kick in. Faried was set to make $12.5 million per season, over the next four years.
So an upset player set to hit a pay-day was shipped off, before he even played for Coach D'Antoni. The Nuggets are excited about what they receive in the deal. Starting with forward Cleanthony Early. Early was the 34th overall pick in last year's draft, out of Wichita State. Early was a prolific and versatile scorer in college, but had struggled a bit in his transition to the NBA.
Last season with the Knicks, he struggled to find his shot in varied minutes on the floor. He appeared in 40 games, most coming later in the season. He shot 31% from 3-point range, a stat that appeared troublesome. Not to the Nuggets and GM Tim Connelly who believes Early will be used "differently" in Denver.
"Early is a guy we really liked (coming out of Wichita State)," said Connelly. "But getting used to the speed and defense in the NBA, it's different. He's a bright kid and that's a guy that just needed better looks. He wasn't given chances to get into the paint, or many catch-and-shoot looks. I think he is young, still learning and could take off if he's given the right chance."
He will get that chance in Denver, likely playing behind Danilo Gallinari at the small forward spot. Also included in the trade was the Knicks' 2017 first round pick, unprotected. Meaning Denver has the right to swap picks with New York in 2016 and 2018, and outright own their pick in 2017. The Knicks are picking first this season, likely to pair Faried in the post with Duke's Jahlil Okafor.
As for the Nuggets, they are slotted at six for now. There is still speculation they want to move positions in the draft. The added draft picks coming in trades for Timofey Mozgov, Arron Afflalo and now Faried gives the team a chance to package picks. While some were surprised at the Nuggets return for Faried, it seemed a savvy business move. They continue to stockpile picks, clear cap space, and rid the organization of an unhappy (and possibly "not well liked") player.Last edited by Maize08; 03-18-2015, 08:15 PM.Comment
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Re: Maize's New Nuggets | Building A Champion, At A Mile High
2015 NBA Draft - Round 1 Recap Pick Team Player Pos Ht Wt 1 New York Knicks Jahlil Okafor, Duke C 6'11" 275 2 Minnesota Timberwolves Karl Towns, Kentucky C 7'0" 250 3 LA Lakers Emmanuel Mudiay, China PG 6'5" 200 4 Utah Jazz Stanley Johnson, Arizona SF 6'8" 245 5 Washington Wizards (via PHI) Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky C 7'0" 244 6 Denver Nuggets Mario Hezonja, Croatia SG 6'8" 200 7 Detroit Pistons Kelly Oubre, Kansas SF 6'7" 204 8 Orlando Magic Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin C 7'0" 242 9 Milwaukee Bucks Terry Rozier, Louisville PG 6'2" 189 10 Boston Celtics Justise Winslow, Duke SF 6'7" 225 11 Philadelphia 76ers (via WAS) Trey Lyles, Kentucky PF 6'10" 235 12 Houston Rockets (via NO) Kevon Looney, UCLA PF 6'10" 225 13 Phoenix Suns Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia PF 7'1" 225 14 Chicago Bulls (via SAC) Devin Booker, Kentucky SG 6'5" 185 15 Indiana Pacers Brice Johnson, North Carolina PF 6'9" 210 16 Atlanta Hawks (via BKN) Cliff Alexander, Kansas PF 6'9" 254 17 Memphis Grizzlies Myles Turner, Texas C 6'11" 242 18 Charlotte Hornets Dakari Johnson, Kentucky C 6'11" 264 19 Dallas Mavericks Jakob Poeltl, Utah C 7'0" 235 20 Philadelphia 76ers (via MIA) Norman Powell, UCLA SG 6'3" 200 21 LA Lakers (via HOU) Shawn Long, UL-Lafayette C 6'10" 256 22 Oklahoma City Thunder Montrezl Harrell, Louisville PF 6'8" 242 23 Boston Celtics (via LAC) Jerian Grant, Notre Dame PG 6'5" 204 24 Brooklyn Nets (via ATL) Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona SF 6'7" 212 25 Toronto Raptors Aaron Harrison, Kentucky SG 6'5" 210 26 Portland Trail Blazers Caris LaVert, Michigan SG 6'6" 211 27 Cleveland Cavaliers Jarell Martin, LSU PF 6'9" 245 28 San Antonio Spurs Jabari Bird, Cal. SG 6'6" 199 29 Golden State Warriors Sam Dekker, Wisconsin SF 6'8" 230 30 Chicago Bulls Joseph Young, Oregon SG 6'2" 178 Last edited by Maize08; 03-18-2015, 08:21 PM.Comment
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Re: Maize's New Nuggets | Building A Champion, At A Mile High
Nuggets Take Vezenkov with 60th Pick
The Denver Nuggets owned the rights to a second round pick, from either the Blazers or Bulls. The better pick (Portland's) was owed to Orlando, and Denver would be left with the other (Chicago's). When the Bulls won the 2015 NBA Finals, it meant Denver would own the last pick in the draft. With that pick, the Nuggets selected Aleksandar Vezenkov. Vezenkov is a star in Greece's professional league, playing for Aris B.C.
An unknown to some, Vezenkov was one of the most productive international players, who was also first eligible for this year's draft. Having two years remaining on his contract with Aris B.C., many did not expect him to put his name into this draft. The 19 year old Vezenkov (turns 20 in August) could be available to join Denver after next season, with a buyout negotiated in his contract with Aris B.C.
That buyout clause was unknown to some NBA clubs, who decided to stay away from the highly productive forward. Vezenkov (6'8" 205) is seen as a small forward in the NBA, but Denver's Assistant GM Arturas Karnisovas described Vezenkov as a possible stretch-four and "specialist" in the NBA.
The Bulgarian born Vezenkov broke onto the NBA's radar after being the leading scorer of the U18 European Championship in 2013. Then this past year with Aris B.C., Vezenkov shot 40% from behind-the-arc and showed he can shoot from a variety of positions. Averaging 32 minutes per game last year, he averaged 18 points (52% FG%), 7 rebounds and a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His big frame might need to add some bulk for the NBA, especially with him being considered a "below average athlete."
"Think of a crafty and confident Luke Babbitt," said NBA analyst Fran Fraschilla, attempting to compare Vezenkov to an NBA player. A tremendous shooter, passer and all-around smart player; he has the skill-set to play a future role for Coach D'Antoni.
Joining the Nuggets' first round pick Mario Hezonja, the Nuggets leave the draft with two international players. That adds to a roster that includes last year's first round pick Jusuf Nurkic (Bosnia), Danilo Gallinari (Italy), and Joffrey Lauvergne (France).
The Nuggets have definitely embraced international talent. Much in part to a front office that believes in the international game. Assistant GM Arturas Karnisovas has had an influence in recent draft and transactions. Like signing Lauvergne away from his Russian pro club, Khimki, in February. Now, it's taking a chance on stashing Vezenkov and drafting Hezonja.Comment
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Re: Maize's New Nuggets | Building A Champion, At A Mile High
Nuggets Introduce Mario Hezonja
The Denver Nuggets General Manager and Head Coach appeared for a press conference one day after the NBA Draft. The team surprised many with their first round pick. Sitting at the sixth spot in the draft, many pundits had the Nuggets connected to Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein. Likely sharing the big spot with Nurkic, he seemed a natural fit. Kentucky's pace and style would make it an easy transition to Denver. The Nuggets had even hosted Cauley-Stein for a pre-draft workout.
The 76ers, with the pick right before the Nuggets, decided to trade down putting the Wizards on the clock at #5. Washington took Cauley-Stein, leaving the Nuggets looking elsewhere. Denver wasted little time turning in their card, selecting Croatia's Mario Hezonja.
"He was the top player on our board," said Tim Connelly, evening offering that Hezonja would have been the pick if Cauley-Stein was still available. Hezonja looks NBA ready, with a mix of size (6'8") and athleticism for a wing player. Likely a shooting guard in the NBA, he can guard and play both the 2 and 3.
This past year, he played for AC Barcelona in the Spanish League. Considered one of the top teams in Europe, Hezonja saw limited time before the team played in the Euroleague. In Euroleague play, Mario averaged 17 minutes while racking up 8.5 PPG, on 38.6% shooting from 3, and growing ever more as a teammate.
That was the early knock on Hezonja. A tremendous talent, he lacked polish and focus. Often looking lax, some scouts even described Hezonja's effort as "lacking" while looking "disconnected from his team." But after turning 20 and premiering in Euroleague contests, some of those critiques did not show up.
A player who excels in transition, he can hit shots from anywhere on the court. Pairing NBA range with elite athleticism, no one can deny that Hezonja has a high ceiling. His highest praise came during his introductory press conference, and the words of Mike D'Antoni.
"(Mario) is a confident kid. He just jumps off the screen when you watch his tape. He reminds me a lot of Klay Thompson, when Klay was coming out of Washington State." To extend on that, coach does make an interesting comparison. Klay had the frame and athleticism to play right away. There were questions about his defense, effort, and his utility on offense.
Thompson saw 45% of his possessions come from spot-ups and isolations. That is similar to Hezonja, who saw 35% of his offensive possessions come from isolations alone. Both players were efficient in pick-and-rolls, seeing a good chunk of their points coming that way. They both featured NBA range with some needed consistency and growth on both ends.
Hezonja arrived to Denver the morning after the draft. Excited to play for the Nuggets and Coach D'Antoni, he explained it as "a dream come true." Hezonja will wear #13, the same number he wore for the Croatian national team. Hezonja will play with the team's summer league squad. Summer League play starts in Las Vegas on July 10th through the 20th.Last edited by Maize08; 03-18-2015, 10:15 PM.Comment
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Re: Maize's New Nuggets | Building A Champion, At A Mile High
Nuggets Sign Amare Stoudemire
One day after Denver officially lost out on Love, they rebounded with signing another big man. When Kevin Love announced he was leaving Cleveland for the Los Angeles Lakers, it seemed a perfect fit. Love was returning to southern California, after playing his college basketball in Westwood. More than that, it was a marriage that made sense. That is what the Nuggets organization was pushing for with Love; a perfect marriage between a big man and a coach that could help him thrive. When that passed, the organization returned to a player Coach D'Antoni knew all too well.
Amare Stoudemire spent last year splitting his season between New York and Dallas. His time with the Mavericks did not go as planned, and many felt his best basketball was behind him. Days that were the glory days for Coach D'Antoni and the Phoenix Suns. When Stoudemire was becoming a dominant force in the association.
A prep-to-pro player drafted ninth in 2002, he was supposed to be a two-way force for the Suns. Stoudemire would bloom, starting in his rookie season (2003 Rookie of the Year). Mike D'Antoni would be named Head Coach in Stoudemire's second season, and Nash would join a year later.
That started a stretch that peaked for Amare in 2007. He came in second to Kobe Bryant in MVP voting, was named to the All-NBA First team, while averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds. In the 2007 playoffs, he led the Suns to the conference semi-finals against the Spurs. The Spurs would win in six games, but Amare dominated the series putting up 25 points and 12 rebounds a game.
During a press conference with reporters in Denver, Amare reflected on this time playing for Coach D'Antoni. He considers it the best time being an NBA player. Stoudemire and D'Antoni would meet up again in New York, which was considered a turbulent time for both player and coach.
Stoudemire has struggled with injuries in the last three seasons of his career. Some had started to write off Stoudemire, who was not ready to hang it up during the same off-season Steve Nash announced his retirement. The team of Nash and Stoudemire were a dynamic pair in Phoenix, whose careers would take them to separate coasts, playing for flailing and historic franchises.
Denver seemed an unlikely landing spot for Amare's services, until reports surfaced two days ago. Coach D'Antoni raved that he can still play and gives the Nuggets a veteran presence, and a forward that knows his system.
Stoudemire signs a one year deal worth $2.37 million, with a team option for a second year worth the same value. Considered a good value for a veteran forward that can still produce in the NBA. Last year for Dallas, he was averaging 18 minutes a game, with 9 points and 4 rebounds a game.
Now, the Nuggets are still looking to add via free agency. The team has been linked to Gerald Green and Wesley Matthews, along with reports that they still want to add another big.
The interest in Matthews is real, seeing as the team hosted him last week. Matthews is coming off an Achilles injury, but it is reported he could be ready for the beginning of the season. The injury has hurt the intrigue around the 28 year old shooting guard was having a career season with the Trail Blazers, and his injury might have been part of the team's post-season derailment.
Matthews is considering a return to Portland (possibly at discount), a move to New York, or a deal with the Nuggets. He is expected to make an announcement soon. Potentially joining Amare in Denver.Comment
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