(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets have traded Rueben Patterson straight up for former number one overall pick Joe Smith from the Milwaukee Bucks. This transaction came out of nowhere with little to no rumors circulating around such a move prior to its execution.
It seems like the Nuggets now have an overflow of front court players as of right now. Does this mean that the departure of Kenyon Martin is coming soon? Time will tell, but Warkentien and staff would seemingly have to make a move for a guard sooner or later. Rueben was technically a two guard or small forward, but there is no doubt about the position Smith plays. The 6’10” Smith is now on a roster that boasts Marcus Camby, Kenyon Martin, Nene, Linas Kleiza, Jamal Sampson, Eduardo Najera, and of course Anthony on the front line.
The only true guards the Nuggets have are Earl Boykins, Andre Miller, and J.R. Smith. Yakhouba Diawara and DerMarr Johnson are listed as tweeners. Measuring in at 6’9”, DJ doesn’t really have the quickness to defend a smaller guard and the verdict on Diawara is still out.
My fingers are crossed that the tight lipped Nuggets management have something else up their sleeves in the near future. Hopefully a gem of a two guard is about to revealed…
Joe Smith has never lived up to his draft position, but has still managed to put together a productive NBA career while playing with his now sixth different franchise. He has career averages of 12.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, one assist, and one block.
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