The NBA's Statement on Donaghy

(Boulder-CO) Here is the official statement from the NBA after ex-referee Tim Donaghy was sentenced to 15 months jail time by Federal Judge Carol Bagley Amon. From NBA Commissioner David Stern:

"We anticipate that the judge's sentencing decision, together with the changes we have made to our referee operations staff, will enable us to continue with the improvements we are making to our anti-gambling rules, policies and procedures. With the conclusion of the government's investigation into this matter, we also look forward to the timely issuance of Larry Pedowitz's review of our officiating program. There is little comfort to be gained from the mandatory prison sentence, especially as it affects Mr. Donaghy's children and their mother, but hopefully the healing process can begin in earnest for all."

Today's Date in NBA History

(Boulder-CO) Today's date is July 30th, and on this day:

'93- Les Alexander purchased the Houston Rockets from Charlie Thomas.

Enjoy your day!

A One-Sided Dialogue with a Knicks Fan

(Boulder-CO) I just received the following email from a Knicks fan in regards to today's Renaldo Balkman deal. First, I'm going to post the entire email without my sub-conscious thoughts. Then I will re-post the email with my exact feelings in italics. This should be fun!

"I don't have a blogger account, so I couldn't leave a comment. I post regularly at Knickerblogger, occasionally with my own byline.

I am not surprised you are upset about getting Balkman. He doesn't look like much. However, he (was) my second favorite player, and in my view, was probably the second best player on the Knicks.

As an acolyte of the Wages of Wins, I have an uncommon fondness for low usage role players. Balkman is one of the best in the NBA in that genre, much like Camby was. In his freshman year, he was the best rebounding small forward in the NBA and led the leagues in blocks as well for his position, and was near the top in steals., all per minute. He doesn't have a jump shot, can't shoot free throws, but managed a ts% over 50% in his first year also.

Last year wasn't good for him, on anyone really on the Knicks, but his Wins Produced suggest that he can be a star player in the NBA, perhaps an unappreciated star, but a star nonetheless.He is an outstanding defender. Knickerblogger wrote a post about how he could be a future DPOY candidate, which I wholeheartedly agree with.

Bottom line, I am devastated to lose him. Leaving the stats aside, this guy is a pure joy to watch. He is unbelievably athletic, makes spectacular plays, hustles like no one I have ever seen, and has real charisma. He may have character questions off the court, apparently he smokes a lot, and he has foul issues and injury issues on the court. But if things work out decently, a few months into the season, you are going to be absolutely loving this guy.

Frankly, I would say he is much much better than Kleiza. "

Now, with my unedited thoughts while reading the email. Again, my thoughts are in italics.

"I don't have a blogger account, so I couldn't leave a comment. I post regularly at Knickerblogger, occasionally with my own byline.

I am not surprised you are upset about getting Balkman. (Gee I wonder why?) He doesn't look like much. However, he (was) my second favorite player, and in my view, was probably the second best player on the Knicks. (A dismal circus of a team.)

As an acolyte of the Wages of Wins, I have an uncommon fondness for low usage role players. (I like that... "Low Usage!" Or as that translates to me, "Not playable.") Balkman is one of the best in the NBA in that genre, much like Camby was. (Camby was the 2nd best rebounder in the NBA last year, has led the NBA in blocks for the past two seasons, and is a former Defensive Player of the Year. Please do not ever mention Renaldo Balkman's name in the same category until he accomplishes something of sustenance.) In his freshman year, he was the best rebounding small forward in the NBA and led the leagues in blocks as well for his position, and was near the top in steals, all per minute (Which means nothing, statistically, because nobody plays 48 minutes.) He doesn't have a jumpshot, can't shoot free throws (Tell me something I don't know.), but managed a ts% over 50% in his first year also.

Last year wasn't good for him, on anyone really on the Knicks, but his Wins Produced suggest that he can be a star player in the NBA, perhaps an unappreciated star, but a star nonetheless. He is an outstanding defender. Knickerblogger wrote a post about how he could be a future DPOY candidate, which I wholeheartedly agree with. (I could probably name ten guys at all different levels of basketball that the exact same thing could be said for, but until they do it's merely over-optimistic flattery.)

Bottom line, I am devastated to lose him. (But what are you really losing?) Leaving the stats aside, this guy is a pure joy to watch. (If only there was more minutes for him to be watched in.) He is unbelievably athletic, makes spectacular plays, hustles like no one I have ever seen, and has real charisma. He may have character questions off the court (Great, just what this team needed!), apparently he smokes a lot, and he has foul issues and injury issues on the court. But if things work out decently, a few months into the season, you are going to be absolutely loving this guy.

Frankly, I would say he is much much better than Kleiza. (Not the same Linas Kleiza that scored 41 points in a game against the Utah Jazz and averaged almost three times the points, more rebounds, and more minutes per game for a Western Conference Playoff team that won 50 games last season. Tell me you're joking?)"

Thanks for the email, anonymous Knicks fan. I hope some of what you're saying is true and I'm just overreacting, but I'm not betting on it!

Yup, They're Crazy!

(Boulder-CO) The longer this off-season draws on the more obvious it becomes that the Nuggets are going downhill. Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today that the Nuggets have indeed traded PG Taurean Green, Forward Bobby Jones and a 2010 second round draft pick to the New York Knicks for Renaldo Balkman and cash considerations.

In this morning offerings I clearly indicated that Renaldo Balkman can not help this team with the current roster being log jammed with far more talented players at small forward. Why brass would do this trade is beyond my ability to understand.

Somebody console me.

Is Nuggets' Management Crazy?

(Boulder-CO) I merely pose such a question because the most recent news and rumors lends themselves to such a conclusion. Since their agonizing first round demolition last season, Nuggets' brass has done nothing but "classless-ly" downsize their salary cap situation and replace big-time players with minimum salaries; both of which do not signify, at least on the surface, a commitment to immediate improvement.

But wait... There's more!

The most recent trade rumored to be in the works is just mind boggling. It doesn't make any sense because Denver is short on players thus making a two-for-one trade scenario illogical and the 6'8" Renaldo Balkman is short on (and I apologize) tangible skills. And to sum his game up in a context that Nuggets fans will understand: Balkman is Eduardo Najera minus a three-point shot and a long way from being Linas Kleiza.

But wait... There's more!

Last week, there was a rumor (and I use that term very lightly as their is no "real" source in this one) floating around that AI and Nene could land in Chicago for Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, and Joakim Noah. So, allow me to speak for all of us when I say to The Bleacher Report, "Dream on."

Now, please allow me to make any kind of sense of all of this. First of all, I despise the Balkman deal. I've seen him play over the last couple of years and absolutely nothing impresses me about his game. Additionally, and like I said, the Denver roster is lean right now and giving up two players for only one in return is outright foolish. And to get another small forward with 'Melo and Linas on the team still is redundant. So with all that being said, here's to hoping this deal falls flat.

As for AI to Chicago, let's just chalk that report up to mere wishful speculation on the part of a Bulls fan. The report lacks a credible source. End of story.

However, you be the judge. Is Nuggets' management crazy for even thinking about acquiring Renaldo Balkman?

Today's Date in NBA History

(Boulder-CO) Today's date is July 24th, and on this day:

'63- Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone was born in Summerfield, Louisiana.

Enjoy your day!

Birdman to Fly Again in Mile High

(Boulder-CO) Oh yeah, baby! Former Nugget, Chris Andersen AKA The Birdman, is reported by The Denver Post to have agreed with the Nuggets to sign a one-year contract for $998,000. This move gives the Nuggets another big man to solidify their front court with at a bargain, and gives the fans back truly one of their favorites! But...

Talk about a gamble!

Here is a player who was suspended indefinitely by the league for substance abuse violations, won his appeal, was reinstated last season before playing in just a handful of games for the New Orleans Hornets, and has found his way back to Denver (where he still lives) to have the first NBA team to give him a chance give him a second.

A truly tremendous story, indeed, but for those of you who are not familiar with the story of Chris Andersen. I present to you, "Broken Wings: The Story of Chris 'The Birdman' Andersen".

Go Nuggets!

Elton Brown Interview

(Boulder-CO) Good Buddy, Ridiculous Matt of the famed site Ridiculous Upside recently had the chance to talk with Nuggets' Summer League player Elton Brown. Now, we all know about the newly acquired Philadelphia 76er Elton Brand, but how much do you know about an, "an undrafted player out of Virginia, who's spent time in the D-League, Greece, and Israel, and is now competing again for an NBA roster spot."

Go Nuggets!

Nuggets Summer League: 4-1

(Boulder-CO) The NBA Las Vegas Summer League is officially over and the Nuggets finished 4-1 overall with their final win coming by way of revenge over the Lakers. Four Nuggets led the way in double-digit scoring as Denver finished as one of only three teams to lose one game atop the Summer League standings.

Go Nuggets!

Nuggets Summer League: 3-1

(Boulder-CO) Dahntay Jones is making quite the case for himself to make this year's Nuggets. Denver's Summer League squad improved to 3-1 with this overtime win over the Rockets.

Go Nuggets!

Nuggets Summer League: 2-1

(Boulder-CO) Last night, the Nuggets undefeated Summer League record was tarnished by the Milwaukee Bucks, 79-67. Proving once again, all good things must come to an end.

Go Nuggets!

For the Seinfeld Lovers

(Boulder-CO) This. Is. Classic.

Go Nuggets!

Camby is Gone! Now What?

(Boulder-CO) My day has been dominated with different media types and fellow fans alike calling me to try and make sense of this Marcus Camby trade to the Clippers in what appears on the surface to be one of the worst moves in the Nuggets' most recent history. And believe me, I've heard it all from those who are ready to cash in their season tickets and give up on this franchise to those who are actually happy that the Nuggets made the move they did. Furthermore, both sides present valid points when breaking this trade down, but for those of you who haven't had the chance to take a real comprehensive look at this maneuver you've come to the right place.

Salary: Obviously, we all knew the Nuggets would make an attempt to cut their salary down going into this season after last year's salary cap bulging payroll. By sending Marcus to L.A. for a possible second round pick in next year's draft the Nuggets do just that. Immediately, that money can be used to lock up the futures of J.R. Smith, Linas Kleiza, and/or anyone else management may have on their radar. The only remaining question when understanding this angle of the trade is why the Nuggets didn't do the exact same thing with Kenyon Martin? K-Mart makes more money and as long as the Nuggets were going to practically give someone away it would have made more sense to me to dump the under productive Martin before Camby. But, then again, maybe the other end of the deal wanted nothing at all to do with Martin...

The Trade Exception: The Nuggets are currently sitting on a $10 million dollar trade exception that could be used to pick up part of the tab on a future maneuver. As of right now, it's senseless to send Camby’s salary to the coast only to bring in more salary this season with the trade exception. The reasoning behind this is two fold: First because using it now will cost them $20 million once the luxury tax is accounted for, and secondly by holding onto the exception until next summer's draft affords the Nuggets the luxury of waiting to see who else may become available in the meantime.

Immediate Future: No one is sure as of right now what the Nuggets' high priced think tank is actually scheming. For all we know, Denver brass (a group that is not afraid to make big moves) has only executed phase one in a set of many to turn the corner and produce a championship caliber product. The Nuggets are a franchise that, in my opinion, is a piece or two away from being right there in the thick of the championship contending pack. The bottom line is they still have the most potent offensive duo in the league, two of five of the most promising young talents from the 2004 and 2005 drafts, and a huge question mark to be answered by Nene. If management is correctly betting on those three aspects to pay off, and they do, this seemingly bizarre trade certainly becomes more comprehensible.

Age and Durability: Marcus Camby turns 35 after the All-Star recess next season and the historically injury prone Captain just played back-to-back 70+ game campaigns. Is that to say Marcus is due to go down for an extended stay at the inactive hotel? Let's hope not, but history has a funny way of repeating itself and brass would look genius if in fact he does vacation at said resort in L.A. and leaves the recently injury-decimated Clippers right back at square one.

With those four points in mind, (and hopefully Nene is locked away in a rubber room on a high protein diet somewhere) I think the Nuggets may have made the correct move with Camby. Sure, a first round pick would have been better, but with only the Grizzlies and Clippers under the salary cap and willing to take on a player and situation like Camby's it's at least a push.

Keeping him and putting essentially the same team back on the floor next season wouldn't have been any better. Furthermore, the knee jerk reaction is that it would appear the 2008-09 Nuggets may give the NBA's All-Time points allowed per game for a season a run for it's money, but the one thing we did know was how bad this team was defensively with Camby. Maybe shuffling the deck, and the return of a healthy Nene, will make a big difference in the Nuggets' overall defensive abilities. Because when you critically analyze Camby's defensive style the only thing the Nuggets will surely miss in the absence of Marcus is shot blocking. He was a mediocre at best one-on-one post defender and rebounds are almost sure to be grabbed by whoever else is in the position to hit the boards.

With all that being said, don't bail out on those season tickets and NBA League Passes yet! My gut feeling is the Nuggets wouldn't have extended AI's contract for another $21 million dollars to put a team that floats around .500 on the Pepsi Center hardwood next year. If that was the case and rebuilding was the goal. The Nuggets would have given AI his walking papers. Meaning... there has to be something else going on behind the scenes...

Go Nuggets!

Nuggets Summer League: 2-0

(Boulder-CO) Despite all the uproar from the Marcus Camby liquidation, Denver Nuggets fans still have something to cheer for. That's right, the Summer League squad is 2-0 (Insert sarcastic cheer here). Here is a link to the game footage.

Go Nuggets!

Trading Camby: Smart! - But For Crumbs: Why?

(Boulder-CO) I really hope this is a rumor. If the Nuggets really let go of the captain of this team without getting at least, at bare-freakin'- minimum, a prospected high first round draft pick in next year's draft they are getting robbed blind! This is a player that anchored an otherwise hapless defensive crew, led the league in blocked shots, and was in the running for the best rebounding clip all year long! But yet, somehow, the Denver Nuggets, allegedly, are unable to get more than a future second round pick out of the Clippers?

Talk about bringing a team to their knees.

In my player report card, I obviously had different ideas when the it came to relieving some salary cap room with the Nuggets' most interesting trade bait, "His stock will never be higher, the Nuggets will never be able to get more for him than they will be able to now, and for a team on the cusp of turning the proverbial corner he is certainly a tantalizing piece to take a chance on. However, unfortunately for the Nuggets is they are a long ways from thinking about putting on their turn signal and making said turn. And thus is a recipe for a big time trade in hopes of landing young talented pieces to build upon for the future sans Marcus Camby and his remaining 15.65 million dollars over the next two years."

Nuggets Summer League: 1-0

(Boulder-CO) The Nuggets' Summer League squad played today and dominated the Philadelphia 76ers. Not a whole lot to get excited over, but hey, it's the off-season. Here's the full Summer League schedule where you can find links to watch every game via Internet.

Go Nuggets!

Don't Say I Didn't Warn You

(Boulder-CO) I knew it after the last time the Nuggets were swept up along with the popcorn crumbs. I even hinted at such in my player report card for Eduardo Najera, remember?

"So, I say that if the Nuggets can keep Najera around for say... the next three years for somewhere in the range three million a year, great. If not, then it's time to say adios to El Grande Chihuahua."

Adios amigo!

Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News reports, "The Nuggets had wanted to bring Najera back, but with the team deep into the luxury tax, it was deemed impossible. On Friday, Najera agreed to terms on a four-year, $12 million contract with New Jersey, leaving Denver after 3 1/2 seasons."

Sad?

Don't be. This opens up more minutes for Linas Kleiza (also 6'8", and a much better offensive player) in what was, and still is, a very crowded pair of forward positions. Plus, and probably more influential in the decision to allow Najera to walk, there is the financial side of the Nuggets'current situation. Still over the $70 odd million new NBA salary cap by over $10 million, the Nuggets are better off in the long-run spending the money they would have had to spend on keeping Eduardo around on Linas next year when his contract is up instead.

On the other hand, I am going to miss having a guy like Eduardo on the team. He was a consummate professional, did anything he could for his teammates, and left everything he had on the floor every night. And thus, a fitting youtube farewell for "The Grout".

Go Nuggets!

Anthony Carter Staying Denver

(Boulder-CO) It's official! Anthony Carter will remain a Denver Nugget for the 2008-09 season reports The Denver Post's Benjamin Hochman.

From the above article, "After serious discussions in previous days, Anthony Carter and his management team decided the guard will rejoin the Nuggets next season, signing for a league minimum of about $1.2 million."

While I'm happy that AC is coming back, I'm still not sold that keeping him is going to be the answer for the Nuggets' woes at point guard. I still feel the Nuggets need a more physical guard to run with the likes of Allen Iverson mainly for defensive purposes. And that's not to say AC doesn't play good D, because he he does, but it is still of my opinion that he is not, I repeat NOT, the starting point guard this team necessitates.

Go Nuggets!

Team USA's New Duds

(Boulder-CO) The good folks at Nike were generous enough to allow me to preview quite possibly the coolest (literally) basketball uniforms ever! Nike has recently introduced the Swift System of Dress basketball uniform, which will be worn by Team USA when they compete at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The new Nike designed uniform eliminates 24 centimeters of material and reduces the weight by 31 percent. The uniform also features Nike Aerographics, an engineered mesh providing zoned cooling that reduces up to half the yarn, making it more lightweight and breathable. An exclusively designed “We the People” graphic, inspired by USA’s rich history, is also integrated into the uniform.

Here's the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony sporting his new duds and giving a fan a jersey.



And another of 'Melo and the boys hanging out.

The Olympics start on August 8th, and you will be able to find complete game recaps chalked full of stats and analysis right here on The Nugg Doctor.

Bring home the gold.

Team U-S-A! Team U-S-A!

Today's Date in NBA History

(Boulder-CO) Today's date is July 10th, and on this day:

'75- The Philadelphia 76ers signed forward George McGinnis after Commissioner Larry O'Brien revoked the contract McGinnis had signed with New York Knicks (May, 30, 1975).

Enjoy your day!

Penny Pinchin' at Point

(Boulder-CO) Sure, Anthony Carter did a great job last year with all things being considered. But, are the Denver Nuggets (a team fresh off getting embarrassed by way of a sweep in the first round of the playoffs) really going to try and hammer a square peg into round hole again?

It appears so.

The Rocky Mountain News is reporting today that the Denver Nuggets have offered a one-year $1.262 million minimum deal to Anthony Carter to return next year and run the point.

Look, I understand the Nuggets are strapped financially, but if you're already going to put an $85 million dollar product on the floor. Don't get cheap when it comes down to the final pieces of the puzzle. In this case: Go out and get a team general. I equivocate this move to spending big bucks on a sports car and then getting cheap when it comes putting the right tires on it.

The Denver Nuggets need to address two positions this off-season: Point Guard and Center.

This move does neither.

Today's Date in NBA History

(Boulder-CO) Today's date is July 7th, and on this day:

'78- The NBA approved a franchise swap in which Buffalo Braves owner John Y. Brown and Harry Mangurian acquired the Celtics, while the Celtics owner Irv Levin got the Braves, who were later moved to San Diego to become the Clippers.

Enjoy your day!

Today's Date in NBA History

(Boulder-CO) Today's date is July 6th, and on this day:

'00- E. Stanley Kroenke, a national real estate developer, announced he had completed the acquisition of the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and the Pepsi Center from Ascent Entertainment Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation. Kroenke made the announcement at a news conference at the Pepsi Center following recent approvals of the $450 million acquisition by the NBA, NHL and the City and County of Denver, as well as receipt of all required governmental approvals and all other customary conditions.

Enjoy your day!

Today's Date in NBA History

(Boulder-CO) Today's date is July 5th, and on this day:

'92- The Dream Team won the final game of the Basketball Tournament of the Americas against Venezuela 127-80. The US team won all six games, by an average of 5l.5 points.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Fourth!

(Boulder-CO) Happy Fourth, everyone! You know that somewhere this guy has his shirt off and is probably letting everyone know that it is America's Birthday!

Be safe.