The Denver Nuggets continue to scour the NBA landscape looking for a competent compliment to add to their roster. The team is said to be picky in their quest to find an extra big man, a trait that they have every right to be. They are currently 3-0 against the supposed favorites to win it all (L.A and Cleveland) and they have the belief that they have the talent on their roster right now to go toe to toe with anybody and win it all. I would say that they probably aren't that far off...BUT...
Some added size would be really nice and it would enhance their chances of getting past Los Angeles and the suddenly larger Dallas Mavericks.
Through all my reseach, I keep hearing the Nuggets associated with two names:
1. Tyrus Thomas
Thomas has worn out his welcome in Chicago and will be moved following a profanity laced tirade that he recently went on. He is a big body (6'10, 225lbs) who can score a little in the paint, can rebound and is a decent rebounder. Honestly he reminds me of a younger Kenyon Martin, which isn't a bad thing. Thomas is young enough to be groomed to be an eventual replacement for Kenyon. What worries me is he has never played an entire 82 game season and he is known to have an attitude problem. Would he help? You bet, but is the risk worth the gain? What would Denver have to give up? These are important questions to remember when thinking about going after a young player. He would decrease the age of the team a bit but one has to wonder if he is truly a cancerous influence in the locker room or if he is just a guy who needs a change of scenery.
2. Ben Wallace
Yes. Do this deal! "Big Ben" Wallace would fit perfectly in the "1/2 a body" description of what George Karl wants. While he is nowhere near the player he once was, he wouldn't need to be. It is questionable how much he has left in the tank, but honestly they don't need him to do much except what he is good at. Wallace brings toughness and nastiness with him and that is all that the Nuggets need out of him. He would be a big body who can rebound and be a defensive pest for limited minutes a night. Not to mention that his afro is awesome. Detriot might be hesitant to deal with Denver again, especially after the Nuggets robbed them of Billups and Afflalo but if guys like Rip are available, it is probably safe to assume that Wallace could be had for the right price.
So what would either of these moves cost Denver? The Bulls are likely to ask for a combination of picks and expiring contracts, while Detroit would probably want expiring contracts. The Nuggets could offer their final T.P.E ($3.6 million dollars) and/or Anthony Carter ($1.3 million), Renaldo Balkman ($2.1 million), Johan Petro ($825,000) or Joey Graham ($880,000) along with future #1 picks. Of course there is the possibility that either team would want J.R. Smith ($6.1 million), who is seemingly the only "regular" player that might be available.
Nuggets brass, please listen...Ben Wallace would be the right move. Giving up a guy like AC is not a bad thing!
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