LayupDrill.com will be breaking down every team in the league, with a brief review of the 2008-09 season, key personnel decisions, draft options,trade options, and overall state of the franchise. Consider this, your favorite teams State of the Union. We continue our offseason coverage with our next team, the Denver Nuggets. Denver is coming off one of their most successful seasons in team history, and with most of the pieces of their core still in place heading back to the West Finals would not be a stretch next year. Still there are some key areas Denver will need to address to make sure they don’t take a step back.
2008-09 Highlights
The Nuggets trade for Chauncey Billups in November 2008 was perhaps the biggest trade in franchise history. Prior to shipping Allen Iverson out, Denver was a middle of the road, playoff hopeful. Billups brought in a steady hand and unparalleled leadership qualities that took the young Nuggets to another level. The team posted up a 54-28 regular season record, and gave the Lakers a fight before eventually losing in the West Finals.
Free Agents
Chris Andersen – At the top of the Nuggets list to re-sign is Chris Andersen. The Birdman was the heart and soul of this team, and provided those special hustle plays that don’t always show up in the box score. Andersen will draw interest from other teams, however it is expected that Denver will be able to bring him back. Linas Kleza is a restricted free agent, and will likely return to Denver. Anthony Carter and Dahntay Jones likely have played their last games as Nuggets.
First Round Draft Options
N/A
Free Agent Options
The Nuggets won’t make any big splashes in free agency this summer, and honestly don’t need too. If they are able to add depth and youth to their backcourt, along with a few more veteran role players, Nuggets fans should expect their team to be right back in the mix among the elite in the West next season. Free agents Denver may look at include Sean Marks, backup center for the Hornets, Jarrett Jack, backup point guard from Indiana, and Leon Powe, backup forward from the Celtics.
Denver may also look at bringing in a veteran wingman to be second scoring option aside Anthony in the clutch. Just as the Lakers have Kobe as their primary option and Gasol as the secondary, Lamar Odom or Trevor Ariza can nail the big shot. Denver, often has only Billups and Melo. J.R Smith was feast or famine during the playoffs, and likely if any trades were to be made, he would have to be involved.
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