What do the Nuggets Need??

sportsmikegm23 · Post #1 » by **sportsmikegm23** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 7:15 pm

Yes, it's my annual Championship Rant---

They have a chance to compete this year however (almost everyone including Josh Kroenke) believes they are a piece or 2 away from being big time contenders.

So what do all of you think Masai and Josh need to do to give this team a improved chance at an NBA championship? Ok, let's not do fantasy because Dwight Howard is not coming to play for the Nuggets -- ever... so squash that one now.

Center is our weakest position- we have a very nice chip in Wilson Chandler (whether to trade or commit to). What moves would you make to make everyone more excited about the Nuggets chances?

I was thinking a Gortat or McGee without giving away the farm in any way? Probably trading Wison Chandler and maybe a 2nd round pick if necessary. yes, I know McGee probably isn't a good mental fit here but maybe a change of scenery would do him well? Gortat is not playing on the normal run and gun Phoenix teams, but he is still aided by Steve Nash, but we do have a very solid pg duo in Ty and Dre'. I don't if either of these moves would get anyone more excited (unlike what I asked) but it would solidify us in our position of weakness. Yes, I know Mossy can play a little (occasionally) and I know they just re-uped KK, I think most of you would admit this position still needs to be addressed to have higher success. I know that McGee and Gortat might not be the names you'd like, but they solid big men and better right now than what we have and could help without throwing the team chemistry all out of whack????

What are your ideas?

clockwork · Post #2 » by **clockwork** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:29 pm

gortat is probably the second most valuable player for the suns so i'm pretty sure they won't trade him unless we give more than we get.

mcgee mcgee mcgee... all i have to say is - you can't fix stupid. while he'd probably fit our team quite well, seeing how much he loves up tempo break away dunks, i can't help to think that he'd ruin our chemistry. i haven't seen much of his personality off the court or whatever but for a guy who tries to take off from the free throw stripe against a defender when he is clearly in taking charge position, that speaks to me that he's either; a) an idiot b) arrogant or c) suicidal, either way i don't want him.

it's really dry in the center department as of this moment in the league. i wouldn't worry too much about us not having a phenom center, we have mozzy and kofous and i think they can fill out what we need defensively.

youngthegiant · Post #3 » by **youngthegiant** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:35 pm

i think we need to bring back wilson chandler and draft ourselves a young power forward or center in the draft and hope he develops into a good player. other than that this team has what it takes. trading wilson chandler is also possible if it allows us to get a lotto pick. overall here is my list of my players that would improve the nuggets in the upcoming draft.

fab melo (defensive center)
patric young( reminds me of paul millsap but more athletic)
myck kabongo( could be a good back up behind lawson)
tyler zeller
terrence jones
john henson( great shot blocker but needs to add mass)

sportsmikegm23 · Post #4 » by **sportsmikegm23** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 11:34 pm

clockwork wrote:gortat is probably the second most valuable player for the suns so i'm pretty sure they won't trade him unless we give more than we get.

mcgee mcgee mcgee... all i have to say is - you can't fix stupid. while he'd probably fit our team quite well, seeing how much he loves up tempo break away dunks, i can't help to think that he'd ruin our chemistry. i haven't seen much of his personality off the court or whatever but for a guy who tries to take off from the free throw stripe against a defender when he is clearly in taking charge position, that speaks to me that he's either; a) an idiot b) arrogant or c) suicidal, either way i don't want him.

it's really dry in the center department as of this moment in the league. i wouldn't worry too much about us not having a phenom center, we have mozzy and kofous and i think they can fill out what we need defensively.

You might be right about Gortat, but a young piece or two??? knowing they aren't going to get to the playoffs and could save some $$ and start rebuilding??? Sarver (PHX owner) has done dumber moves.. Yes... I know McGee is far from the brightest light in the solar system- I know there is not alot of options for numerous reason, but we can't just say... let's grow for next year and be happy with a 1st or 2nd playoff appearance. I don't want to mortgage any of the bright future, but I don't think you can waste an opportunity. When Josh Kroenke was on the radio the other day on the fan- he didn't sound like they were going to sit by and do nothing- he knows or feels they are a piece or 2 away... I think he's going to keep looking and try to do everything he can.

Post #5 » by **corona** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 12:56 am

i've thought about this some too.

in the position we're in now, it makes a lot of sense to give chandler the QO, spend the TPE and/or a couple guys and fill the void's we're missing before the trade deadline and make a legit run.

harrington and bird are still valuable bench/role players, and might not be next season or after due to their ages.
dre may not be with us next year because he could want to start...or want too much money
chandler's either gonna get a lot of money or be on a different team next year.

assuming chandler returns, our obvious weakness is still at C. moz and kk have been okay and should continue to grow with the team....but they're not good enough, experienced enough or consistent enough to contribute in the playoffs.

trading the melo tpe & or a couple guys/picks for a consistent/veteran center would be ideal. especially if that player was expiring. then we make a run, and if it pans out...victory, if it doesn't....we still have our core (minus the center/dre/chandler?) and can continue to grow.

but i don't know if there's anyone out there that we could bring in at C that wouldn't cost a ton.
everyone i look at i think "well....they'd never trade that guy" or "he's done and overpaid" or "not really that much an improvement over moz to make it worthwhile"

hmmmm

Stannis · Post #6 » by **Stannis** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 3:30 am

Denver just needs their players to develop (Gallo and Ty Lawson in particular).

sportsmikegm23 · Post #7 » by **sportsmikegm23** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 5:34 am

corona wrote:i've thought about this some too.

in the position we're in now, it makes a lot of sense to give chandler the QO, spend the TPE and/or a couple guys and fill the void's we're missing before the trade deadline and make a legit run.

harrington and bird are still valuable bench/role players, and might not be next season or after due to their ages.
dre may not be with us next year because he could want to start...or want too much money
chandler's either gonna get a lot of money or be on a different team next year.

assuming chandler returns, our obvious weakness is still at C. moz and kk have been okay and should continue to grow with the team....but they're not good enough, experienced enough or consistent enough to contribute in the playoffs.

trading the melo tpe & or a couple guys/picks for a consistent/veteran center would be ideal. especially if that player was expiring. then we make a run, and if it pans out...victory, if it doesn't....we still have our core (minus the center/dre/chandler?) and can continue to grow.

but i don't know if there's anyone out there that we could bring in at C that wouldn't cost a ton.
everyone i look at i think "well....they'd never trade that guy" or "he's done and overpaid" or "not really that much an improvement over moz to make it worthwhile"

hmmmm

I like your thought Corona.... and you are right- they have a $7 mill TPE for Felton if PHX wanted to dump Gortat- that would be about the only real center we could get... but they probably would want much more than we would be willing to offer. I know Gortat is probably so so in everyone's mind- but I think he's above average at a reasonable salary. Right now we are pretty soft in the middle. I know they will continue to try to improve the team... but just like you stated - Dre next year? Chandler? Fernandez? Yes Ty and Gallo need to grow- and KK and Mozzy- AA and even Nene... but you can't just say grow and we will wait for next year... look at OKC... they traded Jeff Green (a lottery pick) for Perkins a very solid center but had a bad injury the year before. He was perfect for them... we have to try to find something so we can truly compete for the Gold Ball

mutumba · Post #8 » by **mutumba** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 11:34 pm

I definitely agree that our most glaring weakness (other than lack of superstar herp derp) is at the Center position. Moz and Koufos are great prospects, but there is no way either of them are ready for the physicality of playoff basketball.

Anyone think we could pry Varejao away from the Cavs? He's experienced, an excellent defender, decent finisher inside, and everyone seems to rave about his basketball IQ. As much as I've hated on him in the past, I think he'd be a great fit. No idea what his contract situation is though.

And as much of a knucklehead as he is, I would take the risk on McGee if the Wiz were to miraculously make him available. Insanely athletic and lengthy 7-footers don't exactly grow on trees. I love how he runs and wants to dunk the ball every time he has it inside, something Moz is certainly lacking (along with the ability to catch). He's definitely not the key to a deep playoff run this year, but put some veterans around him, a solid big man coach, and he could be a really nice talent.

Post #9 » by **The Rebel** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:39 am

I don't see the Suns trading Gortat regardless of what happens with Nash, he is on a great contract and a quality starting center.

Mcgee is not someone that would seem to fit with the current team concept of unselfish smart play on both ends.

Varejao is someone that I could as being available and a solid pickup, don't know what it would take but if reasonable I would go get him,

Post #10 » by **Klomp** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 7:52 pm

What is the status of Rudy Fernandez? What would it take to trade him to Minnesota?

DaFan334 · Post #11 » by **DaFan334** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 9:05 pm

Klomp wrote:What is the status of Rudy Fernandez? What would it take to trade him to Minnesota?

Good question. His contract is expiring and prior to being traded to the Nuggets, all I had heard was that he was set on going back to Spain once his deal was done. The Nuggets can't afford to pay their 8th or 9th man very much money and have a good chance of losing him if he is offered anywhere over 5 Mil or so (I would guess). He and Corey Brewer also run into issues with playing time if Wilson Chandler is brought back into the mix. Seeing as how Brewer is still signed for 2 more years, Rudy very likely could be the odd man out. Not sure what the front office would be looking for from him if they look to move him and replace him with Ill Will.

sportsmikegm23 · Post #12 » by **sportsmikegm23** » Wed Feb 1, 2012 4:05 am

The Rebel wrote:I don't see the Suns trading Gortat regardless of what happens with Nash, he is on a great contract and a quality starting center.

Mcgee is not someone that would seem to fit with the current team concept of unselfish smart play on both ends.

Varejao is someone that I could as being available and a solid pickup, don't know what it would take but if reasonable I would go get him,

Good call about Varejao- but you are right- what would it take? a few really young prospects... at the minimum... but after tonight's - we need to find a way to win a game and forget about contending... and you are right about McGee... Forrest Gump was right...