The New CBA, Nuggets Core Players

[pickIBL]

In the past I read through how the new cap is going to work. It is basically a harder soft cap that will actually help small markets like Denver and hurt the pocket book of many players. Also this CBA really hurts teams that make bad decisions on contracts. This is one of the reasons we see big names in Memphis on the block. They don't think they can win a ring... they see Gay as being too lazy... so they are trying to cut their payroll.

I also think teams are going to stop overpaying "bigs". With that in mind I think the Nuggets should be very mindful of dolling out big deals. With this CBA I think drafting smart, being frugal, and keeping your core together is what will lead to contention as the CBA is going to end this Super Team craze.

With that in mind I think the FO and Andre Iggy are going to have a hard time agreeing on a number. I also want to note that the McGee project is turning out better so far than I thought it would... but still wonder if we should move him or hang on to him. I'm not sure if this doesn't bite us after Dre is no longer helping him out.

So I wonder what is the "core" of the Nuggets? Because I don't believe in a revolving door.

The chances of Iggy taking his option are? This next contract is going to be his last big long-term deal from somebody.

Would I be off base to suggest both Iggy and McGee could be in new uniforms next season?

[Powder Blue]

I see the core as the starting 1-4 and Mcgee. That being said I don't think it's a solid core, I feel like everyone is up for grabs if the right trade came along. The player the Nuggets are least likely to trade is Faried IMO because he makes less than $2 Mil and it would be hard to get equal value for him based on that low salary.

So based on that you might consider him the center of the core, with Ty, Gallo, Mcgee and Iggy the next layer out.

The mystical potential return of the NBA player formerly known as Wilson Chandler could prompt a trade, in which a new "core" could be formed.

[pickIBL]

We will have 27.5 million tied up in McGee and Iggy next season. I just think that's a lot of money for those two. We got Koufos at 3 million a year thru 14/15 who I have been under rating. When you factor in his low salary... I am starting to really feel him.

Continuing that thought Ante Tomic has really captured my attention this year with Barcelona. At 25 he has finally grown into his 7-2 frame. He is the best young centre in Europe and I am not 100% sure he is even in the plans for the Utah Jazz. I think they would trade his rights. And the thing is we could give him LLE type money for 3 years rather than the 11 or 12 million a year JaVale is hauling in.

[Powder Blue]

27.5 Mil isn't too bad, it's the last year of Iggy's deal. If he stays around he won't make that much long-term. I see a couple problems with your "plan".

If your prospect is any good there isn't much chance the Jazz would trade him to us.

What's the point of shuffling young centers around, the Nuggets kinda gotta pay one or two and develop them. Doubtful Karl would play him.

Who's going to trade for Mcgee right now? He's not a huge asset yet

[pickIBL]

Just to be clear I am talking about maybe some summer moves... not right now. But I think McGee has some value. And I wonder if there is a chance Iggy opts out.

If McGee was gone we wouldn't need Dre and that might clear the way for us to bring billups back cheap this summer.

The Jazz have two free agent bigs and I think they are going to bring one of them back. Plus they have Kantor & Favors. I just see them open to the idea... that's all. I'll let what Tomic is doing speak for itself. The Spurs by the way are supposedly buying a Euro League "big man" out right now. Tomic looks 7'2 bout 250lbs right now.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/ant ... 257/stats/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_pJdXILUp0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCHu6XmdgNI

[Maf]

I always liked Tomic and I'm glad he left Real to finally play minutes he deserves. Last year Real had crazy bigs rotation. Reyes, Mirotic, Begic, Tomic, Ibaka at start of the season... Tough to get minutes in there.
Love to watch him play. But to be honest I'd rather see him to stay. I believe he is still not strong enough for NBA.
Plus playing good in Europe means nothing for NBA. Look at Mozgov. At EURO he is one of the best centers. Pachulia ownes them all.

If there is one big I'd bet to have success in NBA it's Pero Antic. He isn't most skilled but has great hustle, is strong and not afraid to faul hard. So great reserve center for NBA.

[Beorn]

Antic isn't even a C, mate. He's the backup "4" in his team, and one of the most inconsistent players in high-level Euroleague clubs.

[eathb_au]

I don't think this team is in a position to take on unknowns.

One thing lacking are vets and proven players.

[Maf]

Antic isn't even a C, mate. He's the backup "4" in his team, and one of the most inconsistent players in high-level Euroleague clubs.

Comme on. He is about 6'11 and strong. He has no back to the basket game so they play him at 4. But how many NBA centers have any of this skill? Five maybe. Under Bartzokas I wouldn't care if he's starter or not. He give minutes to all his players.

[The Rebel]

Before I opened this thread I knew there was going to be some push for Euro players, fact is most Euro players are busts when they come to the states, or take several years to develop. I don't see the Nuggets trading off some of the young talented guys they have now to take risks on whatever Euro project is popular right now.

The nuggets also need to make some trades to get rid of the redundant pieces and combine them and get an upgrade or 2, hopefully improving the fit while increasing the overall talent on the team.

[Beorn]

Antic isn't even a C, mate. He's the backup "4" in his team, and one of the most inconsistent players in high-level Euroleague clubs.

Comme on. He is about 6'11 and strong. He has no back to the basket game so they play him at 4. But how many NBA centers have any of this skill? Five maybe. Under Bartzokas I wouldn't care if he's starter or not. He give minutes to all his players.

He can't guard bigger players or stretch fours, he jacks 3 pointers like he's Nowitzki, and plays consistently hard only with his national team. Also, he's already 30, and the most disappointing player of his team this year. (OK, Powell is challenging him hard for the "honor" lately )

[pickIBL]

I do like how players are developed in Europe. It all started when Greece kicked our freakin ass, but I have traveled to Europe and I have seen how players are coached from a young age... they drill the freakin crap out of them. It has been good for USA guys too like Brandon Jennings. Europe has been great for Aron Baynes. So great that the Spurs are going after him right in the middle of the season.

This is not a slam on McGee either as I have under rated him. This is praise for Koufos. I am 100% good with Koufos right now in value for the money.

And I was not on the Tomic bandwagon at all until this year. He is that classic big man that matures... and grows into his body later on. He looks so much strong (40lbs stronger) than when the Jazz drafted him.

But I don't think you should look at Europe or anywhere else and assume you are going to get a bust or a star. So we had a bad experience with Skita... and the Wiz are having a terrible time with Vesely. I can name plenty of busts from right here at home.

I thought with McGee that the warriors would like him and maybe we could get a young wing back that George Karl would like to play due to his favoritism of a certain college.