Nurkic: "I don't see my future in Denver"

[cl2117]

If you're trading for Nurkic, Zizic would be a backup...if a backup is the holdup, it'd be a shame "potential" hold up a reasonable deal. There will be other teams that want to fill a need for a young defensive center who can go get you a double-double.

Ainge is not trading Zizic in a deal for Nurkic. Ainge probably thinks more of Zizic. Time to focus on other teams. Rozier and a mid first round pick the most the Celtics would offer.

I'm sure you and Danny and sat down and talked about what he thinks of Zizic, you're probably his right hand man If he's so high on him, why did he keep Young and Hunter on the roster instead of Zizic, Young is worthless and Hunters has already been cut a couple of times.

I doubt Nurkic gets traded to BOS anyway, but that offer isn't cutting it.

Ainge and Stevens have actually both mentioned a couple times how high they are on him and excited to bring him over in the future.

Austin Ainge, Danny's son who works in the org, actually just went over before Christmas to Croatia to spend some time with him. They've also lined it up so that he's going to go play under David Blatt for a Turkish team in the Euroleage so he can learn under an NBA coach and play against better competition (he was putting up 20/10 in the Croatian league). Brad said this just this week:

"We've been following him really close," Stevens said. "He's had a great year up to this point. He's got a high motor, he's a tough guy. We're excited about him being a part of our future."

And Blatt had seen him when he was much younger (16-ish) and had glowing things to say about him:

Watch on YouTube

The whole reason to have him stay abroad for another year is to develop getting actual minutes, but also to avoid roster crunch and preserve cap space because it doesn't use up a year of his rookie deal.

He's not just a throw in from the Celtics perspective. I understand the point about him being not being as important to the team if they acquire Nurkic, but Boston is actually so thin in the front court that they could use them both. Plus I think there is potential Zizic is actually going to be better than Nurkic. I'm hesitant to say that on the Nuggets board because he hasn't played against real competition yet and Nurkic has shown a very solid floor with room to grow at the NBA level, but I don't think Celts17Pride is wrong when he says that Ainge wouldn't want to include Ante in a trade for Nurkic. I think they'd make a solid offer for Jusuf in case Denver decides it's better to move him than keep handing him DNPs, but they won't go over the top because they have Zizic likely coming over next year, who projects to fill a similar role.

I think their best offer would be something in the ballpark of Rozier, Memphis 2019 (it's top 8 protected) and Min 2017 2nd. I don't see them doing 2 firsts with Rozier and I think ideally they'd move Rozier because with the Nets pick it's looking increasingly likely that BPA might be a PG so they need to clear that logjam before it occurs. They could offer Young (just for salary purposes) plus 2 firsts (some combo of Boston 2018 (top 10 protected), Memphis 2019, LAC 2019 (lotto protected), but again I think Rozier makes sense as the salary piece and as 1 of the 2 mid-level assets used to tempt Denver.

That's just where I see them going with it. I'd love to get Nurkic, I think he fits well, I like what he did last year and hte start of this one and his contract fits into their goal of flexibility while addressing some of their pressing needs, but again I think they're looking for home-rums and this would be more of a double that could turn into something more.

[SoCalNuggsFan]

Good info cl2117. Yeah I see rozier and the Memphis pick as a pretty reasonable common ground between the 2 teams. I think we have to figure out: 1. If Nurkic can be used as part of a bigger trade, 2. If he's unhappy enough to demand a trade, and 3. What other offers are out there. If 1 is no and 2 is yes and rozier and mem 1st is the best offer I'd take it.

[skywalker33]

Cl2117, I do appreciate the courtesy and care you offer that most other BOS fans don't, I wanted to reply accordingly. Well, I still think the Nuggets would "ask" for him, they have had really good success with Euro bigs. But I really have a hard time with the Rozier offer being bandied around (I think he's not that good) but he could be a decent backup, yet to be determined. Then you have the Nuggets waiting two more years for the main piece, The MIN 2nd is better than the Cav's or Clips 2nd that was offered by the other BOS fan. Personally, I feel the arrogance of those low-ball offers as being just ridiculous, but I see that same kind of crap offers on a lot of forums. Funny, Nuggets players are wanted by other clubs but posters here feel we're pushovers and will accept crap....just not the case.

Sorry if I come across, disgruntled, but that bad loss to PHI didn't reall sit well with me...you're welcome btw !

[NuggetsWY]

I think their best offer would be something in the ballpark of Rozier, Memphis 2019 (it's top 8 protected) and Min 2017 2nd. I don't see them doing 2 firsts with Rozier and I think ideally they'd move Rozier because with the Nets pick it's looking increasingly likely that BPA might be a PG so they need to clear that logjam before it occurs. They could offer Young (just for salary purposes) plus 2 firsts (some combo of Boston 2018 (top 10 protected), Memphis 2019, LAC 2019 (lotto protected), but again I think Rozier makes sense as the salary piece and as 1 of the 2 mid-level assets used to tempt Denver.

Yeah, I hear you about that logjam. Speaking of which, the Nuggets have Mudiay, Nelson, and Murray at PG now and frankly, I don't think Rozier would help the Nuggets. If we trade Nelson, it would make sense. Just speaking frankly, players at his level of play are always floating around somewhere.

Like Skywalker, I appreciate your style of conversation, even though you disagree with us. I do hope you visit more often and please forgive me if I don't visit your team's forum, I just don't think I'm man-enough to handle that place. No disrespect intended. It's not "bad" but it is full of some STRONG opinions.

[skywalker33]

With Nurkic' still on his rookie contract and with RFA ahead, it's obvious we're not in a desperation mode many posters are anticipating/desiring. I do think we'll try to accommodate him but only if the offers is enticing to the Nuggets. These low-ball offers are just poster wet dreams IMO.

[Nuggets_Talk]

Pretty sure you could get Rozier and the Mem pick, along with a 2017 late second to sweeten the deal. However, Boston has plans for Zicic, and has placed him with David Blatt (ex Cavs coach) as coach in the Euroleague recently. Don't think he would be included. Boston doesn't want Nelson. He has been here before and I don't think left on the best of terms. So, my counter offer (as much weight it carries, lol) is:

Rozier, 2017 Clippers or Cavs second round pick (your choice) and Mem 2019 or LA Clips 2019 first round pick, whichever is better. (we own both)

So basically nothing for a couple years and then maybe a role player by 2020?

Nah.

[Nuggets_Talk]

Pretty sure you could get Rozier and the Mem pick, along with a 2017 late second to sweeten the deal. However, Boston has plans for Zicic, and has placed him with David Blatt (ex Cavs coach) as coach in the Euroleague recently. Don't think he would be included. Boston doesn't want Nelson. He has been here before and I don't think left on the best of terms. So, my counter offer (as much weight it carries, lol) is:

Rozier, 2017 Clippers or Cavs second round pick (your choice) and Mem 2019 or LA Clips 2019 first round pick, whichever is better. (we own both)

If you're trading for Nurkic, Zizic would be a backup...if a backup is the holdup, it'd be a shame "potential" hold up a reasonable deal. There will be other teams that want to fill a need for a young defensive center who can go get you a double-double.

Ainge is not trading Zizic in a deal for Nurkic. Ainge probably thinks more of Zizic. Time to focus on other teams. Rozier and a mid first round pick the most the Celtics would offer.

Didn't know Bostons front office posts here.

Ainge is so greedy in his deals he ends up wasting assets and screwing himself. So Boston fans expect the same. Hence nothing ever gets done.

But don't worry. It's very easy to say no to a zizik nurkic swap.

[Nuggets_Talk]

With Nurkic' still on his rookie contract and with RFA ahead, it's obvious we're not in a desperation mode many posters are anticipating/desiring. I do think we'll try to accommodate him but only if the offers is enticing to the Nuggets. These low-ball offers are just poster wet dreams IMO.

Agreed. While it's possible both teams don't get full value the nuggets do need SOMETHING in return. Bench players who will get zero playing time and second round picks aren't even close.

The irony is Celtic fans whine about bad offers when they cannot come up with that's any better.

[skywalker33]

Not a problem,

Ainge is not trading Zizic in a deal for Nurkic. Ainge probably thinks more of Zizic. Time to focus on other teams. Rozier and a mid first round pick the most the Celtics would offer.

I'm sure you and Danny and sat down and talked about what he thinks of Zizic, you're probably his right hand man If he's so high on him, why did he keep Young and Hunter on the roster instead of Zizic, Young is worthless and Hunters has already been cut a couple of times.

I doubt Nurkic gets traded to BOS anyway, but that offer isn't cutting it.

Ainge and Stevens love Zizic. The same reason why you do. Zizic and Yabusele sitting out a year is all about them growing up and salary cap reasons. Amir Johnson, Zeller, Olynyk, Jerebko are all probably gone next year. Slide in Zizic, Yabusele and max cap room to go with Horford. Nurkic would be nice but not that much of a urgency for the Celtics. Ainge won't offer much. Your best bet is another team.

Not a problem, let ainge go with a rookie in Zizic, the current vets will love that, wasting their window of opportunity !! I do like Zizic too, but if we get rid of Nurkic, he'd fit our timeframe ( and your future frame if that's where you're going) but he won't help you for another 3-5 years IMO.

[skywalker33]

Well, a couple of things, Seems we already picked up his $3M option for the 2017-2018 season and Nurkic said he will remain professional about this. I do get the kids frustration but it does appear we'll have control over his situation for the next 18 months or so.

[SMTBSI]

Ainge is so greedy in his deals he ends up wasting assets and screwing himself.

For example?

Recently, the waiving of RJ Hunter is often cited. I don't feel it's applicable.

Bear in mind that the only reason he got squeezed out in the first place is because we chose to bring in Gerald Green to push him and Young. We weren't forced to do that, and, if either of them had shown anything by that point, we wouldn't have. We deliberately set up a situation where they were fighting each other for a roster spot. Also bear in mind that Chicago just cut him for nothing.

Unfortunately, he probably just stinks. If we'd offered him up in trade, some posters would have said, "Boston overvalues their assets, nobody wants RJ Hunter". Then, when we cut him, the same posters will say "Boston overvalues their assets, look they just had to cut a 1st rounder". Can't have it both ways. Sometimes, a guy's just a bust. Young's probably a goner too, for the same reason.

If there's an indictment to be made here, it would be on Ainge's drafting, not his roster management or trade strategy.

[SMTBSI]

Anyway, let myself get sidetracked. Came here to see what Denver fans were saying about Nurkic. Just like with Philly and Noel, I figure it's a longshot cause we're not likely to meet Denver's asking price. But, like cl2117, I also figure we'll put ourselves in the mix just in case bidding stays tepid for some reason, and just tip our caps and bow out when it gets too rich. Rozier, MEM 1st, Zizic is definitely too rich for me.

In fact, cl2117 said everything I'd say, only much better.

Speaking of which, the Nuggets have Mudiay, Nelson, and Murray at PG now and frankly, I don't think Rozier would help the Nuggets.

That's an additional complication, for sure. As already mentioned, due to the PG-heavy nature of this draft, Celtics are probably incentivized to try to make Rozier a component of any trade for a big. Nuggets' lack of need at PG devalues our package in this case, probably making you have to look at a three teamer, which is just one more barrier to entry.

[No-Man]

Cl2117, I do appreciate the courtesy and care you offer that most other BOS fans don't, I wanted to reply accordingly. Well, I still think the Nuggets would "ask" for him, they have had really good success with Euro bigs. But I really have a hard time with the Rozier offer being bandied around (I think he's not that good) but he could be a decent backup, yet to be determined. Then you have the Nuggets waiting two more years for the main piece, The MIN 2nd is better than the Cav's or Clips 2nd that was offered by the other BOS fan. Personally, I feel the arrogance of those low-ball offers as being just ridiculous, but I see that same kind of crap offers on a lot of forums. Funny, Nuggets players are wanted by other clubs but posters here feel we're pushovers and will accept crap....just not the case.

Sorry if I come across, disgruntled, but that bad loss to PHI didn't reall sit well with me...you're welcome btw !

You are doing the same stuff you complain about when you ask for that type of value for Nurkic from BOS, and I am no C's fan, try to be what you preach before you criticize anybody.

[No-Man]

With Nurkic' still on his rookie contract and with RFA ahead, it's obvious we're not in a desperation mode many posters are anticipating/desiring. I do think we'll try to accommodate him but only if the offers is enticing to the Nuggets. These low-ball offers are just poster wet dreams IMO.

How is the MEM pick and a solid prospect in Rozier a low ball offer for a guy like Nurkic that is likely a back-up at best in a really good team, or a really low usage guy anyway even if he starts that doesnt fit your best player, neither is going to be all that valuable due to the current excess of quality bigs in the league?
Quality bigs are easily attainable at this point, Nurkic is good and I was on him way before nobody in the whole internet, there's proof about this, BUT, you can't just get around his issues offensively and the current value non-flexible players like him offer.

[The Rebel]

With Nurkic' still on his rookie contract and with RFA ahead, it's obvious we're not in a desperation mode many posters are anticipating/desiring. I do think we'll try to accommodate him but only if the offers is enticing to the Nuggets. These low-ball offers are just poster wet dreams IMO.

How is the MEM pick and a solid prospect in Rozier a low ball offer for a guy like Nurkic that is likely a back-up at best in a really good team, or a really low usage guy anyway even if he starts that doesnt fit your best player, neither is going to be all that valuable due to the current excess of quality bigs in the league?
Quality bigs are easily attainable at this point, Nurkic is good and I was on him way before nobody in the whole internet, there's proof about this, BUT, you can't just get around his issues offensively and the current value non-flexible players like him offer.

What exactly are his issues offensively?

[No-Man]

With Nurkic' still on his rookie contract and with RFA ahead, it's obvious we're not in a desperation mode many posters are anticipating/desiring. I do think we'll try to accommodate him but only if the offers is enticing to the Nuggets. These low-ball offers are just poster wet dreams IMO.

How is the MEM pick and a solid prospect in Rozier a low ball offer for a guy like Nurkic that is likely a back-up at best in a really good team, or a really low usage guy anyway even if he starts that doesnt fit your best player, neither is going to be all that valuable due to the current excess of quality bigs in the league?
Quality bigs are easily attainable at this point, Nurkic is good and I was on him way before nobody in the whole internet, there's proof about this, BUT, you can't just get around his issues offensively and the current value non-flexible players like him offer.

What exactly are his issues offensively?

he wants his touches and cant finish or post up, he could work better as a PnR finisher, but it's not something that he is gonna be okay with, like many other guys to have the right attitude and play hard you need to feed him the ball even if those situations are not good for the team.
Nurk is solid on defense, but unless he simplifies his offensive game and really buys in, he is never going to be more than a back-up.

[The Rebel]

How is the MEM pick and a solid prospect in Rozier a low ball offer for a guy like Nurkic that is likely a back-up at best in a really good team, or a really low usage guy anyway even if he starts that doesnt fit your best player, neither is going to be all that valuable due to the current excess of quality bigs in the league?
Quality bigs are easily attainable at this point, Nurkic is good and I was on him way before nobody in the whole internet, there's proof about this, BUT, you can't just get around his issues offensively and the current value non-flexible players like him offer.

What exactly are his issues offensively?

he wants his touches and cant finish or post up, he could work better as a PnR finisher, but it's not something that he is gonna be okay with, like many other guys to have the right attitude and play hard you need to feed him the ball even if those situations are not good for the team.
Nurk is solid on defense, but unless he simplifies his offensive game and really buys in, he is never going to be more than a back-up.

The guy scoring 52.9% can't finish or post up? Sorry but his problem is not that he can't finish or post up, it is that he rushes things at different points, as many young players do especially when their minutes are being jerked around and they are benched for minor mistakes. Nurkic has no problem getting around or through just about anybody in the NBA on post ups, he is good in the post if he would slow down.

As for just being solid on defense, you are fooling yourself, anybody who has watched the Nuggets continually for the last 3 years knows that Nurkic is much more than solid on defense, and he has turned around many games on his defense alone.

[skywalker33]

Cl2117, I do appreciate the courtesy and care you offer that most other BOS fans don't, I wanted to reply accordingly. Well, I still think the Nuggets would "ask" for him, they have had really good success with Euro bigs. But I really have a hard time with the Rozier offer being bandied around (I think he's not that good) but he could be a decent backup, yet to be determined. Then you have the Nuggets waiting two more years for the main piece, The MIN 2nd is better than the Cav's or Clips 2nd that was offered by the other BOS fan. Personally, I feel the arrogance of those low-ball offers as being just ridiculous, but I see that same kind of crap offers on a lot of forums. Funny, Nuggets players are wanted by other clubs but posters here feel we're pushovers and will accept crap....just not the case.

Sorry if I come across, disgruntled, but that bad loss to PHI didn't reall sit well with me...you're welcome btw !

You are doing the same stuff you complain about when you ask for that type of value for Nurkic from BOS, and I am no C's fan, try to be what you preach before you criticize anybody.

Whether in the BOS forum or here I am not going to let anyone tell me that a low-ball offer is good for my Nuggets players. Rozier hasn't lit up the league, it's not like I asked for a BKN pick and to be offered a LAC or CAV's 2nd is ridiculous, might as well off a top 55 protected 2nd. If Nurkic were to be traded to BOS he'd surely be a starter there, so you're advocating a backup PG, a draft pick 2 years away and a late 2ns is good value for a promising young C.....get utta here with that crap. If you want value, give value ...it fills a need for BOS, not for DEN.

And you have a lot of nerve given how you put out some of the worst mock drafts I've seen. Just because you're in love with your Euro players you put them in unrealistic draft position, they're pathetic, yet you stand by them ....pot meet kettle, you're not worthy of preaching to anybody !!!

[Dzon Dilindzer]

what do you guys think, could Mavs make a move on Nurkic

I can see him very much willing to go there, where he would be starting C, and Melvin Hunt is assistant coach there, with whom he had very good relationshio apparently.. what would Mavs offered for him, and what would you ask

[NuggetsWY]

what do you guys think, could Mavs make a move on Nurkic

I can see him very much willing to go there, where he would be starting C, and Melvin Hunt is assistant coach there, with whom he had very good relationshio apparently.. what would Mavs offered for him, and what would you ask

Hmmm, they do have a couple of younger players, perhaps the most interesting is Dorian Finney-Smith. Not sure that's a straight up trade. They could perhaps add a young big or more likely a draft pick. Still not sure about that trade though. Someone else might feel differently.