ESPN's John Hollinger takes a look at the top teams out West and how they can overtake L.A. Let's delve into these big man rumors attached to the Hollinger piece ...
Here is a full link to the story.
And here is what Hollinger had to say about our Nuggets chances at taking out L.A.
Denver Nuggets
Why they think they're close: Because last season they were close. Through four-and-a-half games of the Western Conference finals, you could have made a convincing case they were the better team. The Nuggets have added Ty Lawson and Arron Afflalo since then, giving them two things they lacked in May -- a greyhound point guard whom L.A. can't keep out of the paint and a muscular defender against Kobe's post-ups. As if to prove that point, Denver won the two teams' lone meeting this season by 26 points.
What they need to add: Another big. Marc Stein already has told us about Denver's lust for Jeff Foster, whom the team has been trying to add for at least a year, but other bigs are on its radar, too. The idea is the Nuggets don't have enough to handle Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, and that idea is correct -- L.A.'s size overwhelmed them in the final six quarters of the conference finals last season. Nene and Kenyon Martin both give up inches to their L.A. counterparts, and when the fouls hit, there's little in reserve -- it's basically a three-man frontcourt unit with those two and reserve Chris Andersen.
Unfortunately, Denver doesn't have the assets of some of its Western Conference counterparts. The Nuggets are already over the luxury-tax threshold, and for a perennial playoff team, they have a fairly weak revenue base. As a result, owner Stanley Kroenke is reluctant to add salary unless he can be assured of a major playoff payoff.
About the best Denver can offer is Renaldo Balkman (mildly valuable because his contract declines from $2.03 million to $1.675 million next season if he doesn't hit his bonuses) and a couple of small expiring contracts (Malik Allen and Anthony Carter). The Nuggets can't even include a first-round pick unless they give up the lottery protection on a pick owed to Memphis in June, and even then they'd be trying to trade a 2012 selection. Most GMs won't trade for picks that far in the future because with management shelf lives being what they are, they presume somebody else will benefit from them.
That said, a deal still could happen. Taking on Foster, for instance, may work because Indiana might happily shed the $6.75 million owed to him next season. Other big men also could fit. Washington's Brendan Haywood would be perfect, but he'd also be a tougher nut to pry loose given his expiring deal, especially because the Nuggets appear steadfast in their refusal to put Lawson into any deals.
The prospect of Denver adding another big is just mouth watering. If the Nuggets could land Foster or Haywood, without giving up Ty Lawson or another regular rotation player that would be amazing. Most of the talk around here focuses on who Denver could bring in and I think we have the two main targets in Foster and Haywood.
It's obvious to me that Indiana is just holding out for the best offer for Foster and with recent injuries to some big men around the league and the contenders starting to emerge ... it's just a matter of time before he is dealt. Again, Foster really has no role with the Pacers (as they have in youth movement mode) and could be the missing piece for a team like Denver.
Haywood seems like more of a pipe dream as he has talent, size and an expiring deal. Which of the two would I rather have? I think I'd rather go with Haywood because he has more of an all-around game and can score the ball. Foster however, would be awesome as well. A guy who can cover bigs in the post, is a pest and has a nose for the ball.
If Denver can pull off a deal for either guy it'd be nice to see it get done soon, as the team is getting closer to needing to gel for a stretch run. Also, it'd be nice to get another body in here ASAP to save some wear-and-tear on Nene, Bird and K-Mart.
I think Bird has done a great job this season as it's obvious he's battling injuries and, like some of you have pointed out, he's adjusted his game to being more of an all-around defender and not just a shot blocker. Bird has seen increases this season in minutes, FG%, FT% and rebounding over last season.
Adding another big of Foster's or Haywood's caliber obviously means a decrease in minutes for all the big men, but probably more so for Bird over anyone. I'm not sure that cutting Bird's time back to 15-20 minutes a night, instead of 22 mpg, is such a bad idea either. Bird thrives off going 100% at all times on the floor and it'd be nice to see him come in and give the team a burst of energy for a stretch here and there and then perhaps head back to the bench.
Also, adding another big guy could mean giving a guy a night off here and there if need be and that's never a bad thing. When rumors are flying with specific names, things usually get done. I would be very surprised if the Nuggets stand-pat at this point. I think we can expect the Nuggets to make a move and the question is not if, but when the move will happen.
Just look at the recent track record:
- When Denver was targeting a new point guard to usher in the Melo era, two names were prominently mentioned ... Gilbert Arenas and Andre Miller. What happened? Miller signed with the Nuggets.
- When Kenyon Martin was playing out his contract in New Jersey the Nuggets were said to be one of his suitors. What happened? He was traded to the Nuggets in a sign-and-trade deal that offseason.
- When Allen Iverson was banished from the 76ers the Nuggets again appeared in rumors. What happened? Iverson was traded to Denver.
- Rumors started that Melo was being targeted by Detroit. What happened? Iverson was dealt to Detroit for Billups. Ok, that one caught me off guard.
Where there is smoke there is usually fire ...
