Report: Nuggets expected to promote Calvin Booth to GM

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Denver Nuggets already have their next General Manager in mind. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charanina, the Nuggets will promote Calvin Booth to the GM role.

Booth — a former NBA player, who spent 10-years in the league — will replace Artūras Karnišovas, who was previously the Nuggets General Manager. Karnišovas is now the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations with the Chicago Bulls.

Basketball (Photo by Pixabay.com)

The 43-year-old joined the Nuggets front office in 2017 as their assistant general manager. He also served one season as the Minnesota Timberwolves Director of Player Personnel before joining the Nuggets.

After his playing career came to an end, he joined the New Orleans Pelicans as a scout during the 2012-13 season.

During his NBA career, he played for a lot of teams, as he played for the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Timberwolves, and the Sacramento Kings. He played in the Association from 1999 through 2009.

In his career, including 366 games and 83 starts, he averaged 3.3 points per game. He also averaged 2.8 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in 12.2 minutes per game.

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Throwback: Allen Iverson traded to the Denver Nuggets

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

In this throwback piece, we’ll look back on how the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers fared following the blockbuster deal involving Allen Iverson on December 19, 2006. In exchange for AI, the 76ers acquired Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two 2007 first-round draft picks.

Ivan McFarlin was also involved in the deal. He went from the 76ers to the Nuggets.

Allen Iverson scores a layup against the New Jersey Nets (Getty Images)

He appeared in 135 games, including 134 starts. He averaged 25.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 42 minutes per game.

With the Nuggets, Iverson had an 82-61 regular season record. The team; however, was 1-8 in the playoffs.

His best game with the Nuggets when he was vintage AI when he scored 51 points in a 111-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He was 18 of 27 from the field, including 0-1 from three-point range, and 15 of 18 from the free throw line.

After leaving the Nuggets, Iverson was traded to the Detroit Pistons, then signed with the Memphis Grizzles. Upon his release from Memphis, he signed with the 76ers, where he ended his career.

Miller spent three full seasons with the 76ers. He made 221 appearances, including 220 starts. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.3 assists, and 0.1 blocks in 36.8 minutes per game.

With Miller since he was the main player, who remained for significant time, following this deal, the 76ers went 111-112. The team was 4-8 in the playoffs with Miller on the roster.

He played for six more teams after leaving the City of Brotherly Love.

Smith returned to the 76ers in the trade, as he previously played in Philadelphia in 1997-98. He appeared in 54 games, including 11 starts, following the trade.

He averaged 9.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 25.1 minutes per game. Following his departure from the 76ers, he went on to play for six more teams.

Petteri Koponen was one of the two draft picks. While he was the 76ers 30th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, he has never played in the Association.

Daequan Cook was the 76ers 21st overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He played for four teams in the league, but has not played in the Association since the 2012-13 season.

McFarlin never played with the Nuggets after being acquired in this deal. He spent 11 games with the 76ers before the trade.

Nuggets expected to pick up Millsap’s option

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Denver Nuggets have a young core. But, according to reports, the team is expected to bring back one of its veterans.

The team is expected to exercise Paul Millsap’s option in his contract. He has a $30.5 million salary for next season.

The Nuggets cannot officially exercise his option until the new league year on July 6th when teams can officially make roster moves.

There were some speculation that he might want in free agency had they let him go. But instead, they are bringing him back to continue to mentor their young core.

With Millsap’s extension picked up, the Nuggets are going to be limited in spending in free agency. The team also have the $9.2 million mid-level exception to spend on a pending free agent.

According to the Denver Post, the Nuggets even considered a longer deal, but with a lower annual contract. However, with this deal, as the option will be picked up in days, it gives Denver flexibility next summer when they can begin to look up Jamal Murray, Malik Beasley, along with Juancho Hernangomez, who are all expected to receive contract extensions from the team.

Millsap is the oldest player on the Nuggets roster at 34. Outside of Millsap, the team also had experience from Isaiah Thomas — who may leave the team as a free agent — and Will Barton. Both Mason Plumlee and Gary Harris also have experience over five years on the roster.

This past season, Millsap appeared in 70 games, including 65 starts. He averaged 12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 27.1 minutes per game.

The 12.6 points per game average was his fewest in a decade, as he averaged 11.6 points per game with the Utah Jazz in 2009-10.

“I could see myself being here long-term, for the rest of my career,” Millsap said in March. “I can see this organization and this group of guys making a nice play at the championship.”

Nuggets use hardship waiver, sign Nick Young

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Denver Nuggets signed guard Nick Young on Monday. They signed him after being granted an injury hardship waiver from the NBA.

In a corresponding move, the team released guard Brandon Goodwin.

Nick Young attempting a jumper against Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jeff Green (Getty Images)

Young last played with the Golden State Warriors during the 2017-18 season. He also won an NBA Championship with the franchise after they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in The Finals.

He is also known as Swaggy P and appeared in 80 games last season, including eight starts. He averaged 7.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game.

The 33-year-old Los Angeles, California native will be a reserve for the Nuggets. Denver is presently third in the Western Conference with a 17-9 record.

They trail the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are the top two teams in the Conference. The Warriors had an 18-9 record, while the Thunder has a 16-8 record.

Young is expected to back up starter Gary Harris. Malik Beasley is second, while DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell is third in the shooting guard depth chart, according to ESPN.com. Young is fourth.

This will be Young’s sixth team in his career. Besides the Warriors, he also played for the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 23-year-old Norcross, Georgia native is averaging 23.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game for the Memphis Hustle. He made nine starts and is averaging 33.7 minutes per game in the G-League.

Throwback: Anthony scores 50 in Nuggets loss to Rockets

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Editor’s Note: Jamal Murray scored 48 points on Monday night against the Boston Celtics. He became the first player to score the most points in a game since February 7th, 2011 when Carmelo Anthony scored 50 points in a loss to the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets won 108-103 over the Nuggets on February 7th, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

With the win, the Rockets improved to 25-28. With the loss, the Nuggets fell to 30-22.

Carmelo Anthony takes a free throw against the Miami Heat (Getty Images)

Anthony scored a game-high — and at the time tied a career-high with 50 points. He also had 11 rebounds, one steal, and three blocks.

He also had 50 points against the New York Knicks on November 27th, 2009. The Nuggets won the game 128-125 at the Pepsi Center.

Anthony was one of three Denver players, who scored in double-figures. Ty Lawson had 19 points and Al Harrington contributed 10 points.

The Nuggets had 28 bench points. Lawson led the bench with his 19 points. He also had six rebounds and five assists.

Kevin Martin led the Rockets with 37 points. He also had four rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

Martin was one of five Houston players, who scored in double-figures. Luis Scola added 25 points, while Chuck Hayes had 12 points. Kyle Lowry and Chase Budinger had 11 points each.

Budinger led the bench with 11 points. He also had four rebounds and two steals.

Murray scores career-high in Nuggets win over Celtics

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Boston Celtics on Monday night. The Nuggets won 115-107 over the Celtics at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

The Nuggets improved to 9-1 on the season. They have now won six straight games at home.

Denver has now won five straight games.

Jamal Murray during the Denver Nuggets Media Day (Getty Images)

The Celtics fell to 6-4 on the season. They are now 3-3 on the road.

Boston has now lost back-to-back games.

Jamal Murray scored a career-high 48 points. He also had five rebounds and four assists.

According to ESPN’s Stats & Information, Murray had the most points by a Nuggets player since Carmelo Anthony. He had 50 points on February 7th, 2011 against the Houston Rockets.

His previous career-high was 38 points on January 22nd, 2018 in Denver’s 104-101 win against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Murray was one of four Denver players, who scored in double-figures. Trey Lyles and Gary Harris had 13 points each. Paul Millsap also contributed 10 points.

The Nuggets had 36 bench points. Lyles led the bench with his 13 points. He also had three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

Kyrie Irving led Celtics with 31 points. He also had five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block.

Irving was one of four players, who scored in double-figures. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum had 15 points each. Al Horford also had 12 points.

The Celtics had 26 bench points. Marcus Smart led the bench with his nine points. He also had three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks.

Thomas gets prove-it deal with Nuggets

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Free agent point guard Isaiah Thomas has signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets. He has agreed to a veteran’s minimum, as he signed a one-year, $2 million deal.

Thomas joins the Nuggets after spending the latter part of last season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 29-year-old appeared in 17 games, including one start, with the Lake Show.

Isaiah Thomas is seen here as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers (Getty Images)

He averaged 15.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks, as a member of the Lakers.

After signing LeBron James, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, and JaVals McGee, the Lakers decided to move on from Thomas. He is taking a gamble as he attempts to prove to the league that he is officially back from his injury he suffered against the Cleveland Cavaliers last May.

Thomas began the season with the Cavaliers after being involved in the Kyrie Irving blockbuster deal with the Boston Celtics last September. He appeared in 15 games, including 14 starts, with the Cavaliers before the February 2018 trade deadline deal also involving Channing Frye, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr.

Besides playing for the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Lakers, he also played for the Sacramento Kings. During Thomas’ final season with the Kings in 2013-14, Malone was the Kings head coach, as the team went 28-54.

It was Malone, along with the Nuggets management, who thought Thomas would be a good fit for a sixth man role with the team.

76ers acquire Wilson Chandler

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Once the Philadelphia 76ers lost out on LeBron James — who signed a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers — the franchise had to focus on other options. After the team re-signed J.J. Redick on Monday, the 76ers looked to improve their roster.

On Tuesday, the team acquired swingman Wilson Chandler in a trade with the Denver Nuggets. The team acquired draft considerations in the deal, as well, without sending anything in return to the Nuggets in return.

Wilson Chandler is seen here playing with the Denver Nuggets against the Phoenix Suns (Getty Images)

In terms of the draft considerations, Denver will be sending their 2021 second-round draft pick to the 76ers. In addition, the teams will have the right to swap their 2022 second-round draft pick.

The Nuggets had to trade Chandler in order to give them enough cap space before they’re officially able to sign Will Barton to an extension on Friday. That’s when the free agent period window is lifted and all contracts are official.

Chandler joins the 76ers deep team. He’ll likely back up starting shooting guard T.J. McConnell or small forward Robert Covington.

The 31-year-old Chandler spent the past seven seasons with the Nuggets after being apart of the three-team deal, along with the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 22nd, 2011 to send Carmelo Anthony to New York.

This past season, he appeared in 74 games, including 71 starts. He averaged 10 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.

Chandler returns to the Eastern Conference with this move. He previously played three-and-a-half years with the Knicks before the Anthony deal.

 

 

 

 

 

19-game skid is over! Brooks leads Grizzlies to victory

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Memphis Grizzlies long losing streak is over. They had previously suffered through 19 straight losses in this disappointing 2017-18 season.

The Grizzlies defeated the Denver Nuggets, 101-94, at FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks is seen here attempting to guard Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanović (Getty Images)

With the win, the Grizzlies improved to 19-50. This was their first win since they defeated the Phoenix Suns, 120-109, on Jan. 29th, also in Memphis.

The 19-game losing streak was the second-longest in franchise history. They had a 23-game losing streak as a member of the Vancouver Grizzlies from Feb. 16 through April 2, 1996.

The 19-game losing streak was the longest of any team this season. It also was longer than the 11-game losing streak the team had from Nov. 11th through Dec. 2, before getting a 95-92 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 4.

The Nuggets fell to 38-32 with the loss. Denver has now lost two out of their last three games, as they also lost 112-103 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, March 13th.

Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 24 points. He also had five rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Brooks was one of four Memphis players, who scored in double-figures. Tyreke Evans scored 20 points, while Wayne Selden Jr. added 16 points and Marc Gasol had 14 points.

The Grizzlies had 28 bench points. Selden Jr. scored all of his 16 points off of the bench.

Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets with 17 points. He also had 12 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and four steals.

Jokić was one of six Denver players, who scored in double-digits. Jamal Murray had 16 points, while Paul Millsap and Trey Lyles scored 12 points.

Wilson Chandler and Devin Harris scored 10 points each.

The Nuggets had 31 bench points. Lyles led the bench with 12 points.

Jokić scores career-high against Nets

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Denver Nuggets forward/center Nikola Jokić had a career-high 41 points on Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets. He went 16 of 25 from the field, including four three-pointers.

Jokić also had 12 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in 31 minutes. He also fouled out in the game.

Nikola Jokić (Getty Images)

He has been a hit-or-miss player in his career. Prior to his big effort, he had just two eight point performances in two of his last four games.

Yet, his performance was impressive. And he is averaging 20.8 points over his last five games, with 11.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 2.4 three-pointers per game.

The 22-year-old Jokić, who was acquired in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, has appeared in 10 games this season. He’s averaging 15.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.

Any Corrections?. You can contact Anthony at publisher@thecapitalsportsreport.com.

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