The Denver Nuggets' biggest challenge will be managing its payscale in the next few seasons. Allen Iverson is set to make $20 million next season; Carmelo Anthony will make $13 million; Kenyon Martin will also make $13 million; Nene will make almost $9 million; and Marcus Camby will make $8 million. That's about $63 million split just five ways. Denver made a bold move before last season's trade deadline by acquiring star guard Allen Iverson, but there are still many questions about whether or not AI can co-exist with Anthony. The good news is that Kenyon Martin is cleared to play again, which (if history tells us anything) may only be for a handful of games. Also, Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby looks to be returning, which is a very good thing for Denver, since its defense is suspect. Add to those things the fact that Nene is a year older and hopes to be healthy enough to break out this season. Things are looking up for the Denver Nuggets, though their bench is a bit shallow due to all the heavy contracts.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Marcus Camby 10.6 ppg, 11.4 rbpg, 3.2 bspg (Back up: Kenyon Martin)
- Power Forward: Nene Hilario (aka "Nene") 13.6 ppg, 7.8 rbpg (Back up: Reggie Evans)
- Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony 26.5 ppg, 6.4 rbpg (Back up: Eduardo Najera)
- Point Guard: Allen Iverson 22.8 ppg, 7.6 apg (Back up: Chucky Atkins)
- Shooting Guard: J.R. Smith 10.9 ppg (Back up: Yakhouba Diawara)
Key Losses
Steve Blake was a nice fit for Denver at point guard, but they weren't able to match the Portland Trail Blazers' offer.
Key Additions
The Nuggets replaced Blake with veteran Chucky Atkins, which wasn't a huge surprise.
Team Rumors
There have been many rumors about Marcus Camby being traded. However, if he's dealt, the Nuggets can forget about having much playoff success. Nene had a much better season last year and was relatively healthy, but he can't do it alone in the paint. Kenyon Martin can't be relied on. With the poor defense of Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets badly need Camby's shot blocking. Also, his athleticism and ability to feed the post and hit a jumper fits their needs perfectly in the middle.
Prediction
With Iverson on the roster for an entire season, the Nuggets will finish with a record of 49-33, which will be good enough for the fifth seed in the playoffs. They'll face off against division rival Utah Jazz in the first round and upset them in seven games. Despite the Jazz being a very well-disciplined, up-and-coming team, they are a great matchup for the Nuggets. No one on the Jazz will be able to guard Allen Iverson and despite his defensive ability, Carmelo Anthony will give Kirilenko some trouble. Moreover, Boozer won't have an easy time with Camby, Nene and Reggie Evans. In the second round, the Nuggets will run into the red hot Dallas Mavericks, who will be anxious to amend last season's poor playoff performance. The Nuggets will fall in the second round.
Fantasy Spin
Carmelo Anthony is overrated in terms of fantasy. Kudos to him for improving his rebounding, but other than being an elite scorer, he doesn't really do much for you. If you need scoring, he's a great pick up around the fiftieth pick or so. Still, his turnovers are high and depending on your team needs, there could be better players to nab.
Allen Iverson's stock should drop a bit now that he's on Denver. His scoring should decrease, without much affect on his low field goal percentage, but his assists should remain high or even increase. Still, expect high turnovers, which is typical for him. Don't consider him before picks 25-30, especially if turnovers are factored in.
Marcus Camby is a fantasy basketball stud provided he can stay healthy. If your league takes turnovers into account, all the better for Camby. He's a double-double player, who gets great blocks and even some assists. Also, expect some steals as well.
Nene's also a player worth a look late in your draft. He had his best season last year and should only get better. The same goes for J.R. Smith (if you're looking for three pointers made).
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