Karl reveals that J.R. is likely to start "in time"...
by Andrew Feinstein on May 26, 2009 5:38 PM MDT
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Friend of Denver Stiffs (and former Nuggets reporter for The Rocky Mountain News) Chris Tomasson just passed on some interesting information regarding the Nuggets starting back court situation for the 2009-10 season.Directly from Tomasson...
Nuggets guard J.R. Smith finished second in voting this season for the NBA Sixth Man Award.
But he might not get any votes next season.
That's because Nuggets coach George Karl revealed Monday that Smith is likely to be the team’s starting shooting guard next season. Karl this season started Dahntay Jones, but he usually only plays about the first nine minutes of each half.
"I think that’s where we’re all heading in time,’’ Karl said Tuesday about inserting Smith, a rising talent, into the starting lineup.
It’s welcome news to Smith.
"It’s cool with me,’’ Smith said. "Whatever he wants me to play, that’s what I’ll play… I’ve started all my life… I love the minutes. I’ll take that regardless.’’
Due to his likely starting role, Karl said next season he wants to reel Smith in a bit, although Karl said it will take some time. Smith is known for regularly hoisting 25-foot jumpers, although he does make a good number.
"Definitely,’’ Smith said about what Karl wants to do. "I got to take better shots. I got to take more consistent shots… I can’t shoot (as many) 25-footers.’’
Jones, an unrestricted free agent after playing this season for the minimum of $926,678, wants to return. But the Nuggets might not offer him any more than next season’s minimum of $1.03 million.
Denver Stiffs take? First off, Karl doesn't guarantee J.R. the starting job in his quote and he tends to speak his mind before thinking it through (hence why the media loves him). But I'm not sure why Karl would even address this now. This could either motivate Dahntay to play even harder or upset him knowing that he's potentially out of a starting job in Denver already. Regarding J.R., using the starting carrot has really motivated him thus far, and I just hope he doesn't lose his edge if he feels he's the presumed starter. I'm all for J.R. starting next season, but not at the expense of the great momentum the Nuggets have now.
And if you're interested, you can catch Tomasson's latest reporting over at FoxSports.com. Check out his article on Phil Jackson starting "psychological warfare."
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by Goldennugget on May 26, 2009 6:30 PM MDT reply actions
I just wish he would not be throwing up gang signs. I've heard some of his defenders claiming they were 3's he was making not "blood" signs, but apparently JR is making more blood comments on his twitter account that would seem to confirm that it WAS a gang sign he was throwing up- does Denver Stiffs have an official position on this matter?
by Anonymous on May 26, 2009 9:08 PM MDT reply actions
however, JR is mature enough to bloom in the starting role and an offseason with Chauncey can only be good
now back to the present, we still have a game tomorrow and friday
so i made this one minute video, which i wanted to post in your preview, but i might as well post it now
http://www.vimeo.com/4857680
enjoy
LETS GO DENVER!!!
by Bektur on May 26, 2009 9:51 PM MDT reply actions
same link once again
http://www.vimeo.com/4857680
by Bektur on May 26, 2009 9:53 PM MDT reply actions
That will confirm it wasn't a gang sign.
by Crash Ball Phil Jackson on May 26, 2009 11:07 PM MDT reply actions
by hoophead on May 26, 2009 11:23 PM MDT reply actions
by Goldennugget on May 27, 2009 9:54 AM MDT reply actions
Based on Chauncey's relationship with him, I wouldn't mind having Sam Mitchell step in and be the coach next season. The coach and the point guard will automatically be on the same page (like uncle and nephew). Then there will be 2 leaders speaking the same message to the up an coming Melo and JR.
by E on May 27, 2009 11:39 AM MDT reply actions
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