Our newest Nuggets: Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe...

by Andrew Feinstein on Jul 13, 2009 1:44 PM MDT

As discussed last Friday, the Nuggets have consummated yet another trade with their official trading partner; the Detroit Pistons. This time, the Nuggets have acquired the seldom used "shooting" guard Arron Afflalo along with forward Walter Sharpe thrown in and cash from the Pistons in exchange for a future second round pick. I doubt this deal will rank with the Allen Iverson-for-Chauncey Billups trade in the lore of great fleece jobs by the Nuggets, but I suspect it will pay dividends a la the Renaldo Balkman acquisition from the Knicks last summer - another deal where the Nuggets acquired a recent first round pick for next to nothing.

As noted Friday, Afflalo's size and his numbers are eerily similar to the man he in theory is replacing, Dahntay Jones. I don't expect Afflalo to ever be a productive outside shooter (his form alone pretty much sinks that possibility), but that doesn't mean he couldn't fill in as our defensive two-guard presence. Afflalo's also been coached well (until last season, of course), having been tutored by Ben Howland at UCLA and Flip Saunders as a rookie. Look for Afflalo to be the primary shooting guard reserve when starting shooting guard J.R. Smith heads to the bench. Boy, that has a nice ring to it.

I must confess that I know nothing about Sharpe, other than what I just read at DraftExpress.com where they allege he's a poor defender with big upside. Sharpe was already due to play on the Pistons Las Vegas Summer League team, so perhaps we'll get to see him suit up this week. But with Sharpe guaranteed to be paid in 2009-10, this might hurt Denver Stiffs' Summer League favorite Richard Hendrix's chances of making the training camp roster.

With Afflalo and Sharpe on board, the Nuggets are now on the hook to pay 13 players (including Steven Hunter and Antonio McDyess) about $72 million. That's $2 million north of the dollar-for-dollar tax threshold. To fill out the roster, look for Anthony Carter to be re-signed for the league minimum of $1.3 million, a free agent signee by way of remaining mid-level exception money and one of the Summer League guys to crack the squad. In other words, expect a final payroll to be in the $76-77 million range, and that's before a big move for a big man - if such a deal even happens - comes down.

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Finally we get Affalo... i LOVE the deal. Now we just need that big man and another wing. I would prefer the wing be Barnes for the 2.1 mil we have left of our mid level and the big be either David Lee, Drew Gooden, Chris Kamen, Lamar Odom or someone of that nature. From the summer league roster the Hendrix kid sounds like he is built identicle with identicle stats to David Lee but i have herd some people say hes 6'7. I honestly think Denver will wait and look at this Hendrix kid before making a move for another big. I guess we'll wait and see, but i hope something happens at the C/PF spot. We need a banger... bad.

by Garrett on Jul 13, 2009 2:18 PM MDT reply actions

Great move by Denver. But I have to correct you on something Andrew. Last year, Arron Afflalo shot just over 40% from 3point range and made 43-107 attempts, and that was with his limited playing time (only averaged 16.7mpg). Considering DJones could never make a 3pointer, I actually think he can be a big time threat for us. And after reading through some Detroit forums, it appears that indeed Afflalo is a VERY good shooter. Sure, he isn't a scorer, but with JR maning that position that is not what we need.

Great move by Denver!!!

by Jason on Jul 13, 2009 3:09 PM MDT reply actions

Yea Affalo is an upgrade over Jones in everything. I don't know how you can't call someone a threat from behind the arc with a 40% 3pt average with over 100 attemps

by Garrett on Jul 13, 2009 3:25 PM MDT reply actions

Yup, like Channing Frye, we seem to keep finding "fan favorites" -- http://need4sheed.com/2009/07/arron-afflalo-traded.html

I think this is a good pickup and hope that ppl quickly forget about Dantey. Sorry, Mr. Jones, the NBA is a business after all and we did just help you secure $11M -- don't understand why you would be so bent out of shape abt the Nugs rescuing your career.

by Matthew on Jul 13, 2009 3:30 PM MDT reply actions

so what do you guys think of the rumored MArtin, LK, future pick and cash considersations for Amare rumor on bleacherreport?

by Garrett on Jul 13, 2009 3:38 PM MDT reply actions

I too LOVE this move. Afflalo is a HUGE upgrade from Jones, mostly because he can actually shoot. I have watched Afflalo many times and he always impressed me.

More and more the Nuggets are making these small moves that make us one of the deepest teams in the league. Just look at our this depth chart right now...

PG Chauncey/AC/Lawson
SG JR/Afflalo/Weems
SF Melo/Kleiza
PF K-Mart/Balkman
C Nene/Birdman/Hunter

...and this is with the season not even close to being in sight and a TE still hanging around. I have got to say I am beginning to love Wark and what he is doing. He is steadily building a championship contending team.

Andrew, Hoopshype has us at about 70,500,000 with Sharpe and Afflalo. Idk, it might be wrong, just thought I would let you know.

by Goldennugget on Jul 13, 2009 3:46 PM MDT reply actions

i don't see much depth at the big man position at all. Balkman is 6'8... if MArtin or Bird goes down Denver is in DEEP shit. I agree Wark is making incredible moves and bargin moves that will end up being gold, but he still has work to do.

by Garrett on Jul 13, 2009 3:54 PM MDT reply actions

I like this deal. Afflalo is a player I have really wanted the Nuggets to get all along, but I think he isn't D Jones defensively yet and we may lose some of that edge he added to the team. Sharpe will more than likely spend the year in the NBDL. I hope the Nuggets can get a Drew Gooden type into the mix for depth down low.

by Chris on Jul 13, 2009 4:01 PM MDT reply actions

Matt thanks for the link. EVERYBODY on that blog sounds like they are ticked off about this. A lot of comments about how he was a hard worker, good defender and if needed could score enough to help the team out. Again, I am really excited about this guy.

Garrett - We do need another big body, but that's it! Once we get another big, we are officially the deepest team in the league imo. But don't sleep on a healthy Hunter. He might help us out more than we think.

by Goldennugget on Jul 13, 2009 4:10 PM MDT reply actions

Hunter is not going to be healthy enough to play in the NBA ever again more than likely.

by Chris on Jul 13, 2009 4:22 PM MDT reply actions

We'll see. Like i said i think we wait until after Vegas to look at Hendrix, if he doesn't fit what we need i think we go after a big. That's what i am assuming. Unless Wark is quietly working on a big like Amare.

by Garrett on Jul 13, 2009 4:25 PM MDT reply actions

GN - Hoopshype doesn't include Lawson in their chart ($1.438MM).

This is a good solid move:

1. Bonafide back up 2 for less $$$.
2. Doesn't mess with the chemistry.
3. Brings us more cash.

It's a shame we're spending $6.7MM on two guys who will never see the floor (Hunter, McDyess). I remain curious as to how the medical exemption comes into play and how that could help regarding Hunter. Any insight guys?

by My3Cents on Jul 13, 2009 5:41 PM MDT reply actions

This move is an upgrade. Let's just hope we CAN secure a big. If we can land someone at 6'11 to 7'2 that will allow Nene to move between the 4 and 5 spots during the game, giving the offense different dimensions throughout 48 minutes.

C'mon Wark don't let us get run over by the fakers and spurs.

by Joelsopinion on Jul 13, 2009 8:52 PM MDT reply actions

Chris, how do you know that Hunter won't be able to help us? I'm really looking for info about this dude and his condition.
Goldennugget your roster has a serious WEAK LINK in it. Why waste money on him? If one of the PG's goes down we can always bring his sorry ass out of retirement.
Garrett you said the Nuggets had guards for the future, however you forgot GK can wreck a team, that's Bill Simmons comment. I'm incline to agree.

by samiam on Jul 13, 2009 9:58 PM MDT reply actions

Samien that is very true. But unless Karl personally trades one of the three then they will always be there in the future and he won't be. We'll see what Karl does. If he plays AC more than Lawson i will be very upset. AC should be there for security a mentor for Lawson and that's it. He's far past his prime... oh wait he never had a prime.

joel... knowing Wark he is probably working on some crazy deal on a player that none of us have mentioned like Al Jefferson or Andries Biedrins or something. God would i love to have Biedrins. That guy can rebound and plays tough with a nice touch to his shot for a big. One of the most overrate dplayers in the NBA next to Joe Johnson

by Garrett on Jul 13, 2009 10:13 PM MDT reply actions

underrated players, excuse me. Late noght beer league softball wears me out haha.

by Garrett on Jul 13, 2009 10:15 PM MDT reply actions

First off, I don't like Sharpe, but it was the right move to make anyway. I'm happy Denver made this trade for Afflalo because I think he will be a better player than Jones.
Garrett, I hope you're right that Karl has something up his sleeve that none of us are thinking of. It seems to work out best that way sometimes. I like Biedrins a lot; he has improved in rebounding and scoring each of his first five seasons in the league and is only 23 years old. I like him much more than Amar'e because he is more realistic financially and probably a better fit as well. We don't need another great scorer because we have Anthony, JR, and Billups, we just need a very capable big man and Biedrins shoots a very high percentage. He is also a better rebounder than Amar'e and a true center so Nene can play PF with Martin as backup and Birdman as the backup C. I'm big on David Lee, but I think Biedrins is actually the best fit for the Nuggets and would make them a very serious Championship threat.

by Alex on Jul 13, 2009 10:50 PM MDT reply actions

Alex. .. I am too, that's why i threw out his name but GS has only realistically fielded one offer for him and that offer was Amar'e. What does Denevr have that they could offer him? LK? HUnter? I think GS would ask for Nene, Melo or JR... realistically.

by Garrett on Jul 14, 2009 6:49 AM MDT reply actions

Garrett - I think you may be right that it is a little unrealistic. Nene for Biedrins would IMO improve us slightly, keeping Martin as the starting PF. I don't see the Nuggets Management giving up Nene though. Would LK, Hunter, and AC be enough? With a future 1st rounder? Probably not because the Warriors are rebuilidng and Biedrins is a good center for a decade to come.

by Alex on Jul 14, 2009 9:17 AM MDT reply actions

The Warriors wouldn't part with Biedrins, I guarantee. He's young, and perfect for their system. We are alright as we stand. We need a guy like Gortat more than anything. We don't need another star who makes 10 mil and above per year, we just need a solid center.

by Goldennugget on Jul 14, 2009 11:33 AM MDT reply actions

I actually am not a fan of Gortat... i think people are overhyping him way too much. As far as Biedrins is concerned i would easily give up Nene for him. The contracts match exactly and then possibly throw in Hunter's expirering to make some room to sign another big to come off the bench. AD is not as injury prone as Nene. Too bad us fans can only live in fantasy land.

by Garrett on Jul 14, 2009 4:41 PM MDT reply actions

I also think that Gortat does not add anything to a team that already has Nene, Anderson, and Martin. I think Denver would be better off taking their chance with Hunter's health or using Klieza as a part-time PF.
Has anyone thought about Aaron Gray? Obviously he is not a first choice or a starter, but he is a legit 7-footer that could provide 15 or so minutes off the bench. He is young and cheap - the Bulls gave him a QO of $1mil, but they already have 3 C's and 3 PF's. Obviously, I'm still hoping the Nuggets can get a STARTING Center, preferably Biedrins...but here is another (cheaper) option that wouldn't be the end of the world...at least better than petro.

by Alex on Jul 14, 2009 8:17 PM MDT reply actions

Last year when the season was still pre-mature i mentioned Andre Blatche from Washington. Everyone on the thread i was talking too at the time thought i was a nut case. Then come all star break the kid is having a great year. He has crazy athleticism and plays a solid two way game at 6'10. He's much like Tyrus Thomas but underrated. I inquired about the Nuggets trading for him and no one agreed until Blatche blew up and then they all jumped on my bandwaggon. He is the type of player i woudl want Denver to trade for. Washington would be crazy to trade him now, but that's what i want Denver to target.

by Garrett on Jul 14, 2009 11:23 PM MDT reply actions

Two days ago i talk about Blatche and then he drops 27 points and 15 rebounds last night in summer game. Hmm....

by Garrett on Jul 16, 2009 7:23 AM MDT reply actions

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STIFF LIST (as of 2/7 by Andrew Feinstein)

1. THE NUGGETS AT HOME
How is it possible that a Nuggets team with this much talent can be 7-5 at home?! Things have gotten so bad that fans are clamoring for J.R. Smith to return.

2. CARMELO ANTHONY
Kobe Bryant plays through any and all ailments. Melo uses any and ailments as an excuse not to play.

3. KEVIN LOVE
Just when the T'Wolves are looking better, Love stomps on Luis Scola and lands himself a two-game suspension.

4. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
The 'Cats have lost 11 straight and are now 3-21 ... in the Eastern Conference! This is what happens when you let an underwear salesman with a Hitler mustache run your team.

5. MIKE BROWN
Dr. Bunsen Honeydew (Google it!) got himself a one-game suspension for making contact with a referee.

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