Karl can't hide love for Afflalo's game
by Nate Timmons on Dec 6, 2011 12:39 PM MST
in Denver Nuggets: Free Agent News
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PrintThe fun part about NBA free agency is the cat-and-mouse game that teams must play with players. Don't tip your hand too much as leverage is the name of the game. Well, Nuggets head coach George Karl can't help but say good things about Arron Afflalo. The young shooting guard's importance to the Nuggets is becoming one of the worst kept secrets in the NBA.
If you haven't had a chance to see Karl get interrogated by the local media at the Pepsi Center yet, check it out (right here). Karl touches on not being allowed to travel to see his guys play overseas, but does touch on Kosta Koufos, Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, and Timofey Mozgov. He goes on to talk about how the wacky 66 game season could play out and the four teams that are a lock to make the playoffs out West. Karl thinks his team will take the role of the underdog again and speaks about teams over stars.
But the parts that I really liked were his words about Afflalo. It's no secret that the Coach likes Afflalo's game on the court and enjoys his work ethic as well. Afflalo has seemed like a player that coaches would kill to have on their team. I pulled these quotes from the press conference:
Karl: "I think Arron has become our most intangible glue guy on our team. When we evaluate why we lost in the playoffs, free throw shooting was No. 1 and not having Arron Afflalo was probably No. 2."
"If you look at last year ... I couldn't take Arron off the court. Even when we had Carmelo and Chauncey, Arron was this foundation of consistency at the basics of the game. As the season went on I was amazed. I felt naked not having him on the court. Then when we changed the team, there was probably never a growth of unity because it happened so fast and we had a lot of wins. Arron was kind of that glue that made everything work and fit."
I couldn't agree with Karl more here. It pains me to recall all those painful clangs from the charity stripe, but not having Afflalo was key in that series. Nuggets fans could see how well Afflalo was playing and how important his offense and defense were to the team. Had Denver not been missing their shooting guard, who knows how that series would have turned out. But living in the past isn't what this lesson is about, but rather that moving forward with Afflalo makes the Nuggets a much better team.
The scary part about Karl coming out and saying such great things about Afflalo? If another team sees how important Arron is to Denver's plans and tosses a big fat deal at him.
A bit of good news ... if you go scan Blog a Bull, SB Nation's fantastic Chicago Bulls site, there is literally NO TALK of Afflalo on there right now. It's all Caron Butler and Jason Richardson. The Bulls can't really afford to pass up unrestricted free agents and tie up money for three days in the form of an offer to restricted free agent Afflalo.
I feel pretty good that the Nuggets will be able to bring Afflalo back into the fold and it's nice to know that our Coach is excited about having him back on the team as well.
Manimal and Hamilton sightings ...
For those of you who don't know, Nuggets rookie Kenneth Faried likes to be called "Manimal" and he is in Denver and running full court games at Pepsi Center! The other rookie, Jordan Hamilton, sounds like he has been in Denver since Friday Dec. 2nd and warned Faried about the high altitude workout.
Faried was on Twitter asking for places to eat in Denver and complaining about the cold weather as well. Isn't this kid from New Jersey? Toughen up young man!
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I said 8-9
It’s a bit much but we’re gonna have to bit the bullet on this one to keep him. Sounds like he has quite the list of suitors.
Yeah but if he really is as important as Karl says maybe he's worth it
Good write up Nate
I don’t mind matching any/all deals for Afflalo if Denver can’t agree to a contract with him on their own. I think he’s a key player and scoring combos of Lawson (10-15 ppg), Afflalo (12-20 ppg), and Gallo (15-25 ppg) will be a nice rotation for the Nuggets.
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I put 6-7
That is where I think his value is given his somewhat limited track record (1 very solid year). I won’t be mad at 8-9. However, over 10 is crazy to me. I like AAA but when a player signs a contract you shouldn’t question it before the ink has a chance to dry….and that’s where the Nuggets would be at 10 and above.
i did 6-7 milli as well
i understand 6 is lowball. but 9 is too rich for my blood. had 7-8 been an option that would have been my pick.
by calvin brodus on Dec 6, 2011 2:58 PM MST up reply actions
I'd put him at 8 to 9
That seems to be the value sweet spot for an RFA that’s valued as much as the Nuggets value AAA…anything over 10 then…let him go.
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Then we can bring back a newly amenstied
Dontay Jones at 1-2 mill.
Everybody respects his game but how many teams would actually drool over him,
see him as a key. Who knows if he’d still be a glue guy on a different team. Afflalo is like the luxury that every team would love to have, once they’ve filled their top priorities.
The thing about Karl is that he basically tells the truth . .
. . .’cept when he lies like a rug. Like all last season telling everyone that ’Melo was a good soldier until they got rid of him.
Front load his contract
I don’t care how much he makes over the life of the contract, but we need to think future here. We could sign him to a five year deal worth 40 million, and then pay him 16 mil. this year and 6 or so for the following four years. Leave enough space to sign Wilson Chandler in March and other FAs, but we need to use the cap space this year to our advantage so that the class of 2012 is accessable. Be smart Nuggets!
8-9 mil
is what he will get. It looks like according to hoopsworld Chicago and Atlanta are working on a sign and trade that sends Crawford to Chicago. What do you guys think of the Nuggets bringing AAA back, assume Nene leaves and then sign Jason Richardson to play SF? Then go out and sign maybe a Nick Young or someone else to back AAA up?
Ty/Miller
AAA/j-Ham? (Young)
J-Rich/ Faried
Gallo/Kouf/Big Al
Mozgov/Bird
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I'd hesitate playing Gallo at the 4...he's much more suited to be a three
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by Jeffrey Morton on Dec 6, 2011 4:16 PM MST up reply actions
that's too bad
a lineup of Ty AAA Rich and Gallo could shoot the opponent out of the gym or shoot themselves into a blowout loss haha
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Even though Gallo gives alot of effort...he'd use TOO much effort defending the 4
and you need his scoring. The three makes the most sense. Gallo always gives 100% effort but wearing him out against big 4’s would be counterproductive until he settles into a groove (ala Dirk Nowitzki who built up his rep so he doesn’t get beat on alot and gets the calls)
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by Jeffrey Morton on Dec 6, 2011 4:23 PM MST up reply actions
If
you have Faried at the 3 you could play Gallo at the 4 on offense, then switch on D. Problem is, Faried doesn’t seem to be much of a ball handler or shooter, so I’m not sure he can play the 3 with any sort of efficiency
Depending on Faried for anything other than defensem rebounds and the occasional alley oop dunk
would be asking too much.
Overheard during Nuggets radio broadcasts in the 80's: "....Hanzlik.....HEY HANZLIK...don't ever dribble the ball again or I'll bench your ass!" Doug Moe
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by Jeffrey Morton on Dec 6, 2011 4:26 PM MST up reply actions
Bill Simmons goes heavy into Arron Afflalo: http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7323610/the-third-day-nba-christmas
national coverage for AAA!
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Dalembert to Denver?
Simmons hypothesizes he’ll end up in Denver. Wow, that would suck. Especially at that salary.
I dunno, but I’d be surprised if Indiana threw out that type of money for Afflalo. Especially after trading out of the draft to get George Hill.
I love Afflalo, but if some team really wants to pay him $12,500,000 per season, I’d let him go and go in full rebuild mode. He plays great defense and has great intangibles, but $12 million plus for him is ridiculous.
Great article btw.
No way Dalembert ends up here
I just don’t see us forking out that kinda dough to ANYONE not named Nene
He has AAA going to Indiana
And us signing Dalmebert. Clearly a Denver hater.
Woj says Paul deal getting close...
It’s between Clippers, Warriors and Boston, likely handicapped in that order.
Schedule schedule schedule!
http://www.nba.com/nuggets/schedule/
"J.R. SMITH! WITH NO REGARD FOR COMMON SENSE!" - Future Kevin Harlan Quote
"They're two-deep at the crazy position!" - Kenny "The Jet" Smith.
Just one b2b2b
Early february, all west coast. @Clippers, vs.Lakers, @Portland
"J.R. SMITH! WITH NO REGARD FOR COMMON SENSE!" - Future Kevin Harlan Quote
"They're two-deep at the crazy position!" - Kenny "The Jet" Smith.
There's 2 b2b2bs
Dec 31, Jan 1-2
@ Lakers, vs Lakers, vs Bucks
Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!
How the world will end in 2012: George of the Roses builds a Machine that Pommels everyone with La Violencia during Whiteouts.
Yeah, I was just typing to correct my mistake.
Thanks.
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"They're two-deep at the crazy position!" - Kenny "The Jet" Smith.
9 TNT/ESPN appearances
5 NBATV appearances, if you have that station.
"J.R. SMITH! WITH NO REGARD FOR COMMON SENSE!" - Future Kevin Harlan Quote
"They're two-deep at the crazy position!" - Kenny "The Jet" Smith.
Is it worth buying out Chandler's China contract?
Would Chandler be OK coming off bench or would he get pouty?
Maya: "What are your first impressions of Denver?"
Mozgov: "I must break you..."
Can't buy it out.
The CBA made that clear that any team that takes any sort of deal would forfeit the rest of their season
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Denver Nuggets dove c'e squadra nel basket
GALLLLLLLLLLOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by The U.N. Fab Five on Dec 6, 2011 5:36 PM MST up reply actions
well
I read he could give back all the cash he’s made so far, plus 1million and they might consider it.
But his agent said they haven’t asked for that as of yet.
by InboundingLobPass on Dec 6, 2011 6:57 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
That can happen but the CBA made it crystal clear that any team that Did that exact thing would forfeit all remaining games and their playoffs
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Denver Nuggets dove c'e squadra nel basket
GALLLLLLLLLLOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by The U.N. Fab Five on Dec 6, 2011 7:06 PM MST up reply actions
Why would the owners, or the players for that matter put...
… something like that in the CBA? Is David Stern associated with Mao or something? Doesn’t make sense…
Maya: "What are your first impressions of Denver?"
Mozgov: "I must break you..."
I just went over the schedule and
3 things jumped out at me
1. 2 b2b2b’s the first being a Home and home vs Kobe and either DH12 or CP3
The second one we get screwed @Clippers, home vs Lakers , @blazers
2. 7 game road trip from March 23 to April 4
3. The 9 game home stand right before that from March 5 to March 21
Those 16 will make or break the season. I’m guessing they go 11-5 in that stretch.
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Formerly JR2
Denver Nuggets dove c'e squadra nel basket
GALLLLLLLLLLOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by The U.N. Fab Five on Dec 6, 2011 6:02 PM MST reply actions
Nuggets gonna be partying with Lakers NYE?
Oh, I know which Broadway clubs I’ll be hitting that night.
"No one likes a beggar slightly overdressed"
Afflalo is a great complimentary player
but really, what would any of the teams with all that cap space want with a complimentary player at 8m+/year? For example, the Pacers’ best perimeter player was Danny Granger (17.8 PER)… do they really want to lock up a bunch of cap-space 4 years out on a complimentary perimeter player when they don’t have anything worth complimenting yet?
Teams that would really want him are contenders like the Bulls, but they can’t offer more than the 4/22 MLE.
Denver should re-sign him since he’s a good and worthwhile player, but 4/30 or 5/36 should be the max they offer.
i keep dancing on my own.
ugh, read "complement" for "compliment"
although Afflalo is also a player worth complimenting as well.
i keep dancing on my own.
Homophones are a bitch
:)
I screw ’em up all the time. Wish we could edit posts here.
All that said, I do think AAA is a step above your typical role player. He’s been pretty clutch. I’d be happy to go a bit more than $8 million for him, since there isn’t much else up there that really interests me, save bringing Nene back, but that isn’t going to happen.
"No one likes a beggar slightly overdressed"
I voted 12-13 because it's not my money
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Big News
stevekylerNBASteve Kyler
Denver looks like they’ll make big offer to Thaddeus Young… he’s restricted Philly would have 3 days to match.
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so we won't resign Chandler?
he’s a sf. Where does he fit in.Is the intention to move Gallo to the 4? So many questions….
this is how i see it
2 scenarios:
Scenario A: Offense: Ty, AAA, Young, Gallo, Moz Defense: Ty, AAA, Gallo, Young, Moz
Scenario B: AAA signs with Indiana fr 50 mil and Nuggets decline to match. Sign Young for 4 years 10 mil per (idk what the actual amount is) and then they should sign David West. Is this likely? No, but could you imagine a lineup of:
Ty/Dre
Young/J-HAM
Gallo/Faried
West/Kouf
Moz/Bird
That’s a huge lineup.
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Do not like
Not really addressing any of Denver’s needs, you know?
I think with or without Nene, power forward is the position that needs the most attention.
"No one likes a beggar slightly overdressed"
there's nothing out there
besides tanking and drafting Sullinger =) jk but yea David West? Worth the risk? Not sure. Not saying I agree with what they are doing but it is interesting. For all we know they could be shopping Gallo around for a big or something crazy!
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Trading Gallo would be worth it
Just so I don’t have to hear all the “cock” jokes here every time he hits a three.
"No one likes a beggar slightly overdressed"
haha
He would be worth it for Josh Smith and a 1st as well.
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There is quite a lot of d*cking around when that happens……
Crouching moron, hidden smarta**
Optimism, pessimism, F*CK THAT; we're gonna make it happen. As God as my bloody witness, I'm hell-bent on making it work.
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more twitter news
Small free agent update… @sam_amick reporting that Denver’s Nene had positive meeting with Nuggets and leaning towards a return…
I won't believe it
’Til I see it.
But I will take it as a positive that they are even talking.
"No one likes a beggar slightly overdressed"
I just saw that too
If that happens it will be huge. He may not be a super star but I think at PF he could be an All Star. This team looks a lot better with him.
Ty /Dre
AAA/ Hamilton/Forbes
Gallo/Faried
Nene/ Kof/ Bird
Moz/ same as above
I didn’t include hamburger because in my vision he gets amnestied
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Denver Nuggets dove c'e squadra nel basket
GALLLLLLLLLLOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by The U.N. Fab Five on Dec 6, 2011 9:39 PM MST up reply actions
lacking a 6th man
Thadeus Young anyone??
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Why is Faried listed as a SF in your lineup
The guy is definitely KMart’s replacement (undersized PF) who will be sicknasty at that position. He does not belong anywhere else but the 4 spot.
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
If Nene re-signs (I really think Ujiri stressed he would play PF)
It should be
PG: Ty/Dre/AC (you know he will do it for free, so accept it ).
SG: AAA/Forbes/ Shannon Brown
SF: Gallo/Hamilton/ Harrington/ Chandler (when he returns) or Young
PF: Nene/ Faried/ Harrington (I will give him a shot, he could have worked hard)
C: Moz/ Koufus/Bird
We still would probably have cap room depending on how much Nene signs. But I really think Moz will be amazing (as someone said Arvydas Sabonis).
Bird will hopefully be healthy too. I could see that team beat the Thunder if everyone is healthy. Way more dynamic than the last time we faced them (assuming Hamilton can light it up even if it is 30% of what JR did)
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
If the other team has a small PF
We can use Faried at PF and Nene at C.
If the team has a huge lineup, we could trot out our big lineup. And if George wants to have fun. Moz/Kouf/Nene/Gallo/and Dre.
But he is more likely to play Nene/Faried/Gallo/Dre/Ty for his small ball lineup. Hopefully it isn’t that often.
This lineup is dynamic.
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
ive heard
Faried meantioned at the 3 and 4… hell no to Shannon Brown.
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by NastyNessy71 on Dec 6, 2011 10:20 PM MST up reply actions
Why no to Shannon Brown?
He has a ring, knows the Laker’s weaknesses, and is very similar to JR in terms of athleticism and 3 point shooting. Not as good a defensive player as JR, but remember how he shifted the momentum in the Lakers ’09 series. He has the capability to do that and has stated he thinks a Lakers return is unlikely.
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
i just hate
that he played for the Lakers
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by NastyNessy71 on Dec 6, 2011 10:26 PM MST up reply actions
There’s some kind of an inflation when you played with Kobe.
Crouching moron, hidden smarta**
Optimism, pessimism, F*CK THAT; we're gonna make it happen. As God as my bloody witness, I'm hell-bent on making it work.
"This team is going to win a Super Bowl at some point."
Masai Ujiri, Brian Cashman: Magnificent Bastards
I remember seeing Brown
On the court when Kobe wasn’t on the court. He may have the benefit of Gasol and Bynum, but I still think he is talented enough to light it up. Then we won’t have to go after Thadeus Young.
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
no is brown close to JR in 3pt shooting
by InboundingLobPass on Dec 7, 2011 1:02 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Shannon Brown
doesn’t have the handle of JR and somehow can take more confusing shots. He has shooting streaks, but despite starting the season last year looking like JR Smith from 3, hitting well above 40%, he shot pretty terribly for the rest of the season. I loved Shannon, but he’s no JR Smith man. He makes JR look like the model of consistency
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the end game." - Charlie Wilson
"I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence." -Lupe Fiasco
"He amkes JR look like a model of consistency"
That is sort of like saying: That hurricane made the typhoon look like a spring day.
I just want to see
Bird and Faried on the court at the same time. Faried could clean up all of the pump fakes Bird would fall for, and no one would ever get a clean shot in the paint.
And so the emotional see-saw of whether he is going to stay here or leave begins
I don’t know what Ujiri has up his sleeve, but I like the man. I just get good vibes from that guy cause he really worked hard for everything and knew how to get things done. He seems very personable and smart (I mean that Moz pickup which he was mocked for may be his biggest move, oh and of course drafting Hamilton and Faried who I know will be NBA ready now).
If anyone can convince Nene to change his mind it would be Ujiri
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
Get it done Ujiri, you magnificent bastard.
Crouching moron, hidden smarta**
Optimism, pessimism, F*CK THAT; we're gonna make it happen. As God as my bloody witness, I'm hell-bent on making it work.
"This team is going to win a Super Bowl at some point."
Masai Ujiri, Brian Cashman: Magnificent Bastards
Ujiri is a hustler
He hustled his way to the top.
He hustled the Knicks.
He hustled the Trailblazers.
I love this guy!
DenverStiffs > MileHighReport
by KevinAwesome on Dec 6, 2011 11:54 PM MST up reply actions
He's been great!!!!
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More Nene news
http://www.hoopsworld.com/videocast-2011-free-agency-predictions-and-more/
At about the 38:30 mark, Bill Ingram of hoopsworld claims there’s basically no way Afflalo or Nene leave.
It would be amazing if they could pull this off.
I would tip my hat.
Now I am getting really excited
But if Nene and AAA are re-signed. Try going after Gasol just to see if we can get him. If not, I am still very happy with Moz going forward.
We would probably sign Forbes and AC for small contracts. We would just need to sign a SG and not a SF unless they picture Hamilton as a SG which I don’t think he is.
Gotta love the haterz. Keep that hate a comin'
Ha ha
Don’t think we’d have any money left to do that.
Think we’d have enough for a few MLE guys is all. And, really, I think a few good fits will make Denver a competitive team in the west. Not top-tier, but…. Good enough.
"No one likes a beggar slightly overdressed"
Check out who else Karl couldn't hide his love for
It’s a high school photo of our man George with a gal pal. Worth a look for the color coordination alone.
From SI.com’s @si_vault twitter feed.
http://twitter.com/#!/si_vault/status/144146213204271104/photo/1
No. More. Stickyball.
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