According to Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post, Darrell Arthur will not be a full participant when training camp opens next week in Nebraska. Dempsey is reporting that Arthur recently had his knee scoped and will be brought along slowly as camp begins.
Arthur missed a handful of games at the end of the season last year when he was dealing with knee soreness. No word from Dempsey if the knee soreness at the end of last season and the recent scope are related, but the news that one of the Nuggets key players so recently had surgery performed on his knee, even if its minor, is troubling on it’s face. However, the Nuggets are prepared to deal with their power forward being a bit dinged up.
Kenneth Faried still projects to be the starter at this point and Danilo Gallinari and Nikola Jokic both can fill in some minutes at the power forward spot if needed. Additionally, rookie Juan Hernangomez has shone bright in his limited action with the team so far. Indeed, if there is a silver lining in Arthur not being 100% it’s the increased opportunity for Hernangomez. The Nuggets by all accounts are excited about the potential of the young Spaniard and now coach Michael Malone will be able to find increased reps for him.
Arthur’s status will be something to watch closely as the season get under way. Knee injuries have a tendency to be nagging and have the potential to develop into more chronic conditions. The team is undoubtedly smart to take a cautious approach with D.A. The last thing anybody in Denver wants is another training camp injury that ends up having a major negative impact on the season a la Wilson Chandler’s hip injury last season.
