| Is Nene The Nuggets Answer? Authored by Luke Layne - July 6, 2005 - 4:05 pm
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In 2004, The Nuggets tried to remedy this problem by aggressively pursuing Manu Ginobili in free agency, but they never acquired him. Instead, the Nuggets landed Kenyon Martin, who added defensive toughness, an attitude and an identity to the team but he is not a player who can create his own shot.
The popular theory in Denver is that the Nuggets need to add a shooting guard who can complement Anthony, and with a projected eight million in free agency they might be able to do just that. However, to acquire a truly dynamic free agent shooting guard like Michel Redd or Ray Allen that player would have to accept less than market value to play for a potential contender like the Nuggets. Another option is that Denver could sign a good, but not great shooting guard or let their own shooting guards like Demarr Johnson develop, but this wouldn’t give the Nuggets the scorer they need next season.
While this popular shooting guard theory is true, it doesn’t address the fact the Nuggets do have a player who can score: Nene. But, he is on the bench. Nene is the only Nuggets' big man who has a strong post game and could eventually become a dominant inside force.
Starting Nene would mean either Martin or Camby would come off the bench or that Anthony would move to shooting guard. While Melo is a wingman he does not have the quickness to defend the Ginoble’s of the league. So, that means K-Mart or Camby would move to the bench. While Camby is perhaps the Nugget’s MVP and best defensive player he might be best suited to come off the bench.
While with the Knicks during the 1999 season Camby came off the bench and provided a great boost to the team. His energy and hustle changed games during the Knick’s playoff run. Camby is a defensive and rebounding force who plays little offense. Offensive players need to get into a rhythm and most can’t do that while coming off the bench.
Nene is no exception as his numbers indicate. While starting he averaged more points, a higher shooting percentage and more rebounds. Nene could possibly give the Nuggets the other player who could create his own shot and help get the Nuggets out of the first round. All they need to do to find out is to start Nene. |
