-Jeremy Kloberdanz
News this week coming out of Denver has been perplexing to say the least. The Nuggets let key reserve Linas Kleiza up and leave for Euro Ball, they have been trying to sign Anthony Carter back to the team, and are now actively pursuing the one dimensional services of Wally Szczerbiak.
Linas Kleiza, who was born in Lithuania, has opted to take his game to Europe. He signed a contract with with Greek Olympiakos worth more than $12 million over two years. Kleiza started a bit slow last year but found his stride when it mattered the most. He was a largely sought after player over the past few years and many teams have tried to deal for him. He averaged 9 ppg and 6 rebounds per game last year and was a vital part of the Nuggets advancing to the Western Conference finals.
Anthony Carter is in talks with the Nuggets to return to the team. His numbers are not great but he gave spark and hustle off the bench. Carter ran the second unit as their point guard and was asked to be a defensive stopper on some of the league’s best talent. He may have to share that responsibility with rookie Ty Lawson and help him develop. The terms of the Carter deal have not been disclosed but the Denver Post reports that it is close to being inked.
Finally we come to Wally Szczerbiak. He is a premiere three point shooter but lacks defensive presence. He would come off of the bench nicely and be a good spot up shooter for Melo or Chauncey to kick the ball to but has a lot of liabilities. Szczerbiak would try to fill the void left by Kleiza but lacks Kleiza’s aggressiveness and ability to post up and rebound.
So in a time where all of the best teams in the West continue to get better, the Nuggets are losing players and trying to just stay at the same level as last year. We lost Kleiza and got nothing in return, lost Dahntay Jones and got an unproven Arron Afflalo to be our lock down defender, and are eating up all of our cap money to sign players that may have little impact on our team. The real question remains what direction are we going with our team? Maybe the front office is holding out to make a marquee deal that would catapult the Nuggets back to the top of the conference.
I think Wally Szczerbiak would be a good fit. His “D” is suspect but I think you can put him in at the right times. Go for it!
His D is more than suspect, it is nonexistent! He may be a good fit with the third team but not for the money he will expect to make.