Iverson hopes to finish a Nugget

Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News

Monday, March 5, 2007

Allen Iverson has been in Denver just 2 1/2 months. He already knows he'd like to re-sign in 2 1/2 years.

"I want to be here," the Nuggets guard said Sunday. "I want to finish my career right here."

Iverson, 31, admits he's disappointed with Denver's play since his Dec. 19 acquisition from Philadelphia. But he believes the future remains bright.

Iverson is under contract next season for $19 million and indicated he has no plans to opt out of the $20.8 million he's due in 2008-09. When the summer of 2009 arrives, Iverson is hopeful of re-signing.

"I would love to do that," Iverson said. "Hopefully, that's the way it will work."

The Nuggets are 14-20 since getting Iverson and are No. 8 in the Western Conference playoff race. Iverson believed "it'd be a lot better," but he is thinking long term.

"I don't want to move to another situation," Iverson said of when his contract runs out. "I like this situation so much. I'm just looking forward to training camp with all of my teammates and not having to deal with the trade and all the injuries. I want to start a whole season and see how well we can do."

Iverson will be 34 when his deal expires. He's "hoping" to play until he's 38 but is determined not to stagger to the finish line.

"I want to leave the game sort of like Reggie Miller left, just at the point where he was still at a high level,"' Iverson said. "I want to go out at the top of my game."

NUGGETS EYE THREE: The Nuggets, considering signing a player to a 10-day contract, worked out three swingmen Sunday.

On hand were 6-foot-5 Von Wafer, 6-7 Luke Jackson and 6-6 Joe Shipp, who all primarily have played this season in the NBA Development League. Wafer last week was let loose early from a 10-day contract with the Clippers and Jackson had a 10-day deal with the Clippers in January.

"The workout went pretty good, but it was hard getting back into the altitude," said Wafer, who averaged 20.5 points for Colorado and said he'll return to the 14ers if the Nuggets don't sign him.

The three were to work out again this morning and more will be known on what the Nuggets, seeking shooting help because of J.R. Smith's left knee injury, might do. Coach George Karl wouldn't discuss the matter.

"I think I'm a good shooter and a team player," said Shipp, averaging 18 points for Albuquerque. "I'll do whatever I can to help."

Shipp, who also has played overseas since getting out of California in 2003, is the only one of the three without NBA experience. Wafer also played last season for the Lakers and Jackson spent the past two years with Cleveland while battling back and wrist injuries.

"I'm healthy now," said Jackson, averaging 13.7 points for Idaho. "I was a high NBA pick (No. 10 in 2004), but I didn't fail. I was never healthy."

The Nuggets also have shown interest in Casey Jacobsen, who is playing in Germany. But Jacob- sen's preference is to return to the NBA for the rest of the season rather than on a 10-day contract.

INJURY UPDATE: Smith did some light court work and is optimistic about returning March 15 against the Lakers. Smith, who will have the knee drained shortly, was ruled out for three to four weeks after arthroscopic surgery Feb 21.

"I ran on it and it felt good, but I just want to get the swelling and stuff out," Smith said. "I can't really bend my knee as much as I want to. I really can't jump the way I want to because of swelling."

Athletic trainer Jim Gillen said Smith could do extended court work Thursday. He could go through a full practice as soon as Saturday.

Center Marcus Camby missed practice because of a bruised tailbone suffered drawing a charge Friday from Houston's Tracy McGrady. He's expected to play Tuesday against the Hornets, a game forward Eduardo Najera called "huge" for playoff position.

ETC.: Karl isn't disappointed with the Nuggets' record. "We should be given some awards," he said of overcoming suspensions and injuries. Karl is "tired of making excuses . . . because we can have an excuse-filled season or we can change." . . . Iverson said Karl has talked with the team about he and Carmelo Anthony "not forcing stuff." "He doesn't want us holding the ball playing against the strong side of the defense," Iverson said. . . . Forward Reggie Evans said he's "not tripping out" about being benched three of the past four games.

tomassonc@RockyMountainNews.com