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Nuggets report, October 19

Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 19, 2007 at midnight

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Ginger step forward

Seven weeks after injuring his right calf during an Olympic qualifying tournament, Nuggets forward Nene practiced for the first time, running the floor during a light workout Thursday at Metro State.

"It's all right," Nene said. "Sore a little bit, hurt a little bit, but I've got to do something."

Nene wants to play in two of the Nuggets' final three exhibition games; that might be too optimistic.

Coach George Karl said he does not expect Nene to be ready for Tuesday's home game against Milwaukee, and it makes no sense to play Nene in road games Thursday and Oct. 26.

Asked if Nene could play one exhibition game, Karl said: "I hope so."

Competition thickens

With point guards Anthony Carter (broken right hand) and Chucky Atkins (groin strain) sidelined for much of training camp, the Nuggets signed Mike Wilks to a nonguaranteed deal.

Wilks, 28, averaged 3.6 points and 1.7 assists in 47 games with Seattle last season. He also has played for Atlanta, Minnesota, Houston, San Antonio and Cleveland during his five-year career.

Wilks will compete with Anthony Roberson for a job as the Nuggets' emergency point guard, but such a position might not exist for long. Atkins returned to practice Thursday, and Carter is set to see the doctor today for a progress update.

Etc.

• Nuggets fans will have a chance to go behind the scenes today when NBA-TV televises practice at the Pepsi Center. Coverage begins at 11 a.m.

• Martin reported no problems with his surgically repaired right knee after playing 15 minutes Tuesday. He plans to play against Milwaukee and in one of the Nuggets' final two exhibition games. "Not trying to do too much," he said. "Last year taught me a lot of patience, which I didn't have before."

• Before their open practice Thursday, the Nuggets mingled with students at Metro State, playing pool in the Tivoli game room and signing autographs in the food court.