Answer's questions

Play out contract? Opt out, sign new deal with Nuggets? Leave town?

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published April 29, 2008 at 7:08 p.m.
Updated April 29, 2008 at 9:43 p.m.

Text size

Photo by Barry Gutierrez / The Rocky

Nuggets guard Allen Iverson and his representative, Gary Moore, will look into the guard opting out of the final year of his contract in hopes of getting a new three-year deal from the team.

More Denver Nuggets

More stories »

Allen Iverson's camp has formulated some strategy. But will The Answer get the answer he wants?

Gary Moore, personal manager for the Nuggets guard, said Iverson is looking into doing something similar to what New Jersey's Vince Carter did last summer.

Carter was due $16.4 million but opted out of the final year of his deal and signed a five-year contract starting at $13 million. Iverson can opt out by July 1 of the final year of his deal, which pays $20.84 million.

"Absolutely," Moore said when asked if Iverson will look at a move similar to Carter's but with Iverson possibly opting out and signing a three-year deal.

"That's what we'll talk about. We're taking away from basketball for a couple of weeks, and I'll be flying back (to Denver) and meeting with (Nuggets) brass."

A three-year deal will be discussed because that would take Iverson, 33 in June, to the brink of his 36th birthday, an age when salary rules would have a hard hit on the Nuggets. Moore and Iverson spoke in the fall about a six-year extension, but Moore now acknowledges that would be "tough."

While vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien declined comment, a source close to the situation doesn't believe the Nuggets, deep into the luxury tax, would want to give Iverson additional contract years and would be content with Iverson becoming a free agent in 2009.

The source does not see Iverson opting out and leaving the Nuggets, whose season ended Monday when they were swept out of the playoffs by the Lakers.

"I definitely want to be here," Iverson said after the 107-101 loss.

The soonest Iverson could sign a new deal would be July 9. With Nuggets coach George Karl's job now appearing safe, Iverson's situation appears to be the most pressing subject as Denver enters the offseason after a fifth straight first-round playoff exit.

Karl, whom a publicist said was unavailable to the media, held exit interviews at the Pepsi Center with several players, with the rest possibly being held today. Several other players cleaned out lockers, including forward Kenyon Martin, who hasn't yet met with Karl.

"We didn't put ourselves in position to be successful," Martin said. "That's defensively and passing the ball and us being professional. There's a long list of things we didn't do that can be addressed."

Martin didn't want to speculate on whether major changes are needed. Neither did vice president of player personnel Rex Chapman.

"That's something we'll be discussing in the days and weeks to come," said Chapman, whose Nuggets have the No. 20 draft pick in the first round and no second-round pick. "There are some areas we can get better in, but it's not as easy as it used to be to make a deal (because of the salary cap)."

Martin said the Nuggets must improve defensively after "that wasn't always everybody's goal on our team."

"If we get some type of defense into our game, I think we'll be right there," Iverson said Monday.

Guard Anthony Carter said players will take about 11/2 months off before coaches will be assigned to players in June and July. Players will meet with coaches at various sites.

"He said he's a little upset right now," Carter said of what Karl relayed during their meeting.

ETC.: Martin called criticism of forward Carmelo Anthony unfair. "If (critics) want to point fingers, they need to point fingers at the whole organization, not just supposedly the face of the organization," he said. . . . After meeting with Karl, guard Chucky Atkins said "a lot of things have been unfairly said about him maybe not coming back." Atkins said the Nuggets "have got to clean our act up" and play more team ball. . . . Assistant Doug Moe, 69, said he hasn't made a decision whether he'll return.

NUGGETS' BUSINESS

The Nuggets' offseason business:

Unrestricted free agents

Guard Allen Iverson is one if he opts out. Definite are guard Anthony Carter and forward Eduardo Najera, who both have interest in returning.

"I want A.C. back," Nuggets coach George Karl said.

Added Carter: "I do want to come back, but it depends on salary cap and all that stuff."

His agent, Bill Duffy, also is hopeful of a return.

"But there will be some other suitors," said Duffy, who wants a "multiyear deal" for Carter, who played for the minimum of $1.1 million.

Restricted free agents

They are guards J.R. Smith and Yakhouba Diawara, who both have talked of staying. While Smith is very likely to re-sign, Diawara could leave.

"I want him to stay, but, being the 12th man, he may want to go somewhere else," Karl said.

A potential new team could be Dallas, which made Diawara an offer in 2006.

"Maybe," Diawara said. "My coach (at Pepperdine) is there, (assistant) Paul Westphal."

Nonguaranteed deals

The Nuggets would need to make a move by late July on forward Bobby Jones ($797,581) and by Aug. 1 on guard Taurean Green ($711,517) or their contracts become guaranteed. Both will play in the July 11-20 (Las) Vegas Summer League, which will impact what Denver does.

Contract extension

If forward Linas Kleiza doesn't sign a contract extension between July 9 and Oct. 31, he becomes a restricted free agent in 2009.

"Of course, I would like to stay," Kleiza said.

Duffy, who also represents Kleiza, wants to get a deal done this offseason, but he doesn't believe it will be addressed in earnest until late in the signing period.

Subscribe to the Rocky Mountain News

Comments

April 29, 2008

8:36 p.m.

Suggest removal

Spider writes:

There is so much talent on this team. Too bad they didn't learn to work together better.
April 29, 2008

8:40 p.m.

Suggest removal

Shaupeen writes:

I hope they figure out how to keep Iverson. He's an exciting player to watch and a stand-up guy also. I always enjoy his interviews--he's quick to spread the credit and first to accept responsibility for a loss. There aren't too many people like that in pro sports anymore. Keep him Kroenke!
April 29, 2008

9:45 p.m.

Suggest removal

Dawolph writes:

I have an idea ... let's petition the league for the "Cherry Pick Offense" to be allowed. That's where only 2 or 3 players have to play defense and you get 2 balls on offense to play with. ...On second thought, it might take 3 balls now with JR.
April 29, 2008

9:53 p.m.

Suggest removal

LaszloPanaflex writes:

The Nuggets will never win a playoff series with Iverson.

Never.
April 29, 2008

10:18 p.m.

Suggest removal

Shaupeen writes:

I disagree Laszlo.

And is your last name a camera?
April 30, 2008

3:30 a.m.

Suggest removal

AnToneB writes:

I agree with Shaupeen. Iverson will be back. So will Melo, Camby, Martin, Smith, LK, Nene. For the rest , who knows. I would rather see some changes but we all gotta wait and see. Get a decent PG, one who is bigger that AC..LOL..Get some Defensive players who wanna be here.
April 30, 2008

9:06 a.m.

Suggest removal

kmeissner writes:

Bring back AI! You'd be stupid not to... Everyone thinks he doesn't pass but he's not the POINT GUARD! We need to get Atkins back in the starting lineup. AC is ok, but he's too small. I wish they could deal AC to Philly to get Andre Miller back. Imagine Miller and Iverson as our guards.

Laszlo... They lost 3 playoff series without him you moron. He's not the problem. We need Iverson.*
April 30, 2008

9:09 a.m.

Suggest removal

troopermsu writes:

I don't think the Nuggets can win with Iverson unless they have a big guard who is defensive stopper that can make up for Iverson's defensive liabilities. AI is at such a disadvantage physically because he is so small. But I give him lots of credit for overcoming that to become such a force in the league. But because of his massive deficiencies on defense (and some on offense for that matter) this team can't win as currently constituted. I'd let him go after next year.
April 30, 2008

10:04 a.m.

Suggest removal

TONE writes:

I like AI, but we need a bigger guard to help him if he stay. Look at the Laker game, Fisher was man handling AI, becuase he was bigger and stronger. I don't know if there is a good point guard out there in the market this summer anyway. The Nugget were lacking size against the Lakers and that really hurt. They just seem so short against the Laker. I hope the Nugget do something to get this team to play more team effort and not individual game. The only reason they can't get pass the 1st round is there is no team effort. There is alot of talent on this team, but there is no team effort. I just don't know how they going to get that addressed. I hope they can for next year.
April 30, 2008

10:23 a.m.

Suggest removal

mark79trans writes:

The Nuggets core is Anthony, Iverson, Smith, Kleiza, Martin, and Nene. The Nuggets need to choose between Najera and LK. This sucks because I like them both, but they can't use salary cap to fill the same role with two players...and get out-sized every time they are on the floor together. They need to develop a center. Camby is getting too old to be a starter...he is slowing down and provides no low post presence. He is a weak side defender at best but cannot keep up with the big young centers out there. They should have dealt Camby, Najera, and Diawara for Kevin Garnett when Camby had value...maybe look for another possibility this off season. The Nuggets need to choose between Carter and Atkins as a backup for Iverson. Carter is not a starter and Smith needs to be developed and put into the starting role. The Nuggets need a defensive role guard and two big men off the bench (Najera is way to small). Kleiza as a swingman can be developed as their defensive role guard and backup small forward. He has enough skills on both sides of the court. Iverson is one heck of a play maker, but he needs to be one heck of a play facilitator...AI, watch some film of Tony Parker! If Iverson can't run the point, he needs to go. Either that or they need to bag Smith and find a point guard like Chauncey Billups to make up for Iverson's size...good luck with that! Anthony has one more season to prove himself as a team player...if he can't do that then get rid of him. His incentives need to be based on assists and double-doubles...not points per game. Martin proved himself this season. Nene needs to prove himself next year or he needs to be axed. Smith was way too young and immature to be in the NBA, but he is bursting with talent...he needs to be developed.
April 30, 2008

10:29 a.m.

Suggest removal

mark79trans writes:

...one more thing; their bench players need to be perimeter/3pt shooters!
April 30, 2008

10:44 a.m.

Suggest removal

LABronco writes:

Please let AI and his big salary walk out of town and never come back. The salary cap freedom would be enough to bring in one quality Point Guard if not two quality players who can provide the leadership to the young guys, defense, passing, and professionalism that he just won't ever have.
As for the comment on not ever winning a playoff series with AI...here's your proof. Which guard would you take over AI in a playoff series because obviously he's not a (2) shooting guard and can't hold his own with any of the bigger 2's (Kobe, West, Ginobili, McGrady) in the Western Conference? So who would you take over Iverson....Derrick Fisher, Tony Parker, Bryon Davis, Jason Kidd, Jason Williams, Chris Paul...come on and I'm just guessing here but Iverson probably makes more than all of these guys but is worth less to his team. I'd take any one of them over him in a playoff series.
April 30, 2008

11:03 a.m.

Suggest removal

mark79trans writes:

LABronco

AI is bring the same problems to Denver that he brought to the 'sixers. If he played point, he would be great for Denver. If he doesn't, he brings problems to Denver. I miss Miller a lot!!!
April 30, 2008

11:19 a.m.

Suggest removal

mgeorge writes:

derrck fisher, tony parker, baron davis , jason kidd, jason williams, chris paul. the only guy ill give you there is chris paul. other then that look what jason kidd did for dallas with just as much talent and a team that actually plays defense. jason williams did he even play this year? hopefully you meant deron willams! baron davis is alright if you want a guy that take 9 to 10 threes a game and makes 3. and whats derick fisher gonna do he hasnt accomplished anything other then on the lakers he's just as good as eric snow. and tony parker is horrible! he dosnt play defense he doesnt get many assists but he does have a mean floater. any point gaurd can make it on the spurs! iverson brang a 76ers team to the finals whos best player was george lynch and 50 year old mutombo. he has been in the top 10 assists the past 5 years and he doesnt even play point gaurd. and hes always in the top 5 scoring. he scored more the mello this season and took less shots and still had 7.5 assists. during the playoffs the nuggets looked better as a team everytime mello was on the bench they got a lead and then mello got put back in the game he would sit with the ball at the top of the key look around for 5 seconds then shoot a 20 foot jumper. he took 23 shots a game and hit 35% from the feild your problem is carmello! he is dosnt play defense and crys if he doesnt get 20 plus shots a game you gotta push him to rebound hes to SOFT and selfish change is name to marshmello anthony!!!
April 30, 2008

11:36 a.m.

Suggest removal

mark79trans writes:

mgeorge

I completely agree with your comments regarding Anthony. I think the name marshMELLO Anthony has a good ring to it. He severely hurt his team in this series...the same as he did in the two series' he played against the Spurs. He has some talent, but he doesn't understand anything about team basketball while refusing to pass when he is double-teamed He is NOT a Michael Jordan or a Kobe Bryant and he never will be; these two guys brought their teams to contenders with average talent...marshMELLO never will. I am not exactly sure what to call him but an 80 million dollar waste of money!

There is no doubt that AI is a great player but he needs to be matched up with the right guard...being matched up with Carter really shows his deficiencies. Blake was a much better match. I think AI and Smith can do well, but AI needs to learn his role as a small player and fill the point position!
April 30, 2008

11:40 a.m.

Suggest removal

LABronco writes:

Yes, meant Deron Williams. Nuggets have to choose AI or Melo. You can't pay both, there aren't enough shots for both and the team needs cap room to bring in a true Point Guard/Leader on the floor which is partly why they looked so disorganized on offense against the Lakers. AI is 36, Melo 23...to me and everyone who lives outside of Denver the choice is simple but it looks like not many fans there can see the issue. It's an easy "Answer". So what position does Iverson play? Who can he guard? I'm sure every team in the NBA will be glad to take Melo, can't say that about AI.
April 30, 2008

12:41 p.m.

Suggest removal

mgeorge writes:

iverson 32 not 36
April 30, 2008

12:47 p.m.

Suggest removal

mgeorge writes:

coaches put iverson at the 2. in philly he wanted to run point. i beleive its coach karls choice to put him and carter together.. the same way its karls choice to put mello back in the game even though the nuggets play better without him. and considering mello cant stay outta trouble i doubt any team would want mello.. who gets a DUI right before the playoffs are about to start yea any team will want mello a guy that takes 25 plus shots a game is inconsistant rebounder cant defend anyone on the only team period. and doesnt play team ball. the only team that sounds like they want all of that is the NY knicks. please iverson would be an asset to just about any team that wants to play him at the point. mello on the other hand give me klezia over mello any day!
April 30, 2008

12:48 p.m.

Suggest removal

mgeorge writes:

coaches put iverson at the 2. in philly he wanted to run point. i beleive its coach karls choice to put him and carter together.. the same way its karls choice to put mello back in the game even though the nuggets play better without him. and considering mello cant stay outta trouble i doubt any team would want mello.. who gets a DUI right before the playoffs are about to start yea any team will want mello a guy that takes 25 plus shots a game is inconsistant rebounder cant defend anyone on the only team period. and doesnt play team ball. the only team that sounds like they want all of that is the NY knicks. please iverson would be an asset to just about any team that wants to play him at the point. mello on the other hand give me klezia over MARSHmello any day!
April 30, 2008

3:09 p.m.

Suggest removal

CaptainObvious writes:

HOLY CRAP! 20 Million a year to put a ball in a hoop? Or hit a fastball? Are you f@*$@*$# #&@^ &^%( kidding me??!!??

I'd like to go on record right now and say pro sports players should all make a lot less. Like, say in the $100,000 to $500,000 range. All of them. And the only difference in contracts would be the duration. This is rediculous! These people aren't curing blindness or cancer! How in the world did our society get so out of whack!?
April 30, 2008

11:56 p.m.

Suggest removal

JasonM writes:

Denver is not going to win anything with the style they play and the way Karl Coaches that team regardless. They didn't win anything before Iverson and they had a real PG with Andre Miller. They certainly wouldn't have made the playoffs this year in the West if they just had Andre Miller and were without Iverson. If that organization is not serious about winning then Iverson should leave while he can. Although I agree that it would be fun to see Iverson back in Philly, considering that Andre Miller is like Eric Snow and he'd be a good fit in the backcourt with Iverson. That Sixer team would be so dangerous right now with AI.
May 1, 2008

10:53 a.m.

Suggest removal

realballn writes:

I think you all are high if you don't think the nuggets should keep both AI and melo. there needs to be a scoring threat (more than 1) to keep up with the tough western conference. I think that AI deserves a championship w/ the nuggets. He was not only the top scorer on the team, but he was the only player to play all 82 games. Now tell me he is not deserving of the nuggets to give him a three-year deal if not more. He still has alot in the tank and is not showing any sign of slowing down. If the nba had an iornman contest he would be the last one standing by far. As for melo, he makes his mistakes just like me and you, and that proves he is human. The only reason he is scutinized is because he is a global icon. The need to weed out the organization starting w/ the bench.
May 1, 2008

1:07 p.m.

Suggest removal

bjc writes:

Right now AI is by far the best player on the team. If they don’t resign him they might as well start planning for the lottery next year. He’s a great player and easily one of the top 3 or 4 PGs in the league. He had a great season, his third in five years being top 10 in scoring, assists and steals. Only AI, LeBron, Dwight Howard and Nash were top 10 in 3 major statistical categories. He played every game, led the league in minutes, and shot better from the field than Baron Davis, TMac, V Carter, M Redd, Ray Allen and Joe Johnson and shot as well as Kobe. Only Dwight Howard drew more fouls than AI and AI made 81% of his FTs. It’s a huge asset to have a guy that gets opponents into foul trouble and hits his FTs. AI is a vastly underrated PG (top 10 in assists and fewer turnovers than Kidd, DWilliams, Nash, Kobe, LeBron, Melo and DWade). You think Parker is a better PG? In 7 seasons, Parker has never averaged over 6.1 assists, 19.1 points or 1.9 steals. That would the worst season of AI’s career. Nash? A fine player but if you think AI is a liability on D, have a look at the lowlights from the Spurs Suns series. AI has been part of a great defense (Philly 99-01), it’s up to the coaches to create it. And stop this nonsense about needing a “true” PG to win a championship. Gerry Schichting, Danny Ainge, Randy Brown, Steve Kerr, John Paxson, Derek Harper (35 yrs old, post knee injury), Terry Porter, Damon Stoudamire, Tyronn Lue, Derek Fisher, Doc Rivers, Greg Anthony, Charlie Ward, Chris Childs. What do they have in common other than being cut from the same mold as Anthony Cartert? Combined, they were the primary PGs on teams that won 14 conference championships and 11 NBA championships since the mid-80s (Celtics, Bulls, Knicks, Blazers, Lakers). I’d take AI over any 3 of those guys. Let’s not forget that this team won 50 games in the rugged West, for chrissake, all with a mediocre bench and PFs that either didn’t play at all (Nene) or played about 20 min/ game for the first 30 games (Kmart). Even when Kmart was healthy (and I was happy for him), he’s still just a mediocre PF with no low post game at all and he’s always been one of the worst rebounding PFs in the league. Trade Kmart and Atkins and this year’s first round pick for Jermaine O’Neal. The Pacers are dying to dump him. The first round pick would make taking Kmart seem worth it. If they refuse Atkins, give them Kleiza instead. When healthy (and he’s only 29), O'Neal blocks 2 shots/ game for his career, brings a low post scoring (20+) and rebounding (10+) that they need, and it works financially. If they do that and add one quality player off the bench (John Salmons, Francisco Garcia, Nick Collison), they’d be a force to be reckoned with and it would give Melo and JR a chance to grow into their vast talent.
May 1, 2008

2:07 p.m.

Suggest removal

bjc writes:

LABronco - you couldn't be more wrong about AI. He's an amazing player. Find one stat to support your incorrect assertions. Rookie of the year, rookie all star game MVP, league MVP, 2 time all star game MVP, 4 time scoring champ, 3 time steals leaduer, more points, assists and steals in his career than Kobe, TMac, Vince Carter, Ray Allen and Garnett. He's been the best plyer on 8 playoff bound teams, usually the only even decent player on the team. He led the Nuggets to 50 wins this season with a one-dimensional center, a mediocre PF, immature kids at SF (Melo) and SG (Smith) and a bunch of mediocre and/ or injured role players (Carter, Nene, Atkins, Najera, Kleiza). But I suppose you know more about the game than everyone else that puts AI amongst the best ever. You'd take Baron Davis or Derek Fisher over AI? You probably also thought the Lakers got ripped off in the Gasol deal. Davis is injury prone, can't shoot at all (not even FTs (41% FGs, 69% FTs)) and has worn out his welcome at every stop in his unimpressive career. My best memory of Davis was him guarding AI in the playoffs a few years back when AI went for 60 in one game on him (look it up). Fisher? Please. He and Walton are the only Lakers I can stand but at 9 pts, 3 assists, 1 steal and 40% shooting for his career, I think even he'd agree he has been very lucky to be teamed up with Kobe and Shaq. He's Eric Snow of the west. No better than Anthony Carter. A nice part to a loaded team but a ticket to the lottery if he's even your third best player. So AI is a liability on D, is that your problem? Who does Steve Nash shut down? Tony Parker? How about the incredibly slow footed Jason Kidd (and his 38% shooting from the floor)? Andre Miller? Any thoughts on why he's been viewed expendable by 3 mediocre teams in his career (I like the guy but let's agree that he's just OK while AI is one of the best ever). Defense is all about the team and coaching. Ben Wallace and his defensive prowess was exposed when he left Detroit for Chicago. AI was part of a great defensive team in Philly (99-01) and as he regularly led the league in steals back then, he was a big part of what made Philly's team defense great. Maybe only CP3 and Deron Williams have more value at PG than AI. Between AI and Nash, I'd flip a coin, with Nash being a better passer but AI being a much more dangerous scorer and a WAY better defender. I'd take AI by a mile over Tony Parker. Compare the stats and convince me otherwise (remember to subtract the benefits Parker has had by being teamed up with Duncan and Ginobili while AI was trying to get the best out of Keith Van Horn, Glen "Big Dog" Robinson, 60 yr old Derek Coleman, Todd McCullogh, Eric Snow and a crippled Chris Webber)
May 5, 2008

11:42 a.m.

Suggest removal

MRSINBEEAY writes:

These guys are keepers - Nene,Iverson,Smith,Martin, Anthony and Klezac (PERIOD)And of course getting defense up they are a GO.

Post your comment

Registration is required. Click here to create your free user account, or login below.

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Home › Sports › Denver Nuggets

Answer's questions

Play out contract? Opt out, sign new deal with Nuggets? Leave town?

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published April 29, 2008 at 7:08 p.m.Updated April 29, 2008 at 9:43 p.m.

More Denver Nuggets

Share

Comments

Post your comment

Featured

Columns & Blogs

News Tip

Know about something we should be reporting? Tell us about it.

Calendar

Upcoming events

Sponsored links

Published April 29, 2008 at 7:08 p.m.
Updated April 29, 2008 at 9:43 p.m.