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Point guard once again the focus of free agency for Nuggets

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 1, 2008 at 11:49 p.m.

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New Orleans Hornets guard Jannero Pargo has been contacted by the Nuggets, who are shopping for a point guard.

Photo by Ty Russell/Associated Press

New Orleans Hornets guard Jannero Pargo has been contacted by the Nuggets, who are shopping for a point guard.

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For a second straight summer, the Nuggets are looking at point guards to start free agency.

Mark Bartelstein, agent for Jannero Pargo, said the Nuggets called Tuesday's first negotiating day to express interest. Also, a source said the Nuggets have had discussions about Carlos Arroyo.

"We've had some conversations about (Pargo)," Bartelstein said. "He'd fit in well with (Denver's) needs."

After averaging 8.1 points backing up New Orleans guard Chris Paul, Pargo, 28, opted out a contract that would have paid $1.83 million next season. Arroyo, 28, who played for Denver in 2001-02, averaged 6.9 points for Orlando.

The Nuggets last summer signed point guard Chucky Atkins. After an injury-riddled campaign, Atkins has vowed to start next season.

Regardless, the Nuggets need depth at point. Unrestricted free agent Anthony Carter, who started last season, wants to return, but it's uncertain if he will.

"I'm trying to get a three- or four-year deal," said Carter, saying he wants a raise from last season's minimum contract of $1.1 million.

Carter named Cleveland, New York, Golden State, Dallas and Charlotte as teams he has heard have interest in him. Orlando also is a possibility.

Free-agent point guard Tyronn Lue expressed interest but said his camp hasn't heard from Denver.

Other unrestricted free agents are forward Eduardo Najera and guard Yakhouba Diawara. A source said Dallas has called Najera's agent, Dan Fegan, and New Jersey, according to media reports, also has.

Diawara said he hasn't heard from the Nuggets in a month and doesn't know if they have any interest in keeping him. Agent Buono Ndiaye said Dallas, San Antonio, Miami and Memphis have called about Diawara, who confirmed he will play for France this summer in European Championship qualifying games.

Denver wants to keep restricted free agent J.R. Smith. San Antonio is believed to be interested in the guard, and the Bergen County Record reported New Jersey has reached out.

Comments

  • July 2, 2008

    3:28 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Andy_Peate writes:

    Why not look at Chris Duhon, who is a solid back-up and go after Kirk Hinrich via trade??? Even taking a chance on Shaun Livingston being healthy would be a better option than Pargo or Arroyo...

  • July 2, 2008

    6:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    anugsfan writes:

    in agreement with above poster on one level - neither of these guys are going to help this team win any extra games. both are career backups that prefer shooting over passing, not exactly the PG Denver needs.

    Duhon would be ok. Livingston would be a great gamble for the Nuggets - it completely makes sense to give him a one or two year contract, see if he can play his way back, and if he makes it give him some $ with A.I. and others off the books.

    The Hinrich rumors make some sense also, and certainly there are a couple other good distributors out there to pick up in a trade. Anyway Baron Davis is gonna be playing alongside Elton Brand and Al Thornton next year, not to mention Golden State and an emerging Portland. Nuggets should do something to address the PG situation or the playoffs will be tough to make next year.

  • July 2, 2008

    7:15 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    RockiesWin writes:

    What's the point with Karl still around?

  • July 2, 2008

    7:32 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    LingLingfor_prez writes:

    This team is one that should have made a deal or two to aquire a quality point guard during the draft and they failed to do so.

  • July 2, 2008

    8:36 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    kmeissner writes:

    I think Hinrich is the best option. You have to keep Najera. He was our hustle guy last year alongside Kleiza. Diawara is average at best. If the Nugs don't keep JR Smith it'll be a HUGE loss. I certainly hope they can match the money San Antonio and NJ will throw at him!

    Let AC go. He was a good player but IF Chucky gets healthy we won't need AC. If we pick up Hinrich we might not need Chucky! haha

  • July 2, 2008

    10:35 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cobra_Commander writes:

    Life would be good if we could get Baron Davis in a Sign and trade for Camby, Kleiza, and our pick we acquired in next years first round. Then after AI leaves in 09-10, we have more cap room with a solid core of melo and Davis. Davis, AI, Melo, Kmart and Nene next year would be vicious.

  • July 2, 2008

    10:43 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    fuzzyjim writes:

    Wondering why when mentioning available point guards there is no mention of assists per game, just noting points. Maybe they play so little they barely register?

  • July 2, 2008

    10:57 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cobra_Commander writes:

    So much for the Baron Davis comment. He signed with the Clippers. Apparently he is against making to the playoffs again.

  • July 2, 2008

    12:14 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    newshound writes:

    It's going to be hard for the Nuggets to land anyone at point guard who had a good year last year. They are already way over the cap and need to add about 5 people with minimal cost. Everyone seems upset about them not making a trade, but the fact is that the Nuggets players are overpaid and have underachieved and nobody has the room to pick up those salaries. Camby is old and can't score, JR Smith is inconsistent, and Kleiza is a prospect that Kroenke won't let go. Look for another disappointing year.

  • July 2, 2008

    3:46 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    FatTony writes:

    Hinrich is a solid point guard AND 3-point shooter. His size hurts us, but we need a guard that'll pass like him and knock down a shot when we need him. I'd prefer the ball in his hands more than "dribble 20 of the 24 seconds" Iverson. Question is, can we afford him with our luxury tax status and who do we give up to get him?

    I agree, let Carter go.

  • July 2, 2008

    6:02 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Littleboyblue writes:

    Get Sam Cassell.

  • July 2, 2008

    9:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jsppro1 writes:

    Ok the Nuggets have to get the "point". If Karl stays a 1 guard is needed. Look at this. When K-mart had his best year who was the 1 guard, J-kid, AI had his best year who, Eric snow(decent) Nene had his best year, A. miller, Camby, A. Miller and Mark Jackon. Get the point. Let's say Mello and the possiablties:

    1. K. Hinrich - bulls

    Now here are two sleepers to keep a eye on

    1. M williams - Nets
    2. A.Law - Hawks

    Hey it's a start. Paul and D. willims had to start somewhere, right

  • July 4, 2008

    2:05 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    duboisb writes:

    Not resigning Anthony Carter would further indicate how stingy and stupid the Nuggets and its owner are.

    Last year, we "saved" money by not resigning Steve Blake and got horrible Chucky Atkins locked in for $3 million a year.

    Thankfully, Anthony Carter came to play. Now, the idiots are thinking of Tyrone Lue and Pargo or an over the hill Sam Cassell. Get a clue.

    Build championship team AND PAY FOR IT -- or sell the club to someone committed to winning.

  • July 4, 2008

    2:06 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    duboisb writes:

    Yes, fire George Karl.

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