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Elson would welcome return to Denver

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 17, 2008 at 6:04 p.m.

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Francisco Elson's first home is the Netherlands. His second?

Denver.

And that's where the 7-foot center would love to play next season.

"I would be very excited to have the opportunity to play in Denver," Elson, who played with the Nuggets from 2003- 06, wrote by e-mail Thursday from his native Netherlands. "It's the team that drafted me and a place I call my second home. The fans have been fantastic, and I respect the staff, coach (George) Karl, and the guys on the team are all still friends."

Elson is among several free-agent big men Denver is considering to replace traded center Marcus Camby. Others include former Nuggets player Chris Andersen and David Harrison, who played at the University of Colorado.

"(The Nuggets are) a team with many of the right pieces in place already to win, and I feel I could be the missing part of the puzzle," wrote Elson, who averaged 4.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 201 Nuggets games.

Elson split last season between San Antonio and Seattle, which has moved to Oklahoma City, and made $3 million. Agent Calvin Andrews said his client isn't considering the $926,678 minimum.

Andrews said other teams eyeing Elson are Oklahoma City, Charlotte, New Jersey and possibly the Lakers. Elson wrote he's "considering all options," but "Denver would be great, like coming home."

MOE RETURNS: It's a new title, but Doug Moe will be back for a 19th overall Nuggets season.

Moe told the Rocky he will return as a consultant. After 3 1/2 seasons as an assistant, he stepped down June 30 to spend more time with his grandchildren.

"I'll be there part time," said Moe, 69, who lives in San Antonio. "I'll go to some road games, and I won't be at every home game."

Moe, Denver's head coach from 1980-90, said he will sign a one-year deal and evaluate matters next summer.

He'll remain a sounding board for Karl, who named him assistant in February 2005.

"I'll try to help George as much as I can," Moe said.

SUMMER LEAGUE: The Nuggets wrap up the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with games Friday night against Houston and Saturday against the Lakers.

Comments

  • July 18, 2008

    7:35 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    brisisk writes:

    Bring back the birdman. He'll stay clean as long as he keeps away from Melo's entourage.

  • July 18, 2008

    12:07 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    TheSlinger writes:

    BRRRRRRRRR! he can pick up the blocked shots we will miss without camby. and yes, dont let him hang around melos boys. crack is whack!

  • July 18, 2008

    12:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    ONEman writes:

    Ummm how bout No and NO. Both these guys and especially Harrison should all steer clear of Denver pleeeze. Having any of these 3 makes me want to throw up in mouth. Yuck!

  • July 18, 2008

    5:54 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    BillBill writes:

    I like Elson. I don't know about Anderson and Harrison.

  • July 18, 2008

    7:07 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jsppro1 writes:

    LISTEN FOLKS THE REAL PROBLEM IS K-MART'S CONTRACT. IF YOU CANNOT GET RID OF HIM, GET HIM A POINT GUARD WHO CAN PASS. WHEN HE WAS WITH J-KID, HE WAS THE MAN. WITHOUT A 1 GUARD HE STINKS. HE HAS NO GAME WITHOUT A TRUE POINT. I WILL SAY THIS FOR THE 1,000,000TH TIME, GET A DAM PONIT GUARD....................

  • July 20, 2008

    6:57 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    cocmrncrzy writes:

    a great option for the nuggets would be former university of nebraska center aleks maric. 6'11", 275lbs. really strong body, great inside presence, great for muscling with the nba big guys, wouldnt be a star but would be great release from a starting center, great defensive option and since denver lost camby, they're going to need a lot of help on the d-end. very mature player with a strong basketball i.q. played with the pacers and blazers for summer league and finished 4years at unl averaging 15 pts and 10 rebounds a game. definately worth a look.