Nuggets recharge defense, add Balkman
The Rocky
Published July 28, 2008 at 1:55 p.m.
Photo by Elise Amendola/Associated Press
The Nuggets acquried Renaldo Balkman from the New York Knicks.
With Isiah Thomas no longer calling the shots in New York, the cold war between the Nuggets and Knicks officially is over.
More than 19 months after brawling with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Nuggets acquired forward Renaldo Balkman from New York for guard Taurean Green, swingman Bobby Jones and a second-round pick in 2010.
Balkman, the 20th pick of the 2006 draft, is a defensive- minded player who has averaged 4.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in two NBA seasons.
"I think it's a good move, for the most part," Balkman said. "We have a lot of forwards in New York. Somebody wasn't going to play. Hopefully, this is a better place."
The trade carries little risk for the Nuggets, who perpetually are in need of a strong perimeter defender; Green and Jones had nonguaranteed contracts and were expected to be waived soon.
As part of the deal, the Knicks will cover about $500,000 of Balkman's $1.3 million salary in 2008-09. The Nuggets have to decide by Oct. 31 whether to pick up his $2 million option for 2009-10.
In addition to coming at a reasonable price, the 24-year-old Balkman gives coach George Karl a defensive-minded player after losing two of his best defenders --- Marcus Camby (trade) and Eduardo Najera (free agency) --- this summer.
"I consider myself as a defensive stopper," Balkman said.
Balkman, 6-foot-8, 210 pounds, likely will team with newly signed forward Chris Andersen to form the nucleus of an "energy lineup" off the bench.
"He's a tremendous defender, he's a tremendous steals guy, he's a tremendous rebounder and he's a mile-high runner," Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said.
Balkman was among the few players not involved in the brawl between the Nuggets and Knicks on Dec. 16, 2006. Ten players were ejected from the game, with seven suspensions handed down by the NBA.
"I wasn't involved in that. . . . I'm with the Nuggets. This is a better situation," Balkman said.
With Balkman in the fold, Denver has 11 players with guaranteed contracts. Restricted free-agent guard J.R. Smith is expected to return, and the Nuggets probably will sign another veteran at minimum salary.
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July 28, 2008
3:08 p.m.
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bigbadthor writes:
Who? Is he defensive minded cause he can't shoot, last time I saw the Knicks, they weren't what I would call fundelmentally sound defensively.
July 28, 2008
3:11 p.m.
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anthony1979 writes:
I'm along for the ride...I just don't know where Kroenke's takin' us...especially w/ THIS move...hmmmm....
July 28, 2008
3:14 p.m.
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Who_Me writes:
It's chess, Grasshopper.
July 28, 2008
3:43 p.m.
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frosty writes:
It may be chess, but I am not sure the nuggets front office knows about how all the pieces move.
July 28, 2008
4:32 p.m.
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bigbadthor writes:
If this is chess, then the Nuggets front office looks like they are playing shoots and ladders. I looked at the stats on this dude and his points and rebounds went down last year.
July 28, 2008
5:37 p.m.
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Broncos4Life1 writes:
I'm not really sure if I want to judge this guy yet. However, the Nuggets are really bordering on the edge of insanity with their off season moves so far, this one already has me wondering what they are doing. I'll give the benefit of the doubt for now, but are they ever going to get a solid perimeter shooter? I know its been 20 years but right now Walter Davis could probably get significant minutes with the bunch we have right now.
July 28, 2008
7:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jamaro writes:
Really folks? Bash this move, the first one that actaully makes sense this off-season. Two players that were not going to make the roster for an energy player that likes to play defense! Good move, Balkman was a standout on a South Carolina team that won the NIT a couple years back. The Nuggets actaully added a role player to the mix that has more to his game then just offense, he might not light it up but thats what the others in the line up are for. Don't have to scratch the head on this one.
July 28, 2008
8:30 p.m.
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jsppro1 writes:
I do not think it's a great move. However, I don't think it's a bad one either. Again if a point guard is in the mix somewhere down the line. Then it would be considered a good move. Think POINT people, think point.
July 28, 2008
9:53 p.m.
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CO_fan writes:
I don't know who this guy is. But my only complaint is that we gave up more for him (a second round draft pick) than we got for the defensive player of the year - Camby - possibly a second round swap but probably nothing. I still think we should have held out for a first round pick for Camby.
July 28, 2008
10:44 p.m.
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aragornzxl writes:
I dont usually bash at the nuggets, really. However, this season has me scratching my heads. First the Camby trade, then this. Okay, i know Jones and Green are getting released, but a second round draft pick for this guy. I dont wanna discredit his defense, but as far as i can see, he doesnt have an offense. This is not good ladies and gentlemen. We need an impact player, not some knick who only plays defense (if what he says is correct). And to think we are giving up a second rounder.....jeez i would love to get whatever they're smoking up there in the headquaters.
July 28, 2008
10:56 p.m.
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aman writes:
I can understand bashing the Nuggets front office this offseason, but we gave up nothing for an energy guy. 1 or 2 second round picks a year do anything significant in the NBA, and neither of the other guys were even going to make the team. We had to give somebody a contract, and with the Knicks taking 500k off this one, we got him for essentially the league minimum. Of course it's not a great one, but I think most are just scratching for things to complain about. He plays hard. That's a bonus for me.
July 29, 2008
2:54 a.m.
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goblox37 writes:
aragornzxiqui, name a 2nd rounder that the Nuggets drafted in the last 10 years who did anything for Denver...the 'top' of this list is Francisco Elson & Ryan Bowen; no real loss there...we needed to replace Najera's minutes w/ a defensive energy guy & Balkman can provide that. Stan isn't willing to spend for an 'impact' player as far as I can tell (even trading one away to save $$$) so I think this was the first move made this offseason by the 3 headed monster that made/makes basketball sense.
July 29, 2008
3:11 a.m.
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goblox37 writes:
In addition I hope George plays Chucky Atkins more than AC next season; I agree w/ jsppro1 that an upgrade is needed at PG, I just don't see thrifty Stan pulling the trigger on anything...I know Atkins was injured at the start of last season which hurt his chance of blending into a new team, but Atkins is a far superior 3 point shooter to AC, both are similar liabilities defensively so I never really understood why Carter got the nod once Chucky was healthy again.
July 29, 2008
4:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
Slader writes:
Too bad hoops isn't like football, where you change from offensive to defensive teams after every possession. Then, after each basket the Nuggs could just yank Melo, JR, LK and AI and insert Balkman, Birdman, Kmart and Dahntay until they get the ball back.
What I'm saying is that they need people who play at BOTH ends. Do they expect to only attack for one quarter and then only defend for the next? The only solution is for the scorers to get serious about D.
July 29, 2008
6:44 a.m.
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SwolOne writes:
Renaldo Balkman is terrible. He can't put the ball in the ocean if he's standing on the end of a pier. With all their money, the Knicks don't want to pay the guy $2Mfor 2009. That's why they let him go so easily.
Is the Nuggets front office trying to get George Karl to quit?
July 29, 2008
6:53 a.m.
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Hambone writes:
A move that actually makes sense? Wow!
July 29, 2008
9:52 a.m.
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sanchez316 writes:
Great pick up for the nuggets here. I watched new york a few times last year, and the only players that stood out to me there were david lee, renaldo balkman, and nate robinson. So when i found out the nugs were after balkman, i was pretty ecstatic, he's a true 'hustle' player that we needed since we lost najera. and pretty much got him for nothing..we knew bobby jones, and taurean green probably wasn't gonna contribute much...but now we have a guy that can give us 20 minutes of dirty work a night. If u think about the camby trade, and this trade...essentially we gave up camby, bobby jones, taurean green, and a 2nd round pick for chris andersen, dahntay jones, and renaldo balkman...i would take the those three for camby any day. good move nugs!
July 29, 2008
10 a.m.
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not2serious writes:
"energy lineup"? What is that, professional NBA players who come off the bench and hustle?
July 29, 2008
10:38 a.m.
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jmdeshazer writes:
I think this is a great move. I was just looking at the box score when Denver played at MSG in November. Balkman manhandled Carmelo to 7 of 20 shooting from the field in that game. That's the type of player you need on you squad. Camby and Najera weren't one-on-one defenders like that. Camby's blocked shots from the weak side will be missed, but I am sure the Nuggets will be all right.
July 29, 2008
12:17 p.m.
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nugs4life writes:
Good move overall. By getting Balkman with 500K paid by Knicks, Nuggets didn't have to sign a player to a muliti-year contract, even at th league min. (they would have done it when they waive Green and Jones) Look at 2009-10 season. They will have additional 20mil off the book(AI), 2.3mil(JR's qualifiedm offer he wants to be unrestricted next year), 3.4mil(Atkins), 1.3mil(Carter)2.0mil(Balkman's team option), 1mil(Anderson), 3.7mil(Hunter, early team termination option) That's 32.7mil off this tear's book. They can use that money to offer JR/Kleiza new contract and have plenty left over. Look at who nuggets can get as unrestricted or restricted in the next two years:
2009: UR-Mike Bibby, Ron Artest, CArlos Boozer, Kyle Korver R-Danny Granger
2010: UR-Joe Johnson, LeBron James, Josh Howard, Tracy McGrady, Derrick Fisher Michael Redd/Richard Jefferson early termination option, Mike Miller Manu Ginobuli, Dwayne Wade R-Jordan Farmer, JJ Redick, Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge
LETS DREAM BIG!!!!
July 29, 2008
1:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
duboisb writes:
Backman is a great pickup. As much as I hate to say it, he will be a good replacement for Najera and has even more energy.
As to the person who said play Chucky Atkins more. Chucky Atkins can't play. AC did a credible job and was an energy guy and strong on fundamentals. Atkins is just a bricklayer (as in shooting bricks). He should have never been signed. He should never get playing time. Another dumb move to pay him $3 million a year so they could save money. Idiots.
But Backman is a good energy player. He is exactly what is needed off the bench.
Now if we'd just trade Stan Kroneke and George Karl for a couple of old wino's we'd be in better shape.
July 29, 2008
1:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
duboisb writes:
No free agent is going to want to come to Denver.
The organization in its treatment of Camby and Iverson has made it known that it is classless. Not even the courtesy and courage to pick up the phone and tell Camby he'd been traded. Or mention it to him when he was sitting two rows away at the basketball game in Las Vegas.
No free agent will sign with Denver no matter what the bucks.
Stan Kroenke just destroyed the franchise for years. People will head to Atlanta first. Stan Kroenke -- worst owner in the league. A spinless little coward and cheapskate.
July 29, 2008
2:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
ONEman writes:
The Nugs are banking for the future and rackin up some picks in 2010. I've been thoroughly dissapointed in the Nuggets signing of Anderson and release of Najera. But Camby was not that great a defender, he just cleaned up on the weakside when Melo got beat ( which was alot). Camby did 'nt know how to play his position. He takes that top of the key shot at bad times and plain just shoots too much even some 3's (c'mon what Center does that?). As a matter of fact Camby lost one of the playoff games for us by trying to be a PG. We don't need more scorers we need big men who know how to play the position. If this guy is a big that can bang and do dirty work and let the scorers do the scoring, then this was a good move. Add Heinrich or Pargo and the Nuggets are not as bad as I thought. They won't make it past the first round still, but they'll be entertaining to watch.
July 29, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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Pusherman writes:
Dude, free agents will go where the money is, especially if Carmelo is here. You may not care for him, but he is well respected in the league and is a draw for other players. See, Iverson, Allen. I wouldn't characterize Kroenke as cheap, he just doesn't want to pay 13.5 million in luxury tax for a team that can't get out of the first round. As a sane person, that makes sense to me. He will save his money for a year and spend it on a better player next summer.
This is a good move for the Nuggets. They basically replace Najera for 1/5 of the salary and younger legs. Who cares if he can't shoot, we have plenty of other scorers to put the ball in the hoop.
July 29, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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ONEman writes:
nugs4life writes
2009: UR-Mike Bibby, Ron Artest, CArlos Boozer, Kyle Korver R-Danny Granger
2010: UR-Joe Johnson, LeBron James, Josh Howard, Tracy McGrady, Derrick Fisher Michael Redd/Richard Jefferson early termination option, Mike Miller Manu Ginobuli, Dwayne Wade R-Jordan Farmer, JJ Redick, Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge
LETS DREAM BIG!!!!
I would have to agree with you there. all but Grainger and Fisher are potential keys to a championship.
July 29, 2008
5:49 p.m.
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bigbadthor writes:
Ok, I am a little more sold on this trade, we will see, but I really don't know why everyone wants to bash Camby out the door. Was his offense bad, a little but on average, he was about what you would hope for with maybe 10 a night and 8 to 10 rebounds. But of all the Nuggets, he gave to the most to the community, appeared to generally like playing in Denver (him staying instead of bolting when he first got here is why we were able to sign other free agaents), he didn't complain, and did what he was asked to, and played hard and through injuries. If you wanted a good team player, who would you want him or Kenyon Martin? I would take Camby's long jumper over the bricks K-mart and Nene throw up, at least when Camby shoots I think it's got a chance to go in, K-Mart and Nene might as well hand the ball to the other team and avoid embarassment of their horrid shots, they can only score if they dunk.
July 30, 2008
2:58 a.m.
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goblox37 writes:
for the guy who says AC is better than Atkins, lets take a look at their career stats:
Carter: 5.2 ppg/2.1 rpg/3.6 apg .399 fg% .238 3pt% .692 ft%
Atkins: 10.6 ppg/1.8 rpg/4.0 apg .415 fg% .368 3pt% .766 ft%
who is the bricklayer out of these two? Not to mention Atkins doubling Carters scoring, significantly better at 3s, FT & scoring.
July 30, 2008
3:13 a.m.
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goblox37 writes:
to illustrate this point further, here is a list of 'similar players' according to databasebasketball.com for Carter & Atkins...
Atkins: Voshon Lenard, Rafer Alston, Morris Peterson, Quentin Richardson, Bobby Jackson, George Mccloud, Dee Brown, Hedo Turkoglu, Jamal Crawford, Mike Miller
Carter: Ennis Whatley, Milt Palacio, Tony Smith, Haywoode Workman, Moochie Norris, Anthony Bowie, Elston Turner, Steve Colter, Adrian Griffin, Mike Gale
Don't see how anyone can say Carter is superior to Atkins given these tidbits.
July 30, 2008
3:25 a.m.
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goblox37 writes:
whoops, I flip flopped the assist stat in the above comparison, my bad...everything else is accurate... a .4 edge to Carter doesn't change the fact that Atkins is the superior player by the numbers.
July 30, 2008
12:21 p.m.
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nugs4life writes:
Bashing Camby as a player is good, bashing him as a citizen isn't. He was a great community guy. He did a lot for Denver metro community. Now that said, he was the one who didn't step up as a veteran during the post-season. I mean, all he did was try to play point during the crunch time. Missed defensive assignments in the final minutes. Wasn't vocal during the crucial time outs. I thought he was one of the captains and a VETERAN might I add. Camby is 10 years older than Melo. People say they should have traded K-Mart. But I think he played the best defense against Kobe. He does not take "weak" foul. When he fouls, he does it with authority. He did not shy away from players. Camby always wanted to avoid bumping the player when they penetrated. He was so worried about not getting foul rather than not giving up easy layups. Also, he claimed that Denver Organization was not professional of letting him know about the deal. I guess same can go for him sorry axx. I mean what was that interview he gave at Clippers press conference. Mocking, grinning, joking and laughing about the trade. He is suppose to be a professional, who cares how it was dealt with. Just man up and say "Although the way trade went down the way it did, I am very appreciated for the Nuggets organization to have given me an opportunity to revitalize my career. I hope that they can grow as an organization and hope to see each other in the Western Conference Finals." Not just giving props to him homeboys only.