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Karl hopes Iverson will see action in final tuneup

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 22, 2008 at 3:50 p.m.

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Coach George Karl hopes Allen Iverson will play in Friday's preseason finale.

Photo by David Zalubowski, Associated Press

Coach George Karl hopes Allen Iverson will play in Friday's preseason finale.

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That's not a typo. Allen Iverson really is averaging 4.5 points in an injury-riddled preseason.

The guy whose 27.7 average is third best in NBA history is tied with soon-to-be-cut James Mays for the 13th-best average on the Nuggets.

But there's one more chance for Iverson to salvage his preseason. Nuggets coach George Karl is hopeful Iverson, who has played in only two preseason games and has missed the past two because of a sprained right ankle, will play in Friday's finale against the Clippers in Los Angeles.

"I think he'll work (today) on the court and maybe play some in L.A.," Karl said. "That's the hope. That's the desire."

Iverson worked Wednesday in the weight room and is getting better. Still, Karl can't deny he has "concerns" about Iverson, 33, who missed two games early in the preseason because of a sore left knee.

"But I think his history and his character show that you got to trust the guy," Karl said. "He might get off to a slow start. We might have to manage him a little differently. . . . Just as long as he's ready for most of the marathon."

In two games, Iverson has averaged 25 minutes while shooting 3-of-14 with eight turnovers. In his NBA career, Iverson has needed to play an average of only 4.8 minutes to get 4.5 points.

Cuts coming

If the Nuggets keep more than 13 players, forward Juwan Howard looks to be the favorite among camp invitees to earn a spot.

"He's probably on top of the list right now," Karl said. "(But) it's a boardroom decision."

Karl said cuts will be made soon. If the Nuggets want players clearing waivers by Monday's deadline so they don't have to pay them for a day or two, they must make final moves today.

Karl wouldn't mind the Nuggets keeping more than their 13 players with guaranteed deals. But he's not counting on an extra point guard being retained even though Chucky Atkins will be out to start the season because of knee surgery.

"I don't know if I'm OK (with it), but that's the way it's probably going to be," said Karl, not providing encouragement to Mateen Cleaves and Smush Parker, who missed practice Wednesday because of an irritated eye.

Nick Fazekas, a Ralston Valley High School graduate, has averaged only two points and is a long shot to be kept. Ruben Patterson has played well, but numbers are tight.

"It's not up to him," said Kenyon Martin, Patterson's former college teammate at Cincinnati. "He did his part."

Jones likely starter

With Carmelo Anthony suspended for the first two regular-season games, Karl said he likely will start Dahntay Jones at small forward.

"I like . . . a defensive attitude early in the game," said Karl, who also wants to retain Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith in regular bench roles.

Jones last started April 18, 2007, with Memphis.

"It does feel great. I'm blessed," Jones said of going from playing much of last season in the NBA Development League to opening-night starter.

Etc.

* Renaldo Balkman didn't practice because of a sore right ankle. Balkman said he "probably won't go" Friday. But Karl, wanting to learn more about the newcomer, said, "I need him on the court."

* Karl still is sorting out his rotation, especially among big men. But he did say Chris Andersen "has solidified some minutes."

* Karl said only Atkins, Steven Hunter (knee) and Sonny Weems (groin) definitely are out Friday. Weems, out the entire preseason, was able to do extensive court work Tuesday.

He said it

"I said, 'A.C., your whole life you've wanted to play (big minutes), so don't complain.' "

Karl, who, with Atkins out, expects point guard Anthony Carter to play plenty early and who also will use Smith and Anthony in passing roles.

Comments

  • October 23, 2008

    7:36 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Snappa writes:

    I really really dont like the way Karl is handling the nuggets. I wish someone can explain to me why does he have AC starting over JR Smith. Why is Stephen Hunter and Chucky Atkins still on this team when they have proven they cant even stay healthy and be on the court??? I just dont get what the heck he is doing with this team... He is getting ready to let Smush Parker, possibly Juwan Howard, and maybe even Ruben Patterson go, just to keep Hunter, AC, and Atkins???????....... Wow.. just wow. And on top of that he decides to have AC start over J.R... way to go Karl, you are building a championship team.... Incrdible man.

  • October 24, 2008

    2:15 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dwade3 writes:

    Totally agree, Karl has to go. If Karl could coach J.R Smith and teach him to play D then they might have someone out there to score other than Iverson for the first game (Melo is out). They just want to tank the season and start over with this team. Sad.