Sep 24 2008
Will Center Nene Improve The Nuggets?
The Denver Nuggets is one of those teams that has all the talent in the world, but has yet to overcome team chemistry and take their skills to the next level to advance further in the Playoffs. Denver traded Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this year, a key shot blocker and rebounder in the hopes that Nene, the injury prone Brazilian will gel into the starting lineup and produce for the team.
Nene is in the third year of a 6 year deal with the Nuggets and his career averages are 52% field goal shooting, 10.7 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game and .77 blocks per game.
One obvious reason for the trade of Camby was due to money and Denver paying a luxury tax due to player salaries. The trade is forcing Nene to step up his game and stay healthy, and Denver is apparently betting on that happening. This upcoming season we will all find out how this transpires, but I don’t see this as a good thing for the struggling defense of the Nuggets.
Denver reminds me of the New York Yankees. You can group them all on the same field, but that does not mean they can gel.