After flirting with a couple of teams Reggie Evans decided to continue his relationship with the Nuggets.
Evans signed a five-year contract Friday that could be worth up to $23 million. The 6-foot-8, 245-pound power forward averaged 5.2 points and 8.7 rebounds in 26 games for the Nuggets last season. Evans cited Minnesota and Cleveland as his biggest suitors, but said his preference had been to stay with the Nuggets, who acquired him from Seattle on Feb. 23.
"I liked Denver a lot. It was just an honor for them to do what they did to get me," Evans said. "They stood by me a lot and that carried over. They appreciated what I did on the court.''
In four NBA seasons Evans has posted averages of 4.1 points and 7.3 rebounds. The Pensacola, Fla. native went undrafted out of Iowa in 2002.
"It feels good to have this (long-term contract)," he said. "I can take care of my kids and focus on what I love to do, playing ball."
Mark Warkentien, recently promoted to vice-president of basketball operations, said, "We're glad to have Reggie back. He is only 26 and is the best per-minute rebounder in the NBA."
While it was previously believed that Warkentien would be the go-to guy on all Nuggets moves, he and newly named vice president of player personnel Rex Chapman will hold equal power on team decisions and report to advisor Bret Bearup and owner Stan Kroenke. Warkentien, Chapman and Bearup are expected to begin meeting Monday in Denver.
"(We'll) kind of take inventory of where we are at and where we need to go," Warkentien said.
The Nuggets have 14 players on their roster, including just five guards. Denver is interested in adding a veteran shooting guard and possibly a 3-point threat. Another possible shooting guard option is Nuggets free agent DerMarr Johnson. Denver could also try to deal one or more of its big men to acquire backcourt help.
Footnotes USA Basketball executive director Jim Tooley said it should become clear soon whether Venezuela is still going to host the 2007 FIBA America Zone Olympic Qualifying Tournament. If Venezuela declines, potential 2007 FIBA America hosts includes Puerto Rico, Mexico, Argentina and possibly the United States. Team USA must compete in the tournament in hopes of qualifying for one of three spots in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_4307893
As expected for Evans.
Signing DeMarr Johnson would be an okay addition for them. Knows the system, is athletic, long. But, shooting? No. He's not a reliable long-range shooter.
So, the Nuggs would still have no consistent perimeter shooter. The guy with the longest and consistent range (inside the arc), Joe Smith, his role is uncertain and it's possible he'll be traded.
Nuggs let Pargo/House/Butler/Ju. Jones/Delk all get signed elsewhere. Barring a trade, I think they should get Kareem Rush, had a problem in Charlotte, but he can shoot and is athletic. I think he'd be a solid role-player on the team
For trades, I think the Nuggs could go after Troy Hudson/Q-Rich/Mike Miller. Maybe Wally S.
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