Nene, Nuggets no closer to deal
Power forward isn't expecting extension by Monday deadline
By Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News
October 25, 2005
They were the kind of plays that make NBA executives drool in dollar signs. Displaying the footwork of a Chicago cast member, Nene spun underneath the basket and gently laid the ball through the hoop.
A few minutes later, he stole the ball near the top of the key and led a fast break the other direction.
In a half-court set, Nene weighed his options in the low post and fired a one-handed pass to Andre Miller on the opposite side of the court for a wide-open jump shot.
It should be noted the series of plays came near the end of practice Monday, but it summed up Nene's potential value as he prepares to start down the path that all perspective free agents dream about: the contract year.
With less than one week remaining for the Denver Nuggets to sign Nene to a contract extension, it appears the fourth-year power forward will become a restricted free- agent in the summer.
The deadline for negotiating an extension is Monday, and there has been little movement between the Nuggets and agent Michael Coyne.
"I know my price," Nene said. "I know my price. I know I'm going to do good this season."
When it comes to 23-year-old, 6-foot-11, 260-pound forwards who can run the floor and move people out of the low block, it is a seller's market.
Nene has taken out an insurance policy against injury in the event he plays out the final year of his Nuggets deal. He said Monday he does not expect to sign an extension in the next six days.
Nene, who has averaged 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in his first three seasons, is believed to be seeking a deal similar to the six-year, $64 million contract Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert signed in July.
Dalembert has averaged 6.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in three seasons. He spent 2002-03 on the injured list.
"Nowadays, they're letting anybody get big money on the free- agent market," Nuggets center Marcus Camby said. "Nene's probably the best running big man we have in this league. Regardless, he going to get paid, either here or from somebody else."
Before worrying about his contract, Nene is trying to find some consistency on the court.
A strained right hamstring limited him through the first two weeks of training camp, but he has looked good in the Nuggets' past three preseason games, averaging 9.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in 22.3 minutes.
"He's not there yet, but he's a big guy for us that takes up a lot more room in the middle than anybody else on our team, and we need him to be healthy and ready to go for the regular season," coach George Karl said.
Assistant Adrian Dantley, who has worked closely with Nene since 2003, has been pleased with Nene's preseason performances and believes he can be among the league's top rebounders on a per-minute basis.
"Everybody always thinks he can do better than what he's doing, but he's progressing just fine," Dantley said.
Nene said the hamstring is back to normal, but he still needs to improve his conditioning. He and the Nuggets have one more week before their opening game, against the defending champion Spurs in San Antonio.
"If you talk about defense, it's good, but offense, I need confidence," Nene said.
"I'm in shape, but I want a little bit more. I want to be fast. I'm not slow, but I want more. I want to run. I want to do a lot."
The Nuggets would like to see Nene at full strength and full speed. The lure of a big contract often brings out the best in professional athletes, and his trade value would be enhanced by strong numbers.
"It helps me as a coach," Karl said. "I think, in general, there's a better focus. I think there's an upswing (in performance)."
INJURY UPDATE: Kenyon Martin was limited in practice because of soreness in his surgically repaired left knee, but Camby looked strong after missing the past five games because of a sore left foot.
"I was surprised (Martin) didn't practice, but he's just being real cautious," Karl said. "He feels some tendinitis developing. He's going to have to learn how to cope with it.
"We've kind of had an injury history since I've been here. We need to conquer that. That's not how you get better. Practice is where you get better, and we've got to have that attitude."
Also, swingman Bryon Russell had his sprained left knee examined, but results were not immediately available. Russell is among five players seeking the final spot on the Nuggets' 15-player roster.
Because of injuries, the Nuggets have not made any cuts during the preseason and still are carrying 19 players. That could change today or Wednesday. "I'm not a big cut guy," Karl said. "I don't like cuts."
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nuggets/article/0,1299,DRMN_20_4184674,00.html
