Some big offseason questions
Before the Nuggets can start thinking about the Draft, free agency and making a trade they need to figure out some in house issues.
- RESIGN WARKENTIEN AND CHAPMAN – Both the Nuggets vice president of player personal Rex Chapman and vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien need new contracts. While Denver can lose one, but definitely not both, last year both were among the top executives in the League. The duo have been the masterminds of adding Allen Iverson and Chauncey Billups and getting JR Smith, Renaldo Balkman and Arron Afflalo cheap. However, they also were behind the signing of Chucky Atkins and passing on Francisco Garcia and overpaying Reggie Evans and Renaldo Balkman. No matter, what the Nuggets would be in worst place without them, especially this offseason.
- WHAT’S UP WITH KARL? – There were fears about losing George Karl for the season, but the fears are being extended into the offseason with Karl getting a blood clot. Now, the question is can Karl coach next year or even ever? And in that very realistic scenario who will be the coach next year. Adrian Dantley showed his lack of experience this last year and while he may be a good coach in the future, he isn’t the right choice for this squad right now. So who, if Karl can’t coach?
- EXTENSIONS – As the Cavaliers deal with losing LeBron this offseason, the Nuggets may be faced with that decision next year as Carmelo Anthony is by far the best and possibly the most sought after free agent and if the Nuggets can’t get back to the Western Conference Finals they possibly could lose him. While they can offer him an extension, it is doubtful he will accept it – unless Denver can add a key piece this offseason. Arron Afflalo is another player that the Nuggets should offer a contract extension to, AAA showed how valuable role player he is and he could be much, much more for Denver the next few years.