Nuggets Get Their Man – Kinda

With David Griffin refusing to take the Nuggets less than stellar offer to join their front office, Denver turned to their second choice – Masai Ujiri.

Ujiri, who used to be a scout for the Nuggets and is currently good friends with owner Stan Kroenke, was the assistant general manager with the Toronto Raptors. While Griffin was the better candidate, it remained a concern how he would fit in sharing the duties with Stan Kroenke’s son and future owner of the Nuggets, Josh and also quiet consultant Bret Bearup.

Ujiri now has the tough duty of convincing star Carmelo Anthony to stay or getting an equal trade for him. One team that has recently snuck into talks is the Los Angeles Clippers. A trade that was suggested here just last week, but thinking optimistically the Nuggets might be able to get former top pick Blake Griffin back in a deal. Another player that Denver may be interested in returning in a trade is the New Jersey Nets top draft pick Derrick Favors, who has been compared to Al Horford and Dwight Howard.

Ujiri also has to figure out what to do with J.R. Smith who has recently been placed on the block, and coincidently it came about the time he had another run in with the law – this time at the Pepsi Center when he allegedly tried to choke an opposing player. As Smith continues to kill whatever trade value he did have.