Some Denver Nuggets stories picked up recently with the NBA Draft closing in:
Gallo To Get Better: Coach George Karl, assistant coach John Welch and strength coach Steve Hess recently traveled to Italy recently to meet with Danilo Gallinari.
They discussed improving all aspects of Gallinari’s game and making him a more complete better and taking the next step to being a star in the League.
Karl told Denver Post’s Chris Dempsey:
The window in almost every area has growth. He can become a better defender, he can become a better rebounder, his playmaking can grow and his ability to become a consistent scorer I think is what we all probably see more than anything. He’s not going to get into the Melo numbers, but I think he’s going to take a step forward next year. He averaged 15? I think the step would be 18 or something like that.
Gallinari’s improvement is key to the Nuggets getting better, but so is the improvement of restricted free agent Arron Afflalo, Nene, Timofey Mozgov, Kosta Koufos and Ty Lawson.
Singleton catching Nuggets eyes: According to the Denver Post, Chris Singleton ‘dazzled’ during his workout with the Nuggets. Not surprising, the first thing you notice about Singleton is his athleticism, the second thing is his size. And he will make it in the NBA, and according to Mike Bratz, the Nuggets’ director of scouting, Singleton can play right away.
While there is no guarantee that Singleton will be there when the Nuggets draft at 22nd, but there is guarantee that he will help out defensively. Singleton, who is entering the draft after his junior year, led Florida State to the NCAA Tournament and he did while averaging 2 steals a game and 1.5 blocks. While there hasn’t been comparisons for Singleton, but one that makes sense due to their size and athleticism is the Atlanta Hawks’ Josh Smith.
There were questions about his motor, but Bratz told Denver Post’s Benjamin Hochman that ‘(Singleton) competes’ and if that is the case, Singleton is one of the players in the draft that can have a very successful career.
If Singleton falls into the Nuggets laps, it would most likely mean that the Nuggets don’t have to bring back Wilson Chandler, who may demand a lot money than the Nuggets are willing to offer.
Flynn to the Knicks?: While it isn’t a Nuggets rumor, a New York Knicks rumor has to hit close to home for Nuggets fans. Especially when they have been connected to both teams.
Flynn, a former Syracuse star, is rumored to be traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Knicks are an interested party.
Flynn, who was one of three point guards drafted the Timberwolves in 2009 Draft (and so far the best of the bunch was the one they traded to the Nuggets – Ty Lawson), has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. In two seasons, Flynn has averaged 10.2 points and 4 assists in 134 games – which are nearly identical numbers to what Lawson averaged over that same time. Not great numbers for the guy drafted sixth overall, but not bad numbers for the guy drafted 20th.
However, Knicks fans have been led to believe that they can get Flynn straight up for Toney Douglas. Why wouldn’t they think anything different? They thought they were getting Carmelo Anthony for Corey Brewer and Wilson Chandler, and believe they were ripped off for dealing a bunch of young assets for a top-10 talent. I guess life is never fair in New York City.
First off, with the Flynn deal a Douglas-Flynn trade won’t work financially because Flynn makes three times as much money. Secondly, Flynn, who is only 22, still has value despite his struggles. A deal of Bill Walker, Douglas, Andy Rautins and the 17th pick for Flynn works financially and isn’t a bad deal for either team – outside of the Knicks losing more and more bench help.
Howard To the Nuggets?: Okay, lets not get carried away. Dwight Howard getting traded to the Nuggets has a 5 percent chance of happening. And him staying in Denver has a 1 percent chance of happening. While this trade isn’t going to happen or could it (only if the Magic are really gun-ho on getting Nene and Chandler back for Howard), at least some fans are thinking outside of the box.
