Nene In A Boot, JR Smith Joins The Knicks, Wilson Chandler Coming Back
The Denver Nuggets have been hampered by injuries as of late. Within the last two weeks the Nuggets have lost their entire starting frontcourt. First starting center Timofey Mozgov went down with a sprained ankle and then Danilo Gallinari was dealt a significant sprained ankle.
Starting power forward Nene also went down with a left calf strain and will now be in a walking boot for the next four to five days. It seems very unlikely that Nene will return before the All-Star break, same also goes for Gallinari who may not return until mid-March. However, Mozgov should return tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Also, Al Harrington will start for the Nuggets tonight as well. Probably to ignite the Nuggets lackadaisical offense.
JR SMITH TO THE KNICKS
The former Nuggets sixth man is back in the NBA and back with his former teammate Carmelo Anthony. Smith was being pursued by the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, but decided on the New York Knicks. And while many may worry how Anthony will fit in with Jeremy Lin, it will be interesting how Smith will fit in with Lin.
Talent-wise, Smith should fit in well with Lin. He can shoot lights out and, at times, can be unstoppable. However, there are times when Smith tends to take questionable shots and doesn’t move the ball – which destroys the flow of the game. Lets just say it will be interesting and intriguing to watch the Knicks the rest of the season.
CHANDLER LEAVING CHINA EARLY
Rumor has it that Wilson Chandler will soon be back in the NBA, despite his team in China making the playoffs. While there is still no guarantee that he’ll be back with the Nuggets and there isn’t any certainty when he can return to the NBA.
According to reports, if he is cleared before March 1, other teams can bid on his services. But if his return to the NBAis delayed until after that date, the Nuggets will be his only real option. He has stated he wants to return to the Nuggets, but the question remains – will it be for the long-term or short-term?
No doubt, Chandler would help the Nuggets especially with their recent injuries. He is also versatile enough to play shooting guard, small forward and power forward and can start or come off the bench.