Joffrey Lauvergne, Coming Soon to the Denver Nuggets?
By Len Nunes
Joffrey Lauvergne was selected 55th in the 2013 NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Joffrey Lauvergne was drafted 55th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies and then traded to our Denver Nuggets in the 2013 NBA Draft. Here’s a snippet from his Draft Express Profile to help explain why the Denver Nuggets acquired him:
"Standing 6’11, Lauvergne has solid size for a power forward, even if his 6’9.5 wingspan doesn’t jump off the page. He’s improved his frame since emerging on the NBA radar, tipping the scales around 235 pounds as this stage with a body fat percentage measured as low as 3.2% in recent years. A mobile four man with good speed in the open floor, a strong first step, and the ability to play well above the rim, Lauvergne is an impressive athlete, even if he could stand to continue getting stronger, especially in his lower body."
Joffrey Lavergne has played for Partizan Belgrade of the Euroleague since December 28th, 2012. Admittedly, I do not watch Euroleague basketball so I will take the following information directly from his Wikipedia page:
"In his second Euroleague season, with lot of trust from head coach Dusko Vujosevic, he has made big steps forward in his development, becoming one of the best rebounders in the league averaging 9.3 rebounds in 10 regular season games. His games hasn’t gone unseen, as Denver Nuggets GM Tim Connelly has said that they really liked the progress he has made through the season. Over 24 games in the Euroleague, he averaged 11.1 points per game, while also leading the league with 8.6 rebounds per game."
According to this article from Sportando.com :
"The big man (Joffrey Lauvergne) has contract for next season and the most difficult part will be to reach a buyout agreement with Partizan who is facing some financial problems."
It’s fair to say the Denver Nugget power forward situation is already crowded with Kenneth Faried, JJ Hickson, Darrel Arthur needing their minutes. Mix in Anthony Randolph and Quincy Miller already playing all the garbage minutes available in the front court, something has got to give. I’m intrigued! Hopefully the Nuggets can have Joffrey Lauvergne on their summer league roster.