Denver Nuggets Training Camp: Some New Faces
Mar 8, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Towson Tigers forward Jerrelle Benimon (20) reacts after a three pointer in the second half against the James Madison Dukes during the Colonial Athletic Conference basketball tournament at Mariner Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets training camp is officially underway, which means the season is — FINALLY! — just around the corner. As the team looks to recover from the disappointment of last year’s injury-plagued season, there are several new faces in camp this year.
Sure, everyone knows about rookies Gary Harris and Jusuf Nurkic, the two players the Nuggets acquired earlier this year during the NBA Draft. But there are a handful of free agents and camp invitees who are in camp, hoping to make the final cut and join the regular season roster.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu: A 31-year old power forward who attended George Washington University, Pops previously spent time with Dallas, San Antonio, Toronto, Houston and New Orleans. Unfortunately, it was reported earlier this week that Pops left camp due to personal reasons. He had a tough road to make the roster since the team is deep at the 4-spot, but we wish Pops all the best in his future endeavors.
Marcus Williams: A 27-year old forward who can play the 3- and 4-spots, Williams played college ball at the University of Arizona and was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft. He spent time in San Antonio and with the Clippers organization, appearing in a total of only 13 regular season NBA games.
Jerrelle Benimon: Benimon is 6′ 8″ power forward whose college career included stops at Georgetown University and Towson. He was part of the Nuggets’ Summer League squad and showed flashes of promise during his time on the court in Vegas. Benimon is still a bit of a long shot to make the final roster and it’s doubtful he’d see many regular season minutes if he makes the cut, but he’s definitely a guy I think could bring some toughness to the team working with the starters in practice.