Facundo Campazzo: Signing with Nuggets is ‘a dream come true’
Denver Nuggets point guard Facundo Campazzo pens a piece detailing his free agency and plans for the future.
Writing a welcome letter on HoopsHype to Denver Nuggets fans, 29-year-old rookie point guard Facundo Campazzo discusses his free agency promise after coming over from Real Madrid.
“I’m coming here to stay and have a relevant NBA career,” asserts Campazzo, one of the most decorated and recognized international players.
“Like many of my future peers,” Campazzo reminisces, “playing in the NBA has been a lifelong dream. When I was a kid, me and my friends played like we were Jason Kidd, Steve Nash and Vince Carter and pretended we were in the league.”
"“It goes without saying that signing with the Nuggets is a dream come true.”"
Campazzo’s brother cried once he signed his two-year contract with the Nuggets. His mother, initially disappointed he was leaving Real Madrid, worried over her son’s angst. Campazzo’s anxiety itself was compounded by him worrying about how his family would settle in once they got to the United States and what would happen if he got injured while playing for Real Madrid during their 2020-21 season.
“I don’t know how much playing time will be available for me in Denver,” Campazzo says, alluding to the Nuggets’ guard depth.
However, Campazzo’s decision was influenced more by fit and team success more than the size of his role.
Campazzo admits that he received interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks in free agency. In at least the Knicks’ case, there was a far greater need for a backup point guard prior to their signings of Austin Rivers and Elfrid Payton.
Yet, the recommendations of friends and former players like Manu Ginobli, Andres Nocioni and Luis Scola ultimately swayed Campazzo’s decision.
He credits Scola in particular, saying that “Luis’ advice has been so important throughout my career. He’s the one that really convinced me that in order to get to the next level I really had to take better care of my body and be even more of a pro.”
"“Not to mention they have a bit of an international flavor, which made Denver even more appealing.”"
Having played for Argentina’s national team in two Olympic Games and multiple FIBA events, so this won’t be Campazzo’s first time going up against NBA talent.
Nonetheless, he’s anxious to see how he stacks up against the league’s creme de la creme, naming players like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard as point guards he wants to compete against.
“Luckily, I get to play both of them in the preseason,” notes Campazzo, “so I get an early taste of what’s ahead for me.”
Already holding the attention of everyone in the Mile High with his magical playmaking abilities, Campazzo’s fit with players like Nikola Jokic generates tantalizing images of two-man passing clinics. Though not the most efficient scorer, his ability to hit tough shots and play with intelligence despite that flaw is reminiscent of players like Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green; two players who only enhanced their team’s chances of winning an NBA championship.
Suffice it to say, Campazzo should be beloved by Nuggets fans for however long he’s in Denver.
Next. Five takeaways from Day 2 of training camp. dark
By the by, for those NBA historians and lovers of NBA trivia, Campazzo is now the shortest player in league history to not have college basketball experience.