Nuggets News
Lenard Out of Starting Lineup

It was announced today by head coach George Karl that veteran jump shooter Voshon Lenard will be replaced in the starting lineup by Dermarr Johnson in the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite winning their first win of the season against Utah, Denver had really struggled to keep the the defence honest with their perimeter and three point shooting. The Nuggets shot for a combined 1 for 21 from the three point line and 32 for 98 from the field. Lenard scored only 2 points and was 0 for 9 from the field and 0 for 7 from three, which was quite peculiar since Lenard is the Nugget's best perimeter shooter and also won the three point shooting contest a few years ago.
Dermarr Johnson, Lenard's replacement on the starting lineup, has been shooting just as worse as Lenard, hitting only 31% of his shot attempts and has not sank a three pointer in the past two games. Johnson did however, manage to play exceptional defence during crunch time to keep Utah shooting guard Gordan Giricek scoreless in the fourth while also holding him to only 5 of 21 shooting. Johnson had stated that this promotion will not be new or exciting to him."I've been a starter before last season, and I think I can keep it that way," said a relaxed Dermarr Johnson. Johnson started 40 games last season mainly due to injury problems suffered by Lenard and averaged 7.1 points per game and 35% from three. "I'm a pretty athletic guy and I've got long arms, so I think I can help get some defensive stops for us."
It will be especially important to get defensive stops since Denver's next opponent will be the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant is the Laker's best player and is one of the most talented offensive players in the league. Lenard's has always been known to be a mediocre defender and is still feeling the after-effects of an injury-plagued year last season. Bryant has had a strong first game of the season with 32 points and shot 50% from the field.
Nene Hard At Work
Denver's backup center/power foward Nene has been hard at work this season with assistant coach Leon Camby. Camby had recently been spoted with Nene working out at Denver's practice facility and working on his jump shot. This will be the final year for Nene's rookie contract, and is hoping to get a long-term deal during the off-season. The Brazilian beast has shown a lot of potential with his four years at Denver, but with the acquisitions of big men Kenyon Martin and Marcus Camby over the past few seasons, it has become difficult for Nene to log a sufficient amount of playing time.
"Nene's really dedicated and commited himself to working harder this season," spoke Leon Camby. "He's really pushing himself everyday this year and he's trying to get the coach's attention. Whether it's from the Denver Nuggets or from another team, Nene really wants the minutes to prove that he's able to be one of the best big men in the league, and I seriously think he has the potential and work ethic to achieve that."
While Nene hasn't been putting up large offensive numbers (3 points per game), Nene has really solidified himself as the Nuggets' top rebounder and a reliable defensive inside presence off the bench this season. He is currently tied with Kenyon Martin for most rebouds per game on the Nuggets with 12 per game, and also has the most defensive rebounds on the team with 8.5. Even though Denver has played only two games, Nene still isn't playing the waiting game to establish himself.
"I'm hoping to make a lot of noise this season and the best way to do that is to start working right now," said Nene. "Denver is currently the team that I cheer for and play on, but I also have to think about my long-term plans for the future. I am extremely grateful that Leon Camby has decided to put the extra time in to help me develop my game."
Denver's Eye on Blatche?
It has been rumoured now for the past few weeks that the Denver Nuggets has been trying to instigate a trade with the Washington Wizards for recently drafted highschooler Andray Blatche. Blatche had been drafted by Washington with the 49th pick of the 2005 draft, but has yet to see playing time and is currently on the Wizards' inactive list. While Blatche has the physical tools to dominate inside, many people were turned off by the fact that Blatche settles for too many outside jump shots. This might seem like a concern for most teams, but Denver is genuinely interested in Blatche's shooting, considering the fact that Denver needs a perimeter player to help cure the Nuggets' shooting woes.
Denver general manager Kiki Vandeweghe has declined to comment on these trades. "We are definitely looking to improve our team by adding more shooters, but we're looking more at players who can play the wing and shooting guard spots," Vadeweghe had said. "Blatche does seem like an interesting player that can help spread the floor out with his shooting, but we already have a lot of power fowards and centers."
Despite the fact that Vandeweghe seems to have discouraged talk about Blatche, Washington-Denver rumours still continue. Nene's contract status is still up in the air in regards to whether or not he will be playing in Denver next season, and Blatche could become useful insurance and an extra bigman to help motivate Nene to play at an even higher level. Blatche also has the potential to become a very versatile big man in the league if he continues to develop his post game. There have also been reports about acquiring Wizards' swingman Jarvis Hayes and three point marksman Chucky Atkins.
Blatche would be an interesting fit for the Nuggets, who are in need of a perimeter player.