|
In an unusual turn of events the Denver Nuggets traded former Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Camby, to the Los Angeles Clippers for nothing more than the option to exchange second-round picks with them in 2010.
Camby led the league in blocked shots last season with 3.6 per game, to go along with 9.1 ppg and 13.1 rbpg (2nd in league).
What makes this deal so interesting for the Nuggets is that they lose possibly the most important piece of their roster. Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony are higher regarded stars, but with the Nuggets’ poor defense, the team relied heavily on Camby’s block shots to bail them out last season. With him gone, they’ll have to rely on injury prone players like Kenyon Martin and Nene Hilario.
What this trade does do for Denver is help clear up cap space. Yet, even after discarding Camby’s $8 million contract, the Nuggets will still have to pay luxury tax next season. What really has the team in a stronghold is Martin’s $14 million contract.
Meanwhile, the LA Clippers have done a wonderful job offsetting the loss of star Forward Elton Brand, who departed for the Philadelphia 76ers recently. Camby will likely play power forward alongside Chris Kaman, who had a career year last season averaging 15.7 ppg, 12.7 rbpg, 2.8 bspg in 56 games. Al Thornton, who showed much promise as a rookie, will likely start at small forward and could have a breakout season. Recently signed Baron Davis and either rookie Eric Gordon or veteran Cuttino Mobley should fill in the guard slots. That leaves a bench of Brevin Knight, Josh Powell, Quinton Ross and Tim Thomas. LA may not make the playoffs given how tough the Western Conference will be, but they should compete for a spot. The Nuggets, on the other hand, may have traded their way out of the playoffs.
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
