As free agency is now upon the Nuggets and all of the NBA, Denver has seen two of its biggest rivals improve as of late.
The San Antonio Spurs landed a big-time performer in Richard Jefferson to join Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. While the Spurs finished in third in the West last year, and have been dominant in the first decade of the 2000s, they will look to be much improved in the '09-'10 season.
The Lakers also made a huge move in free agency today, getting the services of somewhat maligned star Ron Artest. Artest, who battled intensely with Kobe Bryant in the West semifinals a month ago, will now team up with him as LA looks to repeat as NBA champions.
So, as both teams that finished around the Nuggets in the West last year (LA first, SA second), what has Denver done to become better in '09-'10?
To start, the Nuggets traded their 2010 first-round draft pick for Ty Lawson, the PG of last year's NCAA Champion Tar Heels.
Lawson can potentially help the team now—he is a winner with supreme talent, ability, and potential. He looks to back up consummate professional Chauncey Billups at the PG position, as Anthony Carter should be on his way out of town.
Now, there are many rumors flying around that involve the Nuggets, with at least one deal expected to happen.
Yahoosports.com reported yesterday that the Nuggets have contacted the Portland Trailblazers about C/F Channing Frye.
Frye saw limited time in Portland last year and with 11.8 minutes only, averaged 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds. But, in his young four-year career, he has been able to average 8.2 points, and 4.5 rebounds overall, showing that more game time equals more production.
Frye would be a great addition to the team as he would give Denver a fourth big man, along with Nene, Kenyon Martin, and Chris "Birdman" Andersen—the Nuggets would have much needed depth in the front court.
That is however, if "Birdman" doesn't also sign with the rival Lakers.
Nuggets' GM Mark Warkentein boarded a plane Wednesday, and is in LA today to discuss a new contract for Birdman, a definite fan favorite of Denver.
Andersen reportedly wants a five-year deal for the mid-level exception, $5.7 million per year. However, the Nuggets should be wary about giving him such a substantial deal.
The Birdman's play was other worldly in '08-'09, as he was second in the league in blocks per game to defensive player of the year Dwight Howard. All that, and Bird only played a mere 20 minutes a game!
But even with all the production, intensity, and energy Andersen brought to Denver, he brings much baggage as well. Birdman was signed by the Nuggets only after being dropped by New Orleans, serving a two-year suspension from the league.
While Birdman was something special on the court last year, and is truly worth more than the $1 million he didn't even make in '08-'09, the mid-level is too much for a backup center.
In all though, Andersen is the one free agent Denver has to sign from last year, and if that means they have to bite the bullet and pay him more than they want to, then so be it. Birdman will be soaring a Mile High again in 09'-10'.
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