NBA Rumors: Denver Nuggets Wise to Make Kyle Korver Top Priority

According to Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post, the Denver Nuggets plan to target Kyle Korver during the upcoming period of free agency. Dempsey continues to say that Korver will be "at, or near, the top" of Denver's wish list.

The Nuggets are nothing short of wise to make Korver their top priority.

Korver may not be a superstar, but he's one of the league's elite three-point shooters. He set an NBA record by shooting 53.6 percent from beyond the arc in 2009-10 and led the league in three-point field goals made in 2004-05.

For his career, Korver has formulated a slash line of .433/.418/.876.

Conveniently, Korver is leading the Atlanta Hawks against the Nuggets on March 4. This will give the Nuggets a chance to evaluate their top target up close and personal.

If it were up to head coach George Karl, he wouldn't need to play against Korver.

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...[Kyle Korver] right now moves without the ball as good as anybody in the NBA, and he will get his opportunity to be the first option in 10-15 minutes of the game that we’re going to have to be responsible and see how he’s shooting it. And then you can’t give them the open three, you can’t give him the ‘oh, what happened’ three. You’ve got to be ready. He’s a big part,” said George Karl.

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High praise from a legendary coach.

Karl is well-versed in the strengths and weaknesses of every opponent he faces. With that being said, a player doesn't receive such an extraordinarily high level of praise for being average.

Karl knows exactly why Korver is dangerous and how he could improve his team.

Three-Point Shooting

The Denver Nuggets currently rank 26th in the NBA in three-point field-goal percentage and they're 19th in three-point field goals made per game.

Denver wouldn't just benefit from Korver's presence—they desperately need it.

The Nuggets have long been one of the most explosive offensive teams in the NBA. They're currently averaging 105.5 points per game and crash the offensive glass at a league-best 13.4 boards per game.

Unfortunately, the Nuggets struggle in the half court due to their inability to convert jump shots.

By adding Korver, however, the Nuggets would have an elite three-point shooter. Not only can he space the floor, but Korver can also keep defenses honest and prevent interior collapses.

If it's possible, Korver could also create more offensive rebounding opportunities.

Veteran Leadership

George Karl wasn't the only current Denver Nuggets member to offer up high praise for Korver. Current Nuggets center Kosta Koufos joined Karl in raving about the sharpshooter, praising his on- and off-court presence.

Koufos played with Korver on the Utah Jazz, and it appears as if the former would welcome a reunion.

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“He’s an unbelievable shooter, he’s so gifted with that,” Koufos said....“He’s what you think of a professional. He comes in, works hard, he’s very motivational, very positive, a great player. He’s one of the better teammates I’ve ever played with.”

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All of those traits exemplify why Denver needs to make this happen.

The Nuggets would not only benefit from Korver's shooting ability, but his locker room presence, as well. As a high-character player who commands respect, the veteran would be nothing short of a positive addition.

Nearly 10 years in the league and 54 postseason games played counters any argument to suggest otherwise.

Korver isn't a superstar and he won't command a max contract. What the 31-year-old sharpshooter can be, however, is the cure-all to Denver's woes.

Korver is the type of player that can push this team over the top.