Nuggets Offseason: The Search For A Point Guard Begins

A crushing defeat in the first round of the playoffs against the Lakers, and the Denver Nuggets are looking for upgrades. Well I may be stating the obvious, but they need to begin by obtaining a floor general.

I wondered if only Denver had a true point guard, maybe things would've been different. Or not. But they are in desperate need of a primary ball handler.

Anthony Carter, the Nuggets starting point guard averaged more assists than turnovers in the playoffs, 2 PPG, 3.5 APG, and 2.5 turnovers per game.

How do you do that?

Here are a small list of point guards that will be available this offseason, that could greatly help the Nuggets:

1. Chris Duhon-Chicago Bulls

2007-08 Numbers: 5.8 PPG, 4.0 APG, 0.7 SPG  Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Duhon is a great perimeter defender and ranks among the top in the NBA in that category. Chris hasn't exactly lived up to the expectations placed upon him by Bulls GM John Paxson has many comparing him to another Duke draftee disappointment in Jay Williams.

Duhon's game has been lackluster due to a unequal playing field in Chicago. Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, and Thabo Sefolosha, all have higher ranks in the rotation, despite Chris Duhon being selected around the same time of them.

2. Jannero Pargo-New Orleans Hornets 

2007-08 Numbers: 8.1 PPG, 2.4 APG, 0.6 SPG  Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Pargo was a major boost to the New Orleans Hornets coming off the bench in the playoffs, averaging 10.2 PPG, 2.3 APG, and 1 SPG. Jannero's finest hour came in the opening round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks.

In that series he averaged 14.6 PPG, 2.4 APG, and 1 SPG in 26.6. minutes and shot 45% from behind the arc. Pargo also averaged only 1.8 turnovers per game which reflects his great ball control.

With Allen Iverson leaving soon, The Nuggets may just be the team to give Jannero the spotlight in the coming seasons. J.P's other option is to provide an excellent 1-2 punch with the Hornets and Chris Paul. However, I believe the temptation of a starting job will be too much to overcome.

3. Jason Williams-Miami Heat

2007-08 Numbers: 8.8 PPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 SPG  Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Williams has held on to starting role as the point guard of the Miami Heat for the last 3 years. The agreement to part way looks to be mutual, as the Heat have been unhappy with his lack of contribution. 

While J-Will's production has declined since his Sacramento days, his numbers are deceiving and aren't entirely his fault.

Dwyane Wade was still noticeably affected with the wounded shoulder, Shaquille O'Neal was beginning the downslide of the career, Ricky Davis was extremely inconsistent, and Shawn Marion missed 11 games and prematurely ended his season with a foot/back injury after joining Miami at the trade deadline. Furthermore, the Heat only managed to average 91.4 PPG, the lowest total since the 2003-04 season (90.6 PPG).

Williams still handles the ball like no other in the Eastern Conference and his days with the Kings provides evidence that the conditioning is still there.

Maybe, just maybe, Denver will be the place Williams where resurrects his career. The question is, will the Nuggets take a chance on the 32 year old point guard?

If the Denver Nuggets want to be serious contenders in the Western Conference next year, they will need a point guard.