Denver Nuggets have initially prepared spot for Paul Millsap. They waived forward Alonzo Gee for Millsap. But two days later the Nuggets re-signed him again for a 10-day-contract on Sunday, Jan.8.
Gee was waived on Jan. 6 a reported by NBA.com. This signaled that Nuggets front office has prepared to bring in Millsap from Atlanta Hawks. But the Nuggets face a strong competition from Toronto Raptors for the 31-year-old power forward, while the Hawks put a very high price tag for Millsap.
Two days later, Atlanta Hawks re-signed Gee for 10-day-contract.
The Nuggets currently have 14-23 records and ranked 10th in the Western Conference. After a 106-121 loss against Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, Jan. 7, they are on the fifth straight losses. They are in desperate need of a strong big man to fortify their defense.
Coach Michael Malone expressed his resentment in the Nuggets defense after a 113-120 loss against Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, Jan. 3 as reported by ESPN. He ripped the team defense and called it embarrassing. Later on, he admitted his remark was caused by his frustration after consecutive losses.
“I apologize to our veterans -- anything that's going on in our locker room should be left in the locker room," he said before another losing game against the Spurs on Thursday night.
Afterward, the Thunder handed them the 23rd and the fifth consecutive losses. The losing streak gives coach Malone and the Nuggets a very strong reason to pursue strong player to fortify their defense such as Millsap.
Currently, they have a better chance than the Raptors to bring in Millsap. It is because, the Hawks aim to get the highest possible pick in 2017 NBA Draft. Two interested parties, Denver Nuggets, 10th in the Western Conference surely have higher pick than the Raptors, 2nd in the Eastern Conference.
Watch highlight of the fifth consecutive defeat suffered by the Nuggets from Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan.7, 2017 below:
