News Nuggets Team Notes

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Expected To Make Big Move For Veteran Big Man

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

It looked like Jonas Valanciunas was going to head to the Denver Nuggets next season, providing them with much-needed help in the center position.

But it now sounds like Valanciunas has decided to leave the NBA to play overseas, leaving a huge hole in Denver’s plan.

They are quickly pivoting and eyeing another big man to help them.

According to Evan Sidery, the Nuggets are “widely expected” to pursue Al Horford in free agency.

“The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role,” Sidery wrote.

With the Nuggets now once again without a backup center, they are widely expected to pivot to pursuing Al Horford in free agency.

The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role. pic.twitter.com/m6KQmMmA9N

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 4, 2025

For most of the week, it sounded like the Golden State Warriors had the best shot of getting Horford, who has spent his last several years with the Boston Celtics.

But this loss of Valanciunas has changed everything, and now the Nuggets are in hot pursuit of him.

He would be a huge pickup for Denver.

Horford, who has been in the league for 18 seasons, averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds last season.

Although he is 39 years old, he was still playing impressive and important basketball for the Celtics and was one of the reasons they won a championship in 2024.

The Warriors and Lakers were taking a serious look at acquiring him, but they now have real competition.

What can the Nuggets offer, beyond just a regular place in the rotation?

On top of that, how long will they have him for, and is retirement right around the corner?

If plans for Horford fall through, do the Nuggets have another backup plan in mind, or is this their last hope to get a backup big man?

The post Nuggets Expected To Make Big Move For Veteran Big Man appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-expected-to-make-big-move-for-veteran-big-man/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Jonas Valanciunas Has Decided On His Jersey Number With Nuggets

(Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)

It’s official: Jonas Valanciunas is coming to the Denver Nuggets.

After weeks of twists and turns, Valanciunas’ deal with the Nuggets is finished, and now he has decided on his jersey number.

According to Etienne Catalan on X, Valanciunas will wear No. 17 for the Nuggets.

That number has been dormant for years and was last worn by Johnny Taylor all the way back in 1999.

Throughout his career, Valanciunas has worn 17, and he is happy to bring that tradition to Denver.

Jonas Valančiūnas (@JValanciunas) will wear No. 17 for the #Nuggets. Number last worn by Johnny Taylor in 1999. #NBA pic.twitter.com/jIULcRmBEp

— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 14, 2025

Valanciunas’ move to the Nuggets was first reported at the start of the month, but then it hit a huge speed bump: Greece’s Panathinaikos.

He was lured to play overseas and, according to most reports, he seriously considered it.

In the end, Panathinaikos didn’t offer him enough to change his trajectory, and now Valanciunas is on his way to Denver.

He split his time between the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings last season, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Valanciunas adjusted to being a bench player in 2024-25, and that may be the case in the next season too.

He could provide helpful support behind Nikola Jokic in the center position.

After years of Jokic needing assistance, Valanciunas might be exactly what the Nuggets need.

Denver was surely sweating this situation for a while, afraid that they could lose Valanciunas to the Greek league.

Now they can start making plans with him, and they are hopeful.

The Nuggets have made several impressive changes so far, and they think they are enough to help them become one of the best teams in the West again.

Valanciunas provides a lot of strength and power, and might be their smartest acquisition.

The post Jonas Valanciunas Has Decided On His Jersey Number With Nuggets appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jonas-valanciunas-has-decided-on-his-jersey-number-with-nuggets/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Stephen A. Smith Says Nuggets Are Compromising 1 Player’s Success

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Just a few seasons ago, the Denver Nuggets were the most dominant team in the NBA.

Now they are still a threat in the Western Conference, but not at the level they once were.

Appearing on “Gil’s Arena,” Stephen A. Smith said the team is compromising Jokic’s success because they aren’t willing to spend the money to keep a strong team around him.

“I don’t think Jokic [feels the pressure of winning another championship] because we’ve seen Jokic be phenomenal, winning league MVPs. What you let go of Bruce Brown for? What you let go of Jeff Green for? Money, so you compromise Jokic’s success, because he still went out on the court and delivered. You see him walking around—I say it affectionately—looking like a big tub of lard, can’t jump onto a curb, and you can’t stop him. It’s unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s unstoppable. You don’t point the finger at him,” Smith said.

The Nuggets are compromising Jokic’s success according to Stephen A.

pic.twitter.com/Lo5uPj4UPc

— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) August 18, 2025

The Nuggets have heard their fair share of complaints over the last several years because of roster choices.

Some fans claim the team isn’t doing enough to give Jokic the right sort of backup he needs.

It’s not about the most notable names, such as Aaron Gordon or Jamal Murray.

Instead, people say Denver needs more supporting role players, athletes who can come off the bench and chip in for five to ten minutes at a time.

They definitely tried this offseason, and the inclusion of Jonas Valanciunas has a lot of fans excited.

They think that with a capable and proven backup big man behind Jokic, the Nuggets can finally climb to the top of the West again.

Jokic hasn’t slowed down, even with his team’s troubles.

Last season, he averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists on 57.6 percent from the field.

He isn’t slowing down, but Jokic needs his front office to back him up even more.

The post Stephen A. Smith Says Nuggets Are Compromising 1 Player’s Success appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stephen-a-smith-says-nuggets-are-compromising-1-players-success/