|
|
|
Saturday, January 13, 2001
Nuggets look for defense, rebounding
Associated Press
|
DENVER -- Opting for strength and experience over
athleticism and potential, the Denver Nuggets acquired center Kevin
Willis in a six-player trade with the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
| |  | |
| Willis |
Denver, seeking its first playoff appearance in six seasons,
also received centers Aleksandar Radojevic and Garth Joseph and a
second-round draft pick in either 2001 or 2002.
Going to the Raptors were shooting guard Tracy Murray and
centers Mamadou N'diaye and Keon Clark. N'diaye was Denver's
first-round pick last June, but never played because of a groin injury.
At 38, the 7-foot, 245-pound Willis, is 13 years older than the
spindly Clark but is a better rebounder and post player who has
playoff experience. He is averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 22
minutes this season.
"It will be a good trade for both teams," Toronto coach Lenny Wilkens said. "We're adding a player with Keon who can block shots, rebound, run the floor and defend. It gives us another young guy."
Willis also allows forward Antonio McDyess to concentrate on
offense rather than worry about guarding opposing centers. The
Nuggets signed Terry Davis for that role in the offseason, but he
is on the injured list with tendinitis in his right Achilles'.
Playing for his sixth team in seven seasons, Willis is making
$2.7 million this year and will make $3 million in the final year
of his contract next season.
"He's a great guy and I really enjoyed working with him," added Wilkens, who also coached Willis with the Atlanta Hawks.
Clark, who is 6-11 but weighs only 220 pounds, has been a work
in progress for Denver and his athletic ability is attractive to
the Raptors. He averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds last season,
but dropped to 6.5 points and 5.3 rebounds this season.
Murray averaged a career-high 16.2 points during his lone season with the Raptors in 1995-96. He scored a season-high 17 points Tuesday at Vancouver but had been unhappy with his playing time and asked for a trade earlier this season.
The Raptors picked the 7-3, 250-pound Radojevic 12th overall in
the 1999 draft. The 24-year-old center played in only three games
last season and has been on the injured list with back problems all
this season.
Joseph has appeared in only two games this season. He was placed
on the injured list with a strained groin on Dec. 14.
|
|
ALSO SEE
Posey's 19 boards point Nuggets past Kings
|
|
