Latest news with #Nuggets
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement
Three-Time All-NBA Star Announces Decision on Retirement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Denver Nuggets' 2024-25 campaign concluded with a hard-fought seven-game series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite a valiant effort, the Nuggets were unable to overcome the Thunder's youth, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Advertisement Despite being far from their best at times this season, the series highlighted the competitive spirit of the Nuggets, who pushed the top-seeded Thunder to the brink. Central to Denver's success was Nikola Jokic, who delivered another MVP-caliber season. Over 70 regular-season games, Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, and finished top three in all three major stats. However, Jokic wasn't the only center for the Nuggets this season. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and center DeAndre Jordan (6)Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Three-time All-NBA team member DeAndre Jordan just completed his 17th NBA and third in Denver. Serving as a seasoned presence off the bench, Jordan contributed 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 65.0% from the field over 56 appearances. Advertisement Following the season's end, Jordan took to Instagram where he announced he is not retiring, and will return for an 18th NBA season. "Season 17 in the books," he began. "Man, can't say enough how grateful I am for this team, this city, and everyone who supported us along the way. Playing this game never gets old, and doing it with this group made it even more meaningful. Big love to the Mile High fans, y'all brought the energy every night. And to my friends, family, and everyone who's been in my corner thank you for the love. PS: this isn't a retirement post!" Denver Nuggets center Deandre Jordan posts on / Instagram Jordan's career began in 2008 when he was drafted 35th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. Over a decade with the Clippers, he became the franchise leader in games played, rebounds, and blocks. His tenure included stints with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets, where he won a championship in 2023. Advertisement When Jordan was released by the Lakers in 2022, there was speculation that could be the end of his NBA career. Instead, he went on to join the 76ers and ultimately Denver where he has spent the last three seasons. Related: Lakers Fans Excited Over LeBron James, Luka Doncic News Related: NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Major Kiyan Anthony News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Nuggets' Russell Westbrook has surgery to fix two breaks on his right hand
Russell Westbrook averaged 11.7 points in 24 minutes per night for the Nuggets this postseason. While he was critical in a few wins, he also shot 39.1% for the postseason and had some rough outings as well. A fractured hand may have contributed to that. Westbrook announced he had surgery on his hand on his blog, World of Westbrook (the Nuggets also confirmed the surgery). 'I'm undergoing surgery on my right hand to fix two breaks that happened during the season. I'm grateful for everyone's support all year and I can't wait to be back out there at 100% soon. The comeback is already in motion.' ' Westbrook has a $3.5 million player option for next season. At age 36, and coming off surgery, he could put himself on the free agent market, but there is unlikely to be more money for him elsewhere, and almost certainly not a better situation. Westbrook is one of those players whose game has been elevated by Nikola Jokic's passing and ability to find him on cuts to the rim or on leak-outs. Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds a game this season, playing almost 28 minutes a night in the 75 games he played. A Denver team looking to add depth around Jokic likely welcomes him back, but you can be sure Westbrook and his agent are kicking the tires to see if other playoff teams might be willing to pay more or have a bigger role for him.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
"He asked what I was wearing tomorrow" - Russell Westbrook after being asked about his player option after Game 7 loss vs. OKC
After losing Game 7 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Denver Nuggets' season ended with another second-round exit, their second straight since winning the championship in 2023. As a result, the organization is expected to make significant roster changes this summer. The Nuggets stirred things up right before the playoffs with the firings of head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. And while many argue they've gotten the best out of their current roster, forcing a Game 7 against the best regular-season team in the Association, they can't risk "wasting" another year of Nikola Jokic's prime. Advertisement Several roster-related speculations have been making the rounds, including Russell Westbrook's future in Denver. The former MVP will soon be entering his 18th year. The Game 7 loss marked another disappointing playoff exit for Westbrook, raising doubts about what lay ahead for him. Fresh off an elimination to the Thunder, "Mr. Triple-Double" was asked about his player option, which didn't sit well with him. "Tried to get Russell Westbrook in the locker room to see he had made a decision on his player option for next season. He looked at his watch and asked what I was wearing tomorrow. When I said I didn't know, he said 'exactly' and walked off. Nuggets aren't doing exit interviews," tweeted Nuggets beat writer Vinny Benedetto after the game. Another volatile series for Westbrook In what many thought was "Brodie's" closest shot at winning a championship, the 6'4" guard suffered another postseason blow. Westbrook also deserves a part of the blame for it, given his inconsistencies during the recent playoffs. This is evident from his -92 plus/minus in the recently concluded semifinals against the OKC Thunder. Russ did have some big moments, though, especially during the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers. He also brought the energy any time he was on the floor against OKC. However, the 36-year-old wasn't consistent enough as Denver's go-to guy off the bench, especially in the second series. Player option for the 2025-26 season After being traded from OKC in 2019, "Brodie" has been shuffling between several teams, with the Nuggets being his fifth squad in the last five years. The veteran guard struggled to find his footing on the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers despite agreeing to come off the bench. Advertisement Russ enters the offseason with a $3.4 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign. If he decides to move on, he'll probably look to sign for another contending team — the 36-year-old has shown he can be a valuable asset despite inconsistencies. Going into his 18th year in the league, "Mr. Triple-Double" is yet to win the ultimate crown. That said, the recent years have brought heavy scrutiny and hate against Russ, something many deem unnecessary to a large extent. The veteran guard's ability to contribute at multiple levels is often disregarded, especially given the effort he gives every time he's on the floor. That's why he can still be a valuable piece for a good team. Whether that's the Nuggets remains to be seen. Related: "Smoked them like a fresh pack of Newport shorts" - Perkins reacts to Thunder's blowout Game 7 win over the Nuggets
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nuggets Trade Rumors Get Unexpected Update Before Offseason
The Denver Nuggets fell just short in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. After firing long-time head coach Michael Malone with only a few regular season games remaining, David Adelman helped the Nuggets take the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder seven games deep. Advertisement It's clear the Nuggets can still compete at a high level with their current squad -- even with an interim head coach at the helm -- though changes will need to be made. Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP winner and NBA champion, provides an elite building block for any franchise. The Nuggets will need to capitalize on his greatness by making the necessary tweaks. Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) and center Nikola Jokic (15).© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images One player who was in the spotlight during the playoffs was Michael Porter Jr. He struggled to make any real impact in the playoffs. Chatter emerged regarding Denver's roster and pending changes this offseason. However, a recent unexpected update could lend a hand in what the club is planning to do this offseason, as reported by Sam Amico. Advertisement 'So even Nikola Jokic as the main man, the Nuggets still need help. Sources say they're hesitant to part ways with core members of their 2023 championship team — Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and now, Christian Braun. Obviously, Jokic isn't going anywhere," Amico reported. Jokic being untradable is quite obvious. He's a generational talent and, unless Nico Harrison is involved, those types of players don't get dealt without forcing a trade. Aaron Gordon has been brilliant in his role alongside Jokic and the squad. Outside of that duo -- and maybe Christian Braun -- any Nuggets player should be available for trade. With a fresh head coach and general manager, Denver shouldn't be scared to make moves if it means more of a chance to compete with Jokic in his prime.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Council votes to get behind Nuggets, Hoiho
Call it an assist — but the Dunedin City Council has offered $50,000 a year for the next three years to help keep the Otago Nuggets and Southern Hoiho basketball teams bouncing. At yesterday's council meeting, Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas put forward the motion to help the struggling franchises. "This is a very small minor way to get the Nuggets back on court." In March, Australian-owners Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) announced its intention to end its involvement with the Southern Hoiho and Otago Nuggets basketball teams from the conclusion of the (men's) National Basketball League (NBL) season. The Nuggets run in the NBL has been fraught with financial challenges. They pulled out of the league at the end of the 2008 season, but re-emerged in 2010 before folding again at the end of the 2014 season. This time they spent five seasons on the sidelines before re-entering the league in 2020 for the NBL Showdown. Cr Lucas said the money would largely cover the cost to hire the More FM Arena at the Edgar Centre. There was a group working behind the scenes to put together a registration of interest for the Hoiho, while the money would also allow time for interest in the Nuggets licence, she said. "Basketball has the highest participation rates among young people in Dunedin — it exceeds rugby and cricket." Cr Andrew Whiley said it was important to keep the Nuggets and Hoiho if only to keep the levels of participation going. "This money is a drop in the bucket ... but I see this money coming back in spades. It's actually going to be invested and thrown back into the Edgar Centre." Cr Jim O'Malley said supporting the measure would have "multiple positive benefits" for the community at large. Cr Brent Weatherall said the Nuggets were a professional team and, as much as he supported basketball, professional sports could be "cruel" at times. "It just worries me this could be a revolving door that could be going on for years and years — if it were just for a year, I would support this deal, but I can't support it for three years." Cr Steve Walker said basketball was in a "lucky" position and there were more important needs for "our constrained dollar". Cr Bill Acklin did not believe it was council's role to rescue professional sports teams. Mayor Jules Radich said this funding would provide aspiration — "there would be a clear pathway for professional sport in Dunedin." "This is not an endless supply of money — it's only for three years to get them started again." Cr Lucas said this was a commitment from the city to ensure the licence would remain here, and a signal to the National Basketball League that the franchise could be trusted financially. The motion was passed nine votes to five.
