Denver Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri suggests JaVale McGee in line for new contract, demands improvement – NBA Update
The Denver Nuggets went out in the first round of NBA playoffs at the hands of the Las Angeles Lakers but not before the young side pushed the veteran stars of Hollywood to 7 games. A lot of young Denver players stepped up in the Western Conference first
round series, notable among them JaVale McGee.
Now Nuggets General Manager Masai Ujiri has suggested that the club will be offering the centre a new deal in the summer, when he is a restricted free agent. McGee was only brought in from the Washington Wizards in the summer, when the Nuggets traded away
long-time centre Nene.
The youngster has repaid some of that faith with his performances in Denver, especially during the playoffs series against the Lakers when he did a good job on Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. Although impressed, Masai hinted that the Nuggets will be demanding
improvements from McGee as well.
"We were happy, but there's still a lot of work to do" Ujiri said, referring to JaVale and his game.
The NBA executive also made a passing remark on McGee’s attitude, which was a problem during his time with the Wizards.
"There's some bad habits we're going to have to change, but that's coaching and that's mentoring and we feel like we're in a position where we can help the kid.”
Overall though, Masai is fond of the big guy. He remarked that it was because of his obvious talent that the Nuggets brought him from Washington. He also contended that the style of play in Denver suits McGee a lot. The contract, Ujiri assured, would come.
"So, we saw him a certain way, that's kind of why we were intrigued by bringing him here. The style of play I think also favours him, running, the lobs, the rebounding, blocking shots and creating opportunities for our team. I think he's showing that a little
bit. The contract, that's our job. We have to figure out a way to do it."
McGee is sure to attract a lot of interest this summer as a number of teams would be looking for a centre to boost up their options in the paint.
Tags: