It’s been a busy offseason for the Nuggets and new GM Calvin Booth, who took over basketball operations following a promotion.
Not only did Denver draft shooting guard Christian Braun and guard/forward Peyton Watson in the first round, it also added guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith in a trade with the Wizards, and center DeAndre Jordan and guard/forward Bruce Brown in free agency.
Basically, Booth took over for Tim Connelly (who left for the Timberwolves), and got right to work, as detailed in an interview with Mark Medina of NBA.com.
““With KCP, we have one of the best 3-and-D guys in the league, someone with championship experience and a proven vet,” Booth said, via Medina. “Bruce was one of the most underrated guys in the league last season. We’re finding that out every day in the game with how sophisticated of a game he has.
“Christian and Peyton will eventually address those needs. We valued DeAndre’s vet leadership and the way he communicates. He’s one of the best rebounders of his generation, and he can still do that. Ish Smith has been a great addition as well and brings different levels of speed and pace to the game.”
Along with the newcomers, Booth and the Nuggets still have back-to-back NBA MVP and center Nikola Jokic, as well as guard Jamal Murray and former Michael Porter Jr. returning from injuries.
As we relayed here, Booth signed a contract extension with the team a couple weeks ago. The new deal extends through the 2024-25 season, per Mike Singer of the Denver Post.
“With the way the transition was handled, I felt like they were comfortable with the way the things were going and wanted to reward me with an extension. I was very appreciative of it,” Booth told Medina.
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