As the Denver Nuggets desperately search for a point guard, one player comes to mind: Jose Calderon
He's in the last year of his contract and will become a restricted free agent in the offseason. Calderon has been quoted as saying he will not return to Toronto unless he's guaranteed the starting job and that he would like to go to contender.
He had the best assist to turnover ratio in the NBA (5.38) and was sixth in the NBA in assists with 8.3. Calderon averaged 11.2 PPG, 8.3 APG, 1.1 SPG and was also one of the best free throw shooters in the league, shooting a blistering 90.8 percent from the line.
Here's why the Nuggets should sign Jose Calderon:
1. Calderon brings size at 6-3 210 lbs, great ball handling, another scoring option, and the desire to win to Denver.
Calderon gets the keys to the Nuggets' offense with mediocre point guards Anthony Carter, Chucky Atkins, and Taurean Green making up their current squad. Carter is a free agent this offseason.
2. The Nuggets will become a much more balanced team with the ball in Jose's hands. As a result, Iverson's touches will slightly decrease. Iverson will no longer have to become the point guard and the shooting guard; something that may have forced him to make out of control plays and shoot unnecessary shots.
3. Calderon will be able to mix control into the Nuggets tempo which will reduce the amount of turnovers, but also the fastbreak points. Denver's fast tempo will always be there, but when the offensive stalls, he'll be able to slow down the tempo, break down defenses, and create opportunities for his teammates.
To all Toronto fans, believing Jose Calderon doesn't want to leave read this:
http://slamonline.com/online/2008/05/jose-calderon-wants-to-start/ http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/05/09/jose-calderon-will-take-less-money-in-toronto-but-only-if-he-st/
He's about ready to part ways with the Raptors.
The Denver Nuggets can certainly use the services of Jose Calderon and I believe it would be a great match for both player and team.
comments (44) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
I think he would be a good fit for the nuggets, but he wont play there. He will be a raptor next season, they value him to much to let him go.
from about 1 month ago
So the Raptors are going to trade T.J Ford?
from about 1 month ago
I agree, he won't make them any better anyway. Defense is their main problem, they have enough offense.
about 1 month ago
Calderon is a restricted free agent, and Toronto's Brian Colangelo already made it clear Calderon will stay as long as he's GM.
from about 1 month ago
Calderon made it clear that either he starts or he leaves Toronto.
from about 1 month ago
Calderon's easily taken Ford's spot in the hearts of Raptors fans. The only reason Ford even started during the playoffs was because Jose was smart enough to realize the Little Engine would be a little bitch if he didn't. He willingly made the sacrifice of coming off the bench in hopes of rejuvenating the team, and trust me when I say fans and, hopefully, management noticed.
And he can't leave Toronto even if he wanted to, seeing that he's restricted. But that shouldn't be a problem, because right now its far more likely Ford gets the boot seeing that he underperformed AND is a a broken back waiting to happen.
from about 1 month ago
The Nuggets can gain Jose Calderon by matching the offer sheet originally offered by the Toronto Raptors.
from about 1 month ago
No, it means the Nuggets are allowed to offer Calderon a deal, but if the Raptors match it he'll have to stay. This was what happened when the Hornets tried to guy Morris Peterson two years ago.
Because of this, and Colangelo's PROMISE of matching any and all offer given to Calderon, Jose isn't going anywhere.
from about 1 month ago
If Jose is unhappy with his situation, he will be a cancer and effect the Raptors.
Everyone knows its not smart to keep a player who does not want to be there. They become disgruntled and a pain to be around.
Trade demands will be screamed, and a trade will be forced by Calderon.
Colangelo should respect his wishes and allow him to go to a contender.
from about 1 month ago
Like I said, Ford's the one that'll be traded mainly because he's too much of a health risk to keep around. Jose wants to start, and he'll start in Toronto next season. It wasn't Sam Mitchell that started Ford after he came back from his injury, it was Calderon volunteering to give up his position because Ford was the real cancer to the team.
Plus, relatively speaking, the Raptors have a better chance of being a contender in the much weaker East than the Nuggets have in the stacked West.
about 1 month ago
T.J. Ford will go, if the Raps are smart. I think they'll ask too much for him, but if they'll take a "reasonable" offer, T.J. Ford would still be an upgrade over any of the point guards on the Nugs' roster. Blazer fans are all salivating over Calderon, too, but I just think it would be stupid for Colangelo to move him in favor of T.J. Ford.
from about 1 month ago
The Nuggets would love to aquire either Ford or Calderon from the Raptors, either guard will be a delighful upgrade for Denver.
I'm just not sure that Sam Mitchell would allow Ford to be traded, it looks as though T.J. has become co-captain of the team along with Chris Bosh.
about 1 month ago
Only if the Nuggets get smart, dump AI, dump K-Mart, dump China Doll (Camby) and go for the serious rebuild. Odds of it happening? Zero.
from about 1 month ago
I agree that Kenyon Martin needs to be gotten rid of, maybe even Iverson; maybe.
But if you get rid of Marcus Camby, the Defensive Player of the Year ago, you get rid of the anchor of the defense and the Nuggets best defender.
Who is Denver supposed to bring in to fill the shoes of Camby?
about 1 month ago
Mitchell doesn't have much say on the team anymore and I'm surprised he's still around. Ford will deffinately go even if he is Mitchell's pet. It's obvious that calderon will be back and will never be a cancer to any team because he's too professional. Also the nuggets would be the worst team for ford to go to. The nuggets would have to be flat out stupid to take TJ. Carmello would never touch the ball with ford and iverson in the backcourt. Ford is a shoot first point guard who makes many mistakes and plays terrible off ball defense. His selfishness would take Denver out of the playoffs next year. The nuggets need a shooter and need to trade smith.
from about 1 month ago
We can both agree that Ford would do better than Anthony Carter did as Denver Nugget.
I agree Denver should deal J.R. Smith but either for a defender that can score or a draft pick.
Who would be able to contest with the speed of Ford,Iverson, and Melo?
The trio would require double teams and open up shots for teammates.
Melo may not look like he belongs in that bunch, but he is one of the fastest small forwards in the league.
about 1 month ago
I agree but I'd keep Camby. He's the only other peice on the team besides carmello. AI is great just not with another scorer. Remember how good the nuggets were when Iverson first got there and Carmello was suspended. He's alot better as the main scorer.
about 1 month ago
"Calderon has been quoted as saying he will not return to Toronto unless he's guaranteed the starting job and that he would like to go to contender" Calderon didn't even say those words. All he said is he wants to be a starter and will not speak to teams that aren't a guaranteed playoff team not "contenders". Don't change words around to start rumors please. Besides he's going to be in toronto no matter what. Conagelo already said that. If Ford stays a raptor by the start of the season he'll be coming off the bench and eventually be traded to leave the team in Jose's hands. Sorry Nuggets fans but Jose is not your answer he's ours.
from about 1 month ago
Ben,
Read this.
http://slamonline.com/online/2008/05/jose-calderon-wants-to-start/
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/05/09/jose-calderon-will-take-less-money-in-toronto-but-only-if-he-st/
It clearly shows Calderon is ready to leave Toronto.
about 1 month ago
"Calderon has been quoted as saying he will not return to Toronto unless he's guaranteed the starting job and that he would like to go to contender" Calderon didn't even say those words. All he said is he wants to be a starter and will not speak to teams that aren't a guaranteed playoff team not "contenders". Don't change words around to start rumors please. Besides he's going to be in toronto no matter what. Conagelo already said that. If Ford stays a raptor by the start of the season he'll be coming off the bench and eventually be traded to leave the team in Jose's hands. Sorry Nuggets fans but Jose is not your answer he's ours.
about 1 month ago
"Calderon has been quoted as saying he will not return to Toronto unless he's guaranteed the starting job and that he would like to go to contender" Calderon didn't even say those words. All he said is he wants to be a starter and will not speak to teams that aren't a guaranteed playoff team not "contenders". Don't change words around to start rumors please. Besides he's going to be in toronto no matter what. Conagelo already said that. If Ford stays a raptor by the start of the season he'll be coming off the bench and eventually be traded to leave the team in Jose's hands. Sorry Nuggets fans but Jose is not your answer he's ours.
about 1 month ago
"Calderon has been quoted as saying he will not return to Toronto unless he's guaranteed the starting job and that he would like to go to contender" Calderon didn't even say those words. All he said is he wants to be a starter and will not speak to teams that aren't a guaranteed playoff team not "contenders". Don't change words around to start rumors please. Besides he's going to be in toronto no matter what. Conagelo already said that. If Ford stays a raptor by the start of the season he'll be coming off the bench and eventually be traded to leave the team in Jose's hands. Sorry Nuggets fans but Jose is not your answer he's ours.
about 1 month ago
"Calderon has been quoted as saying he will not return to Toronto unless he's guaranteed the starting job and that he would like to go to contender" Calderon didn't even say those words. All he said is he wants to be a starter and will not speak to teams that aren't a guaranteed playoff team not "contenders". Don't change words around to start rumors please. Besides he's going to be in toronto no matter what. Conagelo already said that. If Ford stays a raptor by the start of the season he'll be coming off the bench and eventually be traded to leave the team in Jose's hands. Sorry Nuggets fans but Jose is not your answer he's ours.
about 1 month ago
Although Ben's methods seem a bit excessive, he is right. The articles you posted don't actually prove your point what so ever. In fact, it says he'll STAY in Toronto for less money if they give him a starting gie, which is the most likely scenario. Colangelo is the one in charge, not Sam Mitchell, and he'd much rather have Calderon than Ford.
But Denver fans, you can take Ford if you want. No problems with that at all.
about 1 month ago
lol damn Sean, you really are trying hard to win this Beat Writer competition.
from about 1 month ago
Ian,
I am just deeply concerned in spreading the improvement of the Denver Nuggets.
Let's not forget I write about every team, but my focus has been on my favorite team after another dissapointing loss in the first round.
In regards to the Beat Writer competition,
May the best writer win, Good luck to you.
from about 1 month ago
Sean,
You really don't talk about other NBA Teams seeing how almost all of your 100,000 articles are about the Denver Nuggets and what player they should draft or what trade they should make. You are a good writer but you're insight isn't that great, you think the Nuggets should draft players that would never fit in their system, many of them who won't even be drafted at all even. You're trades that you create are something that people do on NBA Live on PS2, they aren't realistic at all. I mean you are only 16 but you still have a lot to learn when it comes to what NBA teams may be thinking. You will most likely win this contest but not because what you write is the best, its because you write like 10 articles a week it seems thus building your total views.
from about 1 month ago
In order to win the Contest you must accumulate reads which you get by writing articles.
Also, if you think Joey Dorsey, Kyle Weaver, Ty Lawson, Demarcus Nelson, Richard Hendrix, and Chris Douglas-Roberts won't get drafted, then maybe you need College Basketball insight.
I don't think you read more than the most current page of my articles, because clearly I also write for the Jazz, Lakers, and the Warriors from time to time.
I'll admit at times, my Nuggets articles involving trades somewhat borderlines on fantasy but that's natural with any die hard fan rooting for their team.
Also, Ian you have an equal chance as I do, to win the Contest, my team as well as your team got eliminated in the first round, and your team actually won a game.
from about 1 month ago
Demarcus Nelson most likely will not get drafted, Kyle Weaver is a late 2nd round pick at best I think, Ty Lawson is late 1st round-mid 2nd rounder, Joey Dorsey is late 1st Round-early 2nd, Douglas-Roberts mid-late 1st round, Richard Hendrix Mid 1st rd-mid 2nd rd... so a couple of those guys will get drafted but there are 2 players who may not even get drafted in Nelson and Weaver
about 1 month ago
Weaver is projected as an early 2nd round right now actually but his stock could drop and Nelson is very late 2nd round right now which most likely means in my eyes he will not get drafted since he is on the bubble
about 1 month ago
The thing I hate about Nuggets' fans views of their team, is their attitude that Marcus Camby is a good defender.
How is it that a Defensive Player of the Year has ZERO impact on a four game playoff series? Did Camby even play against the Lakers? Just look at how many layups the Lakers got in their series against Denver. LA's probably averaged more layups per quarter against Denver than they have total layups against the Jazz, and Utah is a very flawed defensive team.
But again, the fans see the numbers and like the sweet scent of a venus fly trap, get sucked right in.
from about 1 month ago
Marcus Camby is a great defender, he's not just a one on defender. Camby floats around the paint and waits for the offense to come to him. Marcus provides outstanding weakside help.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah but Camby overreacts to every penetration, and when he chases the ball, his man is left wide open under the basket for dunks. He's the same player now as he was as a rookie and has never figured out that there is more to playing defense than selling out for blocks.
from about 1 month ago
In all fairness, Marcus Camby looked out of position in the first round and layups were scored because Kenyon Martin couldn't keep up with Kobe Bryant and that drew Camby at the paint to try to defend Kobe, thus leaving Pau Gasol open for an easy basket.
When Martin then was forced to guard Lamar Odom, Lamar used his speed to get past him and once again it was Marcus to the rescue. Unfortuanetly, Odom is an outstanding passer and easily dissected the defense and found the open man.
The Nuggets had no one to stop Kobe Bryant in the first round.
from about 1 month ago
Ronnie Brewer can't guard Kobe either but you still have Mehemet Okur (who moves 2.5 MPH by the way), Carlos Boozer, Paul Milsap, and Andrei Kirilenko rotating over to prevent easy layups and dunks.
At least, Kobe is having to do his damage at the line and Utah has done a reasonable job of bullying around Pau Gasol and before Game 5, Lamar Odom.
Nobody in the league can stop Kobe, and since the Jazz don't have an athletic front line, sharp cuts and passwork will dissect them too. But look at how the Jazz (with the exception of Boozer) rotate on time and cover for each other by being in the right place at the right time (including the Jazz' center Mehmet Okur) forcing tough attempts, whereas Marcus Camby was never in proper defensive position, resulting in a lyup line.
And no, getting Ron Artest to put on Camby won't change a damn thing about Camby's inability to play disciplined defense.
Is it any surprise that of the eight teams that made it to the second round, seven of the eight feature the most disciplined defenses in the league (with Houston replacing Orlando for the eighth)?
from about 1 month ago
Erick, http://www.nba.com/history/awards_defensiveplayer.html
Hmmm... Is that a picture of Marcus Camby holding the trophy with David Stern? He must be another insane Nuggets fan who unilaterally decided Camby is a good defender.
Poor arguments, you listed 5 different people who have been collapsing on Kobe. The Nuggets play poor team defense, which makes it even more impressive to me that Camby won Defensive player of the year last year and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team this year. I bet if you put him on a team that plays great team defense you'd see him stay in better defensive position more often, seeing as he wouldn't have to hold down the lane from every angle. Look at Ben Wallace now that he's not with the Pistons. Memhet Okur would probably be left spinning in circles if he was swapped with Camby. Seriously, everyone talks about Dallas and Phoenix not playing D, but Denver's team D is BAD.
I like the article, Sean.
from about 1 month ago
Really the Nuggets were actually doing a better job against Kobe then the Jazz are.
Kobe Bryant has averaged 33 PPG against the Jazz in the 2nd round
Against Denver in the first round 33.5 PPG
A microscopic 0.5 difference. However, Bryant's free throw percentage, rebounding, and assists are up since the first round; the meat and potatoes of his game.
Also, Bryant's free throw attempts against Utah has been absurd. So far he's attempted over 79 free throws in Jazz-Laker series.
In the Nuggets-Lakers series, he only attempted 38/
from about 1 month ago
As if the majority of media members who vote on these awards know anything about basketball...How Shane Battier is a second team defender below Bruce Bowen and Kobe Bryant is a sole indicator of voters placing hype and name value over actual defensive performance. Battier's evolved into the best and the most complete defensive wing in the league. What on earth is he doing on the second team?
Ben Wallace was washed up the season before he went to Chicago. Of course his defense looks worse now.
I mentioned the various Utah players because all of them are power forwards or centers who understand how to rotate.
Put Camby on the Spurs ahead of Kurt Thomas and neither player would be able to defend anybody off the dribble. Camby's never defended players who drive or post right into him. If I'm the Spurs, I keep Thomas and Oberto over Camby.
Camby wouldn't be able to defend opposing bruisers the way Kendrick Perkins does, leaving Boston's front line very lean and weak. Boston wouldn't want Camby.
Tyson Chandler is a better defender than Camby in every way. No dice there.
Marcus Camby would provide the athletic shot-blocker Utah needs, but his lack of strength will leave him Jerry Sloan's doghouse. Still, an interesting possibility.
Camby lacks Zydrunas' Ilgauskas' strength but he'd be on par with Ben Wallace. Another possibility.
Camby is a better defender than Antonio McDyess is every way. That's a definite yes.
Camby over Dwight Howard is an automatic no.
Camby's length and athleticism would work well for the Lakers because his inability to guard his man would be covered by Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. Still, the Lakers wouldn't have any brawn at all in their front court.
Those are just the eight teams that made the second round, and only four of them would even take a chance on Camby's defense. This doesn't even factor in Camby's uselessness in most other factors of the game.
And Sean, that's because those fouls against Utah were dunks against Denver!!!
about 1 month ago
Well, coming from a diehard nuggets fan, I think Camby definitely has to go. As much as I have loved his attitude and leadership over the years, this Nuggets team will not advance past the first round with him at the center.
Camby is an unbelievable weak-side defender and he's great at contesting shots in the lane. The problem is that he cannot match up one on one with any of the league's top big men. In turn, George Karl is forced to come up with quirky defensive schemes that leave gaping holes for opponents. With Camby in the paint, the other 4 guys get lazy and rely on Camby to always be their safety net. AI gambles too much and Melo looks like he's saving his energy for the other end. This is why Camby is also able to average almost 4 blocks on one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
Camby's a real liability on the offensive end where he just camps out on a spot at the top of the key or baseline, waiting to hoist a rainbow set shot. He is in no position to grab offensive boards and it allows his man to cheat off him provide support. His greatest asset is his ability to the throw the lob ball to Melo.
He's a fan favorite but his trade value will never be higher given his recent DOY award and league leading block numbers. His unusually healthy past couple seasons and good contract will bring a lot of interest from team's trying to take that next step. The Nuggets need a big man that can establish a post presence and score off the block. Nene has shown he can be a strong defender and his post up game is decent but the Nuggets have to hope that he can come back healthy. It's clear that something has to change and if the Nuggets are smart they'll move Camby now.
from about 1 month ago
If you get rid of Camby, the team best defensive player, who do you bring in?
Maybe Jermaine O'Neal by what your describing.
about 1 month ago
you don't bring in anyone dewnver has no chance to make the playoffs again they suck leave it to the REAL west teams like LA, utah, san antonio,N.O,Houston,Dallas,golden state(who should have been 8th they actually would have put up a fight) and pheonix. they are great teams not denver who has so much talent that they still suck you get all this talent and you can't win? why even try to improve, they should just give up seattle will win a championship before them LOL
from about 1 month ago
Every team has their flaws
Dallas lost to Golden State a year ago
Phoenix can't beat San Antonio in the playoffs
Houston can't beat Utah in the playoffs
San Antonio is having a hard time beating New Orleans in the playoffs
New Orleans can't beat the Jazz or Deron Williams always shuts down Chris Paul in the regular season
Utah can't beat Los Angeles in the playoffs
Los Angeles lost to Golden State twice during the regular season
about 1 month ago
Those aren't flaws, those are the results of flaws.
Dallas is too individual-oriented, and too gutless.
Phoenix makes too many critical defensive mistakes in crunch time.
Houston lacks the true go-to scorer needed to lead his team to spectacular playoff successes.
San Antonio needs to hit their jumpers to be effective.
New Orleans isn't (or at least wasn't) a very physical team, and Paul's gambling defense puts him in bad position against the Jazz' multitude of screens.
Utah doesn't have championship-level athleticism.
The Lakers would have swept (or at least taken five games) Golden State in a playoff matchup for the same host of reasons they swept Denver.
from 24 days ago
Just clearing it up for you but it's almost a certainty that Jose sticks with the Raptors. Bryan Colangelo has repeatedly said that he will match any offer given to Jose as he is a restricted free agent. So even if lets say Jose didn't want to come back he wouldn't have much choice. Plus the Raps have been actively shopping T.J Ford and it's been widely reported that there are five or six teams interested in him. Jose will be back in Toronto and he will be the starter.
write a new comment