Kori Ellis
07-14-2005, 06:07 PM
Lenard back on board
Nuggets exercise sharpshooter's option for '05-06
By Marc J. Spears
Denver Post Staff Writer
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_2860986
The Nuggets filled their need for a sharpshooter by bringing back one of their own.
Denver on Thursday opted to exercise the option on Voshon Lenard's $3.52 million contract for next season, which will probably eliminate any chance of the Nuggets being able to pay a free agent more than the mid-level exception of about $5 million. The NBA has not yet released its 2005-06 salary cap. Lenard, the 2004 NBA 3-point champ, has averaged 11.9 points during 10 NBA seasons and is considered to be one of the league's most prolific sharpshooters.
"I always figured that they would do this," Lenard's agent Joel Bell said. "There were plenty of other teams that had interest if he was free."
Lenard appeared in just three games last season after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon during the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder, however, averaged 14.2 points, started 70 contests and nailed a team-best 106 3-pointers during the 2003-04 season. With Lenard out for most of last season, the Nuggets were tied for the sixth fewest 3-pointers made last season in the NBA.
Bell said Lenard worked out for the Nuggets on Thursday with the summer league team in Las Vegas.
"The season before (last) he was pretty darn good," Bell said. "I believe Voshon will return to the form of two years ago, no question. He might even be better. He gets better with age if you look at the numbers."
Nuggets exercise sharpshooter's option for '05-06
By Marc J. Spears
Denver Post Staff Writer
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_2860986
The Nuggets filled their need for a sharpshooter by bringing back one of their own.
Denver on Thursday opted to exercise the option on Voshon Lenard's $3.52 million contract for next season, which will probably eliminate any chance of the Nuggets being able to pay a free agent more than the mid-level exception of about $5 million. The NBA has not yet released its 2005-06 salary cap. Lenard, the 2004 NBA 3-point champ, has averaged 11.9 points during 10 NBA seasons and is considered to be one of the league's most prolific sharpshooters.
"I always figured that they would do this," Lenard's agent Joel Bell said. "There were plenty of other teams that had interest if he was free."
Lenard appeared in just three games last season after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon during the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder, however, averaged 14.2 points, started 70 contests and nailed a team-best 106 3-pointers during the 2003-04 season. With Lenard out for most of last season, the Nuggets were tied for the sixth fewest 3-pointers made last season in the NBA.
Bell said Lenard worked out for the Nuggets on Thursday with the summer league team in Las Vegas.
"The season before (last) he was pretty darn good," Bell said. "I believe Voshon will return to the form of two years ago, no question. He might even be better. He gets better with age if you look at the numbers."