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Rocky Mountain News: Camby's game nets more than playoffs
21 rebounds Monday earn Nuggets center considerable bonus
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News
April 15, 2004
SAN ANTONIO - Marcus Camby's 21-rebound game Monday helped get the Denver Nuggets into the playoffs.
The center entered Monday averaging 9.9 rebounds. But his performance in the playoff-clinching 97-89 win over Sacramento raised his average to 10.1, allowing him to reach a bonus in his contract worth about $750,000 for averaging 10 or more boards.
"I reached a big bonus," Camby said with a big smile.
The bonus was assured when Camby (lower back strain) was placed on the injured list before Wednesday's 93-67 loss to San Antonio in the season finale. The Nuggets, having their playoff spot wrapped up, also put Jon Barry (right shoulder strain) and Chris Andersen (left knee tendinitis) on the injured list. All will be ready for the playoffs.
Activated from the injured list were forwards Nikoloz Tskitishvili and Mark Pope and guard Jeff Trepagnier.
However, none is expected to be on the playoff roster that will be finalized today. Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he anticipates the roster to be the same as the one the team had during its playoff drive.
In addition to 10 rebounds, Camby had incentives in his contract for averaging 12 points and three blocks. Had he reached all his incentives, he could have increased his $7.25 million base salary to $8.8 million. But Camby fell short in the other two areas, averaging 8.6 points and 2.60 blocks.
To guarantee his contract for next season, Camby needed to reach two of those three levels and play in 60 games. Camby appeared in a career-most 72 games, but because he reached just one level, his contract will be for a non-guaranteed $7.75 million.
Camby and his agent Rick Kaplan, though, reiterated Wednesday he is likely to invoke an opt-out clause and become a free agent. Vandeweghe said he's "assuming'' Camby will do that.
"(The Nuggets) better get something done with the way I've been playing," said Camby, whose preference is to remain with Denver. "I know a lot of teams will have a lot of interest."
Kaplan has indicated he will seek a six-year, $60 million deal for Camby. Vandeweghe won't comment on that.
If Camby opts out, Vandeweghe is optimistic he'll do so a few weeks before the July 1 deadline. That would enable the Nuggets to protect an additional player in the expansion draft, which will be on June 22 or 23.
"We really would like him to stay in Denver and I think he's found a home here," Vandeweghe said. "He played so hard at the end of the season. I'm happy he ended up averaging 10 rebounds."
21 rebounds Monday earn Nuggets center considerable bonus
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News
April 15, 2004
SAN ANTONIO - Marcus Camby's 21-rebound game Monday helped get the Denver Nuggets into the playoffs.
The center entered Monday averaging 9.9 rebounds. But his performance in the playoff-clinching 97-89 win over Sacramento raised his average to 10.1, allowing him to reach a bonus in his contract worth about $750,000 for averaging 10 or more boards.
"I reached a big bonus," Camby said with a big smile.
The bonus was assured when Camby (lower back strain) was placed on the injured list before Wednesday's 93-67 loss to San Antonio in the season finale. The Nuggets, having their playoff spot wrapped up, also put Jon Barry (right shoulder strain) and Chris Andersen (left knee tendinitis) on the injured list. All will be ready for the playoffs.
Activated from the injured list were forwards Nikoloz Tskitishvili and Mark Pope and guard Jeff Trepagnier.
However, none is expected to be on the playoff roster that will be finalized today. Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he anticipates the roster to be the same as the one the team had during its playoff drive.
In addition to 10 rebounds, Camby had incentives in his contract for averaging 12 points and three blocks. Had he reached all his incentives, he could have increased his $7.25 million base salary to $8.8 million. But Camby fell short in the other two areas, averaging 8.6 points and 2.60 blocks.
To guarantee his contract for next season, Camby needed to reach two of those three levels and play in 60 games. Camby appeared in a career-most 72 games, but because he reached just one level, his contract will be for a non-guaranteed $7.75 million.
Camby and his agent Rick Kaplan, though, reiterated Wednesday he is likely to invoke an opt-out clause and become a free agent. Vandeweghe said he's "assuming'' Camby will do that.
"(The Nuggets) better get something done with the way I've been playing," said Camby, whose preference is to remain with Denver. "I know a lot of teams will have a lot of interest."
Kaplan has indicated he will seek a six-year, $60 million deal for Camby. Vandeweghe won't comment on that.
If Camby opts out, Vandeweghe is optimistic he'll do so a few weeks before the July 1 deadline. That would enable the Nuggets to protect an additional player in the expansion draft, which will be on June 22 or 23.
"We really would like him to stay in Denver and I think he's found a home here," Vandeweghe said. "He played so hard at the end of the season. I'm happy he ended up averaging 10 rebounds."
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