DENVER — The Denver Nuggets held a rare Friday night practice for their first post-lockout workout, boosting their roster to 11 players with the signing of first-round pick Kenneth Faried of Morehead State and three other rookies.

Also added to the roster was guard Jordan Hamilton, the 26th overall selection by Portland who was acquired as part of a three-team draft-day trade, and undrafted free-agents Cory Higgins and Julyan Stone.

Higgins played at Colorado and is the son of former NBA player Rod Higgins, who was once coached by Nuggets coach George Karl when they were both with Golden State. Stone is the Texas-El Paso’s career assists leader.

The Nuggets also remain hopeful of re-signing free-agent center Nene and guard Arron Afflalo, a restricted free agent.

Both Nene and Afflalo are drawing considerable interest from other teams, however.

“They’re waiting their deal out,” forward Chris “Birdman” Andersen said. “We’ll see what happens. Hopefully, they’ll be on board with us real soon.”

Karl oversaw a 2 1/2-hour practice at the team’s facility at the Pepsi Center in a first step toward preparing the Nuggets for their lockout-delayed opener Dec. 26 at Dallas.

Given the compressed training camp, Karl said it won’t be possible to have the team fully prepared for the start of the season.

“You’re not going to be ready,” Karl said. “From the standpoint of when the season starts, we’re only going to have maybe 60 percent of what we wanted to get in get in. You’re going to go 15-20 games into the season still trying to get your team (running) a full playbook and a full defensive concept. This is what we got. Everybody has the same timetable. Nobody has anything different.”

Guard Ty Lawson, who spent part of the lockout playing in Lithuania, was just thrilled to be back with his NBA team practicing and getting ready for the season, although a shortened one.

“It felt good,” Lawson said. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for three months. It’s good to be back with my teammates, meeting the rookies and getting to talk to the coaches. I hadn’t done that for a long time. We had a good practice, worked hard and we’re ready to get back at it tomorrow.”

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

DENVER — Kenyon Martin becomes the third Denver Nuggets free agent to sign a contract to play basketball in China this season.

Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the 33-year-old forward has agreed to a deal with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.

By doing so, Martin won’t be able to return to play in the NBA if there is a 2011-12 season. Owners have locked out the players in a labor dispute and the league says players won’t be able to opt out of their deals to return to the NBA.

Denver starters Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari are playing in Europe, but can return if there indeed is a 2011-12 season, Martin will not until the Chinese season ends in March.

J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler have also elected to play in China, which won’t allow NBA players to opt out of their one-year contracts should the lockout end.

Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to The Associated Press the forward has agreed to a deal with the Flying Tigers. He will join shooting guard Quincy Douby, a former first-round draft pick by the Sacramento Kings.

Martin’s signing was first reported by The Denver Post.

“He’s looking forward to the opportunity and global expansion of his image/game,” Miller wrote in an email. “He’s feeling great.”

Martin gave the Nuggets an inside toughness last season. But he’s been plagued by balky knees throughout his seven seasons in Denver.

The 33-year-old forward missed the first 26 games last season as he recovered from another knee operation. Martin finished strong, averaging 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds, and even took on some of the leadership responsibilities when Carmelo Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks.

Although it was by no means certain Martin would return to the Nuggets in 2011-12, this will definitely have the team on the lookout for an aggressive rebounder to fill his role.

Not only that, but perimeter shooters are needed to replace Smith and Chandler. Smith signed a one-year deal with a team in Zhejiang, the same province Chandler is heading to but not the same team.

Chandler already is in China and is quickly adjusting to his new surroundings.

On a recent Twitter post, Chandler wrote, “just walked/climbed about 4 or 5 miles on the great wall of china…”

Lawson is electing to play in Lithuania and can return if there’s a resolution to the labor strife. Same with Gallinari, who rejoined his former Italian team Olimpia Milano on Tuesday.

Gallinari played for Olimpia from 2005 to 2008 before being drafted sixth overall by the New York Knicks in 2008. The Knicks dealt him to the Nuggets in the blockbuster deal involving Anthony.

DENVER — The Denver Nuggets’ options could be limited if there’s an NBA season.

Three of their free agents have decided to play in China — Kenyon Martin became the third on Wednesday — and two starters are taking their games to Europe.

And while Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari can return if there indeed is a 2011-12 season, Martin won’t be able to leave his Chinese Basketball Association squad until the season ends in March.

J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler have also elected to play in China, which won’t allow NBA players to opt out of their one-year contracts should the lockout end.

Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to the Associated Press the forward has agreed to a deal with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. He will join shooting guard Quincy Douby, a former first-round draft pick by the Sacramento Kings.

Martin’s signing was first reported by the Denver Post.

“He’s looking forward to the opportunity and global expansion of his image/game,” Miller wrote in an email. “He’s feeling great.”

Martin gave the Nuggets an inside toughness last season. But he’s been plagued by balky knees throughout his seven seasons in Denver.

The 33-year-old forward missed the first 26 games last season as he recovered from another knee operation. Martin finished strong, averaging 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds, and even took on some of the leadership responsibilities when Carmelo Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks.

Although it was by no means certain Martin would return to the Nuggets in 2011-12, this will definitely have the team on the lookout for an aggressive rebounder to fill his role.

Not only that, but perimeter shooters are needed to replace Smith and Chandler. Smith signed a one-year deal with a team in Zhejiang, the same province Chandler is heading to but not the same team.

Chandler already is in China and is quickly adjusting to his new surroundings.

On a recent Twitter post, Chandler wrote, “just walked/climbed about 4 or 5 miles on the great wall of china…”

Lawson is electing to play in Lithuania and can return if there’s a resolution to the labor strife. Same with Gallinari, who rejoined his former Italian team Olimpia Milano on Tuesday.

Gallinari played for Olimpia from 2005 to 2008 before being drafted sixth overall by the New York Knicks in 2008. The Knicks dealt him to the Nuggets in the blockbuster deal involving Anthony.

Camps had been expected to open Oct. 3 with the regular season beginning in early November. But that could be in jeopardy with the sides still bickering over the salary cap structure.

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets’ options could be limited if there’s an NBA season. Three of their free agents have decided to play in China — Kenyon Martin became the third on Wednesday — and two starters are taking their games to Europe. And while Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari can return if there indeed is a 2011-12 season, Martin won’t be able to leave his Chinese Basketball Association squad until the season ends in March. J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler have also elected to play in China, which won’t allow NBA players to opt out of their one-year contracts should the lockout end. Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to The Associated Press the forward has agreed to a deal with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. He will join shooting guard Quincy Douby, a former first-round draft pick by the Sacramento Kings. Martin’s signing was first reported by The Denver Post. “He’s looking forward to the opportunity and global expansion of his image/game,” Miller wrote in an email. “He’s feeling great.” Martin gave the Nuggets an inside toughness last season. But he’s been plagued by balky knees throughout his seven seasons in Denver. The 33-year-old forward missed the first 26 games last season as he recovered from another knee operation. Martin finished strong, averaging 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds, and even took on some of the leadership responsibilities when Carmelo Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks. Although it was by no means certain Martin would return to the Nuggets in 2011-12, this will definitely have the team on the lookout for an aggressive rebounder to fill his role. Not only that, but perimeter shooters are needed to replace Smith and Chandler. Smith signed a one-year deal with a team in Zhejiang, the same province Chandler is heading to but not the same team. Chandler already is in China and is quickly adjusting to his new surroundings. On a recent Twitter post, Chandler wrote, “just walked/climbed about 4 or 5 miles on the great wall of china…” Lawson is electing to play in Lithuania and can return if there’s a resolution to the labor strife. Same with Gallinari, who rejoined his former Italian team Olimpia Milano on Tuesday. Gallinari played for Olimpia from 2005 to 2008 before being drafted sixth overall by the New York Knicks in 2008. The Knicks dealt him to the Nuggets in the blockbuster deal involving Anthony. Camps had been expected to open Oct. 3 with the regular season beginning in early November. But that could be in jeopardy with the sides still bickering over the salary cap structure.

AP Photo/Julie Jacobson

Denver Nuggets’ Kenyon Martin, left, is fouled as he shoots while playing in an Impact League basketball game, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, in Las Vegas. About 50 NBA players have gathered in Las Vegas to train privately and play pick-up games during the lockout.

The Denver Nuggets’ options could be limited if there’s an NBA season.
Three of their free agents have decided to play in China — Kenyon Martin became the third on Wednesday — and two starters are taking their games to Europe.
And while Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari can return if there indeed is a 2011-12 season, Martin won’t be able to leave his Chinese Basketball Association squad until the season ends in March.
J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler have also elected to play in China, which won’t allow NBA players to opt out of their one-year contracts should the lockout end.
Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to The Associated Press the forward has agreed to a deal with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. He will join shooting guard Quincy Douby, a former first-round draft pick by the Sacramento Kings.
Martin’s signing was first reported by The Denver Post.
“He’s looking forward to the opportunity and global expansion of his image/game,” Miller wrote in an email. “He’s feeling great.”
Martin gave the Nuggets an inside toughness last season. But he’s been plagued by balky knees throughout his seven seasons in Denver.
The 33-year-old forward missed the first 26 games last season as he recovered from another knee operation. Martin finished strong, averaging 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds, and even took on some of the leadership responsibilities when Carmelo Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks.
Although it was by no means certain Martin would return to the Nuggets in 2011-12, this will definitely have the team on the lookout for an aggressive rebounder to fill his role.
Not only that, but perimeter shooters are needed to replace Smith and Chandler. Smith signed a one-year deal with a team in Zhejiang, the same province Chandler is heading to but not the same team.
Chandler already is in China and is quickly adjusting to his new surroundings.
On a recent Twitter post, Chandler wrote, “just walked/climbed about 4 or 5 miles on the great wall of china…”
Lawson is electing to play in Lithuania and can return if there’s a resolution to the labor strife. Same with Gallinari, who rejoined his former Italian team Olimpia Milano on Tuesday.
Gallinari played for Olimpia from 2005 to 2008 before being drafted sixth overall by the New York Knicks in 2008. The Knicks dealt him to the Nuggets in the blockbuster deal involving Anthony.
Camps had been expected to open Oct. 3 with the regular season beginning in early November. But that could be in jeopardy with the sides still bickering over the salary cap structure.

DENVER (AP)—Kenyon Martin(notes) becomes the third Denver Nuggets free agent to sign
a contract to play basketball in China this season.

Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday
that the 33-year-old forward has agreed to a deal with the Xinjiang Flying
Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.

By doing so, Martin won’t be able to return to play in the NBA if there is a
2011-12 season. Owners have locked out the players in a labor dispute and the
league says players won’t be able to opt out of their deals to return to the
NBA.

Denver starters Ty Lawson(notes) and Danilo Gallinari(notes) are playing in Europe, but
can return if there indeed is a 2011-12 season, Martin will not until the
Chinese season ends in March.

J.R. Smith(notes) and Wilson Chandler(notes) have also elected to play in China, which
won’t allow NBA players to opt out of their one-year contracts should the
lockout end.

Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to The Associated Press the forward
has agreed to a deal with the Flying Tigers. He will join shooting guard Quincy
Douby(notes), a former first-round draft pick by the Sacramento Kings.

Martin’s signing was first reported by The Denver Post.

“He’s looking forward to the opportunity and global expansion of his
image/game,” Miller wrote in an email. “He’s feeling great.”

Martin gave the Nuggets an inside toughness last season. But he’s been
plagued by balky knees throughout his seven seasons in Denver.

The 33-year-old forward missed the first 26 games last season as he
recovered from another knee operation. Martin finished strong, averaging 8.6
points and 6.2 rebounds, and even took on some of the leadership
responsibilities when Carmelo Anthony(notes) was traded to the New York Knicks.

Although it was by no means certain Martin would return to the Nuggets in
2011-12, this will definitely have the team on the lookout for an aggressive
rebounder to fill his role.

Not only that, but perimeter shooters are needed to replace Smith and
Chandler. Smith signed a one-year deal with a team in Zhejiang, the same
province Chandler is heading to but not the same team.

Chandler already is in China and is quickly adjusting to his new
surroundings.

On a recent Twitter post, Chandler wrote, “just walked/climbed about 4 or 5
miles on the great wall of china…”

Lawson is electing to play in Lithuania and can return if there’s a
resolution to the labor strife. Same with Gallinari, who rejoined his former
Italian team Olimpia Milano on Tuesday.

Gallinari played for Olimpia from 2005 to 2008 before being drafted sixth
overall by the New York Knicks in 2008. The Knicks dealt him to the Nuggets in
the blockbuster deal involving Anthony.

Camps had been expected to open Oct. 3 with the regular season beginning in
early November. But that could be in jeopardy with the sides still bickering
over the salary cap structure.

DENVER (AP)—Kenyon Martin(notes) becomes the third Denver Nuggets free agent to sign
a contract to play basketball in China this season.

Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday
that the 33-year-old forward has agreed to a deal with the Xinjiang Flying
Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.

By doing so, Martin won’t be able to return to play in the NBA if there is a
2011-12 season. Owners have locked out the players in a labor dispute and the
league says players won’t be able to opt out of their deals to return to the
NBA.

Denver starters Ty Lawson(notes) and Danilo Gallinari(notes) are playing in Europe, but
can return if there indeed is a 2011-12 season, Martin will not until the
Chinese season ends in March.

J.R. Smith(notes) and Wilson Chandler(notes) have also elected to play in China, which
won’t allow NBA players to opt out of their one-year contracts should the
lockout end.

Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed to The Associated Press the forward
has agreed to a deal with the Flying Tigers. He will join shooting guard Quincy
Douby(notes), a former first-round draft pick by the Sacramento Kings.

Martin’s signing was first reported by The Denver Post.

“He’s looking forward to the opportunity and global expansion of his
image/game,” Miller wrote in an email. “He’s feeling great.”

Martin gave the Nuggets an inside toughness last season. But he’s been
plagued by balky knees throughout his seven seasons in Denver.

The 33-year-old forward missed the first 26 games last season as he
recovered from another knee operation. Martin finished strong, averaging 8.6
points and 6.2 rebounds, and even took on some of the leadership
responsibilities when Carmelo Anthony(notes) was traded to the New York Knicks.

Although it was by no means certain Martin would return to the Nuggets in
2011-12, this will definitely have the team on the lookout for an aggressive
rebounder to fill his role.

Not only that, but perimeter shooters are needed to replace Smith and
Chandler. Smith signed a one-year deal with a team in Zhejiang, the same
province Chandler is heading to but not the same team.

Chandler already is in China and is quickly adjusting to his new
surroundings.

On a recent Twitter post, Chandler wrote, “just walked/climbed about 4 or 5
miles on the great wall of china…”

Lawson is electing to play in Lithuania and can return if there’s a
resolution to the labor strife. Same with Gallinari, who rejoined his former
Italian team Olimpia Milano on Tuesday.

Gallinari played for Olimpia from 2005 to 2008 before being drafted sixth
overall by the New York Knicks in 2008. The Knicks dealt him to the Nuggets in
the blockbuster deal involving Anthony.

Camps had been expected to open Oct. 3 with the regular season beginning in
early November. But that could be in jeopardy with the sides still bickering
over the salary cap structure.

Kenyon Martin is about to join J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler as key Denver Nuggets free agents that have decided to play a season in China rather than see how the lockout plays out.

And that leaves the Nuggets screwed for next season.

Martin’s agent Andy Miller confirmed to Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post the planned signing with Xingiang Guanghui in the Chinese Basketball Association. That is the team that also has former NBA player Quincy Douby.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to stay in shape and stay fresh,” said Andy Miller, Martin’s agent. “And it also gives him an opportunity to expand his name globally.”

The Chinese Basketball Association has a rule in place that players cannot have opt-out clauses in their contracts, forcing teams to only target players who were to be free agents. The Nuggets have a lot of those.

This means three key rotation players for the Nuggets are gone for the entire next season (there is the possibility of a handshake deal to cut these guys loose when the lockout ends, but don’t bet on it). It’s not that any of these guys individually is irreplaceable, but as a group they are. The Nuggets looked good at the end of last season because they played very team-oriented ball, with a number of quality players willing to defend and make the extra pass. Now that team is breaking up for at least a season.

Martin, age 34, started the 48 games he was healthy last season and was a key part of the Nuggets play bringing a physical inside presence, even though he averaged just 8.6 points per game. J.R. Smith was a sixth man of the year candidate for the Nuggets providing 12.3 points per game, and Wilson Chandler saw significant minutes and started 19 games for the team after coming over from the Knicks in the Carmelo Anthony trade.

All of them will play next season in China.

Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari has signed to play in Italy and Ty Lawson will be in Lithuania, but both of them have opt-out contracts to return to the NBA when the league ends.

By Tom Ziller

– NBA Editor

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Sep 21, 2011 – Kenyon Martin is the latest Denver Nuggets free agent to take his art to China, as Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post reports that the 33-year-old power forward will sign a record-breaking contract with Xiangiang Guanghui of the Chinese Basketball Association, where he’ll join Quincy Douby. Fellow Nuggets free agents Wilson Chandler and J.R. Smith have already signed with CBA clubs, point guard Ty Lawson signed a deal to play in Lithuania during the NBA lockout and Danilo Gallinari has agreed to play in Italy. But while Lawson and Gallinari, who remain under contract with Denver, will be legally compelled to return to the Nuggets should the lockout end, the CBA has ruled that contracts signed by its teams cannot contain NBA out clauses. That means that, according to the rule, the Nuggets will be missing Chandler, Smith and now Martin all season if the lockout ends.

It’s unclear whether Martin would have been back regardless: Denver has seemed to move in a more youthful direction, and the power forward will soon turn 34. The Nuggets drafted Kenneth Faried in June, and will likely spend a good chunk of change to retain free agent center Nene, the team’s most vital remaining player. Martin was a popular pick to join a championship contender in a late-career chase for a ring.

For more on the Beijing Nuggets, visit SB Nation’s Denver Stiffs.

Read More: nba lockout news, Kenyon Martin (F – DEN), Quincy Douby (G – TOR), Wilson Chandler (G – DEN), Danilo Gallinari (F – DEN), Denver Nuggets

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Published: 09:00 PM, Tue Aug 16, 2011

Ty Lawson set to take his game to Lithuania

DENVER – Ty Lawson will join Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, signing a deal that will allow the Denver Nuggets point guard to return to the NBA if the lockout ends.

Paulius Motiejunas, the general director of Zalgiris Kaunas, confirmed the deal Monday night. A message was left for Lawson’s agent.

Lawson, a former UNC standout, will team up with Sonny Weems, a former Nuggets guard who signed with the international squad last month. Unlike Lawson’s deal, Weems agreed to a contract without an NBA opt-out clause. Weems played last season for Toronto.

The speedy Lawson averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 assists last season for the Nuggets.

The Denver Post first reported the story. Lawson told the paper, “It’s the best situation for me to go out there.”

DENVER (AP) — Ty Lawson will join Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, signing a deal that will allow the Denver Nuggets point guard to return to the NBA if the lockout ends.

Paulius Motiejunas, the general director of Zalgiris Kaunas, confirmed the deal Monday night. A message was left for Lawson’s agent.

Lawson will team up with Sonny Weems, a former Nuggets guard who signed with the international squad last month. Unlike Lawson’s deal, Weems agreed to a contract without an NBA opt-out clause. Weems played last season for Toronto.

The speedy Lawson averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 assists last season for the Nuggets.

The Denver Post first reported the story. Lawson told the paper, “It’s the best situation for me to go out there.”

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Ty Lawson will join Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, signing a deal that will allow the Denver Nuggets point guard to return to the NBA if the lockout ends.

Paulius Motiejunas, the general director of Zalgiris Kaunas, confirmed the deal Monday night. A message was left for Lawson’s agent.

Lawson will team up with Sonny Weems, a former Nuggets guard who signed with the international squad last month. Unlike Lawson’s deal, Weems agreed to a contract without an NBA opt-out clause. Weems played last season for Toronto.

The speedy Lawson averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 assists last season for the Nuggets.

The Denver Post first reported the story. Lawson told the paper, “It’s the best situation for me to go out there.”