The Nuggets need to solidify their point guard position. It's been a revolving door since Andre Miller was traded to Philadelphia in December 2006 in a deal that landed Allen Iverson.

Chucky Atkins was slated to be the starter last season but missed most of the season because of a groin strain and a sports hernia. Anthony Carter took over as the starter and had a solid season, but Carter, 33, is an unrestricted free agent. He wants a multi-year contract, which might be too much for the luxury tax-strapped Nuggets.

"I'd love to stay in Denver," said Carter, who said Golden State and Charlotte also are interested in him. "I want to give them the first opportunity. I want to do something long term."

Atkins, meanwhile, has vowed to be the starter next season. But, if the Nuggets don't believe Atkins or Carter is the answer as the starter, they will look elsewhere.

Chicago's Kirk Hinrich has surfaced as a possibility to be acquired in a trade after the Bulls drafted Derrick Rose with the top overall pick.

Two veteran free agent point guards have expressed interest in Denver, although neither would seem to be an ideal candidate to start. Sam Cassell, 38, said he wants to play one more season and will look at Denver. And Tyronn Lue, 31, has interest.

"That would be a great situation," said Lue, 31, who came close to signing with the Nuggets last March before joining Dallas but said he wouldn't want less than a two-year contract. "I know (Nuggets coach) George Karl has always respected me."

SEASON HIGHLIGHT: On April 10, the Nuggets came into Golden State in what was all but a must-win situation. A win would all but wrap up the West's No. 8 playoff spot and a loss might keep them home for the postseason while the Warriors became No. 8. The Nuggets trailed 37-22 after the first quarter before storming back to win 114-105, and four days later they secured a playoff berth.

TURNING POINT: When the playoff pairings came out. The Nuggets had been hoping to move up to No. 7 to face No. 2 New Orleans in the first round, but they came up one game short. Instead, the No. 8 Nuggets met the No. 1 Lakers, who continued their season-long dominance by sweeping the first-round series.