
PLAYER NEWS:
--G Anthony Carter re-signed with the Nuggets. Carter's role as the backup to G Chauncey Billups may change somewhat with the addition of rookie G Ty Lawson. --F Linas Kleiza will play for Olympiakos in Greece this season after accepting a two-year contract worth roughly $12 million. Last season, Kleiza averaged 9.9 points and 4.0 rebounds off the bench for the Nuggets, who will retain his NBA rights.
--G Ty Lawson has no regrets about pulling his name out of the draft in 2008. After returning to North Carolina, he won an NCAA title and was named ACC Player of the Year.
"Things happen for a reason," said Lawson, taken with the No. 18 pick in June's draft by Minnesota and immediately traded to Denver. "Now, my name is going to be honored in the rafters at North Carolina."
--F Carmelo Anthony has unveiled a new Web site at www.thisismelo.com. On the site, Anthony seeks to show off dimensions of his life other than athletics, such as entertainment, fashion, travel, philanthropy and fatherhood. There is a section called "The Vault" in which Anthony shares stories from his life.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--C Nene suffered a broken forearm in the Nuggets' playoff finale May 29 against the Los Angeles Lakers. But he's expected to be ready for training camp.
DRAFT PICKS:
Ty Lawson, G, 5-11, North Carolina (first round, acquired by Nuggets after being drafted by Minnesota) -- Nuggets like him because he brings youth to point guard, where the Nuggets have starter Chauncey Billups, 33 in September, and Anthony Carter, 34, likely to be re-signed as a free agent. In several years, he could replace Billups as the starter.
Sergio Llull, G, 6-3, Spain (second round) -- The Nuggets traded his rights to Houston for cash. After acquiring first-round selection Ty Lawson from Minnesota on draft night, the Nuggets felt they didn't need another rookie.