Could the Nuggets’ Ty Lawson be on the move before the trade deadline?
According to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com, the Denver Nuggets have put point guard Ty Lawson on the trading block, and sources indicate that Nuggets coach Brian Shaw has tabbed Pacers guard George Hill as a possible replacement for Lawson. Denver is currently 11th in the Western Conference at 20-33 and appears to be headed to the lottery for a second straight season.
Brian Shaw was a former assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers and coached George Hill during that time.
The Nuggets have been linked to deals including not only Lawson but Arron Afflalo and Wilson Chandler as well. Brian Shaw has done some experimental things this season as he’s tried to reach his team including rapping a scouting report and eliminating pre-game shootarounds, an NBA staple.
The Lawson rumors have been exacerbated by him missing practice yesterday. Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post has tweeted Lawson’s response to the missed practice and has debunked the rumors surrounding Lawson to Indiana:
About 49 minutes ago, #Nuggets G Ty Lawson responded to missed practice on Instagram pic.twitter.com/9QTxabasCD
— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) February 19, 2015
Pretty much nothing has changed in Ty Lawson’s status as a #Nuggets player that won’t be traded, sources say.
— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) February 19, 2015
The #Nuggets were never interested in any Lawson for Pacers guard George Hill swap.
— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) February 19, 2015
Despite the Nuggets struggles this season, Lawson has had a career year averaging 16.9 points, 10.1 assists (only he and John Wall are averaging more than 10 assists per game this season), and shooting 36% from long range. Of course, Lawson was also arrested on DUI charges earlier this year.
The Nuggets snapped a six-game losing streak with a win over the lowly Lakers before the All-Star break and will return to action in Milwaukee on Friday night.
