Rick Fox Retires, and Dennis in Denver?
Rick Fox, who was traded to the Boston Celtics this offseason, has officially retired. He had some foot injuries last season (which stemmed back from the year before), and was never really his old self. The Celtics also were expecting Gary Payton from the Lakers, but Payton has continued to say he won't show up for training camp. What a mess. So, it looks like the Celtics may be getting squat out of this trade - another typical move from Celtic GM Danny Ainge. (Granted, the trade had some redactions if Payton was not nearly as cooperative...)
Over in the Mile High City, Rodman had another scrimmage with the Nuggets. The 43-year old “Worm” is wanting to get back in the game, but Nugget GM Kiki Vanderweghe has been non-commital, saying: “There's not really anything to say in Dennis' situation.” Does Dennis have any chance in Denver? I doubt it. He has an issue with alcohol, has not been the best team player, and has a way of driving coaches a bit batty, distracting his team in the process. (See L.A. See Dallas. See San Antonio.) With a young Nuggets team, personally I think it would be a mistake to bring on Dennis. I think for Dennis to work you need:
- An older, mature team with a solid core of leadership that can weather Dennis' antics
- A low-stress coach who can accept Dennis's behavior
- A system where Dennis' style of play can fit in
Namely, you need a team like the '96-'98 Bulls. And the Nuggets ain't them.