October 28, 2008 11:48 PM
Karl wants Coby in D-League, then with Nuggets
By Chris Tomasson
Rocky Mountain News
Nuggets coach George Karl is ready to pick up the phone and give Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak a call.
"I'll probably call Mitch and thank him because they did give him an opportunity,'' Karl said of the Lakers having his son, Coby Karl, play for them last season as a rookie. "Probably less than 10 percent of players... get to the NBA Finals.''
Coby Karl got there last season, although he was inactive for each game. But on Monday, the Lakers waived Coby Karl.
The coach called it a tough blow, but does see some positives. He didn't believe Coby would play much for the Lakers this season and it could set up a father-son reunion in Denver. Karl expects the Nuggets to consider signing Coby Karl to a 10-day contract in January, if he's still available.
"I'll be down there on Thursday and we'll go drink a few beers and celebrate a great year,'' Karl said of being in Los Angeles on the eve of the Nuggets playing the Clippers. "Very few players get to the NBA Finals. His disappointment was he wanted to win a championship... (But) I'm not sure the Lakers are the best team for you to get minutes.''
Coby Karl wants to play in the NBA, and, with a rich dad, he sure doesn't need to go overseas any time soon just for money. With that in mind, Karl believes his son's best option could be to return to the NBA Development League, where he played well last season.
Perhaps Coby will want to join the Colorado 14ers, where he can play under the watchful eyes of the Nuggets and be nearby should they want to sign him to a 10-day deal in January.
Or, if Coby still has hope of returning to the Lakers, he could play again for the Los Angeles D-Fenders. That team is owned by the Lakers, practices at the Lakers facility, and also plays games at the Staples Center.
In the meantime, expect Karl to try to convince Nuggets brass to eventually sign his son.
"I think he fits our weakness,'' Karl said. "But we're kind of in a limited roster position (now).''
Karl hopes that will change in January when 10-day contracts can be signed. By that time, there's no guarantee Juwan Howard, on a non-guaranteed deal, still will be with the team.
October 29, 2008
12:18 PM
kodijack writes:
Its too bad that Coach Karl did not have five sons, then he could field a team of nothing but him, how wonderful would that be?
Aren't we almost to the end of this pain? Can you imagine what Jeff or Mike could have done with last year's team? Well, maybe Mike, Jeff would probably have never gotten through to Allen or Carmelo, which is why he got fired in the first place.
October 29, 2008
2:23 PM
Larry Huffman writes:
Nuggets fans...this is not bad at all. I am a long time Laker fan and I am genuinely sorry to see Coby Karl cut. I liked him...Laker fans liked him. He is young and untested, but he has a good shot and I am certain can catch on somewhere. The Lakers are deep this year, and considering all things, this could be the best thing for Coby as a player. As a person he wants the ring, and I respect that. But, as a player, he would be better going to some team that can give him minutes and let him reach his potential.
So...before you think that Coby Karl on the Nuggets would be a bad thing, you should think again. He has a lot of potential, and who knows, maybe his dad knows how to get even more out of him. You could do a lot worse...already have in years past in my opinion...so if it happens, give him a chance. I am betting you will be pleasantly surprised.
And besides...the roster positon we are talking about for him is not where championships are made. If the Nuggets pick him up and do not succeed...it will not be because of him. And having a dead-eye shooter like he is on the bench is never bad.
October 30, 2008
10:49 AM
Jersey writes:
Kodijack: My sentiments exactly. Nepotism at it's finest. Is George related to Hawkins up there in Boulder? Both sons as players have the same ability of their fathers as coaches....ZIP!
October 31, 2008
4:56 PM
Anonymous writes:
Huffman, you should stay of the Lakers blog and let the Nuggets fan address this issue.
With that said there is no place for anymore Karl's in Nuggetsville. How can he hope that this BS goes over after what he does to players like JR. Now that his son was thrown under the bus and kicked off the Lakers here comes Super Dad to the rescure. No way should that go over. He already has a son he rescured in the non playing, turnover making ANTHONY CARTER. This is NEPOTISM with a capital N. If GK wants to coach his son then fine, go to the D leauge and coach his son and take the WEAKEST LINK, ANTHONY CARTER with him.
November 2, 2008
7:45 PM
Mitch writes:
Wow, Anonymous-how can we be sure you're a Nugget fan? Is this an exclusive blog??
I'm getting a little worried about GK, myself. I hated him before we got him, then I came around. I just wonder who'd we'd get who is better. Unless we can get a Pat Riley, Gregg Popovich or Phil Jackson, who has the players' unquestioned respect, we should probably be patient.
Jeff Buzz couldn't coach stars (not enough cred), Michael Cooper couldn't coach (horrible!! I've seen better HS coaches.)
I think we're off to a good start, our defense has been way better so far.
November 3, 2008
11:43 AM
kodijack writes:
Its the beginning of the season Mitch, how can you judge that the defense has been better? Point totals are not the full indication of better defense, do you really think that Iverson is playing better D?