Denvr_Sports_Insider's Blog

The Nuggets announced Monday they’ve acquired Knicks forward Renaldo Balkman and cash considerations, in exchange for guard Taurean Green, forward Bobby Jones, and a 2010 second round draft pick.  Balkman averaged 3.4 points, and 3.3 rebounds for the Knicks last season and is ready to contribute in Denver. Fox 31 sports reporter Josina Anderson had a quick cellular Q&A with Balkman’s agent , Andre Buck, for a little insight on the new Nuggets player.

Anderson:  So what was Balkman’s reaction to becoming a new Nugget?

Buck:        Now that it’s sunk in a little bit, [Balkman] is excited.  If he’s excited, then I am as well. He just wants to play. He’s a young guy. He’s been in the league a couple years now, and he really wants to be on a team where he will have an opportunity to play.  He absolutely loves, and still loves New York, but I just got off the phone with him and he said he’s excited to go to Denver.  Now he is a east coast guy so it’s going to take some getting use to, but he is excited.  He lived on the east, went to school on the east but he is excited to come to the west.  I heard nothing but good things about Denver, and I think it will be good for him.

Anderson:  So how would you characterize Balkman’s tenure with the Knicks?

Buck:          Well it started out with a bunch of boos, but I knew from  watching him as a player that the New York fans would love him.  They eventually did.  From the reactions he got when he played, I think they really enjoyed how hard he competed and the effort that he gave. Obviously we all wish that the [Knicks] would have won more, and that was the toughest part, but other than that he enjoyed it. The [Knicks] roster is full, especially at his position, so he is looking forward to having an opportunity to play.

Anderson:   How was Balkman’s relationship with Isiah Thomas?

Buck.          Good!  He respected him because obviously he is Isiah Thomas, but also because he took a chance drafting him that high when he came out in ’06.  Now a lot of things didn’t always go great in those two years, but between Renaldo and Isiah things always seemed to be pretty good-plus Isiah really liked him. Isiah always said that Renaldo was positive.

Anderson:   So why is your client a justifiable fit to fill Marcus Camby’s shoes?

Buck:          Well adding Renaldo definitely adds defense, athleticism, and toughness…He’s a very active player, so I think that is another positive that he’ll bring…Renaldo is such a glue guy, and does all the little things.  He will rebound and defend.  He fits into the athleticism of the western conference with his size.  He’s also an opportunistic scorer. Now he’s obviously not your classic shooter, but he can score off rebounds and run the floor.  I think with Denver’s style, with A.I. and Carmelo, Renaldo can really fill the break.  I think he will definitely fit in.