The cynical would joke that a Denver Nuggets season wouldn't be complete without a catastrophic injury to Nene, the Brazilian big man who this year -- a superb campaign, really -- played in at least 65 games for the first time since 2004. But there you go: in the Nuggets' final game of the 2008-09 season, Nene suffered a fractured arm in the fourth quarter, according to the Denver Post. He left the gym wearing a cast.There's no word on how long rehab will take. One would assume the injury may affect Nene's reported plans to play for Brazil in this summer's Copa America. Brazil needs to finish top five in the Copa (assuming already World-qualified Team USA also finished top five) to automatically qualify for the 2010 World Championships in Istanbul. Brazil's coach said Anderson Varejao has tentatively committed, but the Cavalier will likely enter free agency in July. Missing its two top big men could be trouble for the Brazilians.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-30-2009 @ 10:31PM
Giles said...
Doubt you`ll get a lot of comments about this article, with Nuggets fans depressed at losing the series. John Havicek was right handed, but played left handed winning one of his championships with a broken right arm. I`m, ahem, too young to remember which year! (Or maybe too old, senile? More likely) I hope Mr. Hilario goes back to using his suranme not just his personal name, despite maybe obvious reasons he prefers to be just a four letter word. I hope he completely recovers. Probably a good chance Varajao will go elsewhere. His team needs more mid and long range shooting, including a wing or power forward starter with James (power would be better size distribution) and and legit sized wing guard, and legit sized young back up center. Varajao should only be a stop gap if the can`t get someone more suited. The Pistons won back to back championships with three point guards, Dumars, Johnson, and Thomas, playing extended minutes together, but two of them are already in the Hall of Fame. Doubt Vinnie will get in, but we`ll see. I doubt any of the Cavs. three will make the Hall.
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