By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Denver, CO

Though his on-court timing and mental game is shaky, the Denver Nuggets are hoping to further develop Javale McGee after re-signing the young talented center to a multi-year contract.

Denver, which acquired McGee in trade with the Washington Wizards last season, announced the deal.

According to multiple reports, the Nuggets and the 24-year-old unrestricted free agent center McGee agreed to a four-year deal worth $44 million.

McGee, who became a Nugget after being traded from Washington partway through last season, played 20 regular-season games for the Nuggets last year.

His playing minutes dropped as he made the switch to a deeper team, but the 7-0, 256-pound former first-round pick of the Wizards in 2008 showed his true potential in the playoffs.

In his first career playoff appearance with Denver, McGee showcased his athleticism as he averaged 8.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.14 blocks in seven games off the bench against the Lakers.

McGee was able to help neutralize the Lakers' advantage in the frontcourt in the series, where he had three games of 14-plus rebounds. He also had games where he added 16 and 21 points.

In four of seven postseason games, McGee blocked at least three shots.

McGee is expected to benefit further from the guidance of coach George Karl, who is regarded for his ability to successfully mentor young, talented but mercurial players like Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp and Carmelo Anthony during their first years in the NBA.

McGee averaged 11.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.16 blocks per contest in a combined 61 games with the Wizards and Nuggets last season.

He has recorded averages of 8.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over 275 career games.

 

Nuggets Bring Back Center Javale McGee