Jump on Rush; not another Armstrong

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nuggets/article/0,1299,DRMN_20_3378106,00.html

Nuggets show interest in former Bobcat House
Waived guard plays point and the two

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News
December 6, 2004

Eddie House is averaging more points than any of the shooting guards trying to replace Voshon Lenard. It's no wonder the Denver Nuggets are interested in him.

House, a 6-foot guard averaging 11.1 points and shooting .414 from three-point range, was waived Saturday night by Charlotte. The Bobcats made the move because they are on the verge of acquiring guard Kareem Rush from the Lakers, probably for two second-round picks.

Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe, whose team lost Lenard for the season in the opening game because of a torn Achilles' tendon, said Saturday the Nuggets are interested in House, who can clear waivers Tuesday. He reiterated that Sunday.

"Absolutely," said Vandeweghe, who has had conversations with House's agent, Mark Bartelstein. "He's very talented and fits in with the way we play."

Because they have an injured-player exception worth $1.6 million, the Nuggets could pick up House, whose $825,000 salary is slightly more than the minimum, off waivers. Vandeweghe, though, wanting to hold onto the exception, said they probably won't make a claim.

If House clears waivers, the Nuggets might look to sign him. They would be responsible for paying him the prorated minimum salary of $745,046 for a fifth-year man.

"Kiki has always liked Eddie, and (the Nuggets) have never been afraid to play small guards," said Bartelstein, who thanked the Bobcats for not stashing House on the injured list. He said it's too early to say whether Denver might be House's top choice if he clears waivers.

The Nuggets, in need of outside shooting, dangled a second-round pick for Rush. The Lakers, though, believe Charlotte can give them higher second-round picks, and they aren't keen on trading him to a team also in the West.

House plays both guard spots, although some believe he's a better shooting guard. The Nuggets have used Greg Buckner, Bryon Russell and DerMarr Johnson to replace Lenard, with none averaging more than seven points.

House could serve as a third point guard, in addition to Andre Miller and Earl Boykins.

"It's a possibility," Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik said of Denver picking up House. "Potentially, we're looking for somebody to back up in case there's any kind of injury at point guard."

Vandeweghe will continue to have conversations with Bzdelik about House. When House was a Miami rookie in 2000-01, Bzdelik was a Heat assistant.