Kleiza Could Have a Big Role

Denver Post

Sacramento, Calif. - With a dozen ways to mispronounce his name, Linas Kleiza might just be known as The Other Guy to the casual Nuggets fan.

No, the forward did not make nearly the impact on college basketball at Missouri his draft classmate, Julius Hodge, did at North Carolina State. But the 6-foot-8 Lithuanian - whose name, for the record, is pronounced LIN-as CLAY-za - might have a better chance of breaking the shackles Denver coach George Karl often places on rookies.

Both face uphill battles for minutes, as Karl tells it.

"We move so fast in training camp, the rookies get left behind a lot. That's the problem. You can't wait for rookies," he said.

Kleiza fully understands.

"I'm a rookie. I've got to play my way up," Kleiza said. "I'll do whatever it takes to step on the floor."

As tall an order as that is, it might be easier for him than for Hodge, who has six guards in front of him. Kleiza, meanwhile, sits behind a group of forwards that includes Kenyon Martin, Marcus Camby, Eduardo Najera and Nene. All four have a history of injuries.

Asked to assess Kleiza's progress, Karl said: "I think Linas has had a good camp. He's made more shots than most rookies do. I think he's picking up the offense and understands that execution's important. He's not a good defender yet, but at least he's tough at times, battles and competes the right way."

Kleiza played 17 second-half minutes in Denver's 112-85 preseason win over Portland on Saturday, finishing with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He showed the ability to bang for put-backs and to stick an outside shot.

After a quiet opening game, it was a good first step toward being the Najera clone Karl thinks Kleiza can become.

"I definitely felt more confident," Kleiza said. "The first game is always the toughest game. You go out there, you're just nervous. (Saturday) felt different. (Saturday) felt slowed down. I started reading better."

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