Lauvergne recovering from blood infection in foot

Joffrey Lauvergne is battling a blood infection likely caused by the buildup of bacteria between his toes and likely won’t be at full strength for Summer League.

Lauvergne, a Memphis Grizzlies draft-and-stash pick in 2013, came over to the Nuggets last season from France on a 3-year deal and averaged 3.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 11.2 minutes in 24 games.

It’s a big summer for the Frenchman development wise and with a loaded frontcourt that already boasts Jusuf Nurkic, Kenneth Faried, J.J. Hickson and Nikola Jokic, playing time will be hard to come by this season.

Lauvergne is also expected to be a key front-court contributor for the Nuggets on a Summer League roster filled with first, second and third year players.

“A few days ago, I thought I wouldn’t be able to play because I was feeling weak like I’ve never felt before,” Lauvergne said, as reported by the Denver Post’s Cameron Wolfe. “I’m going to see how I feel and try to play because I practiced all summer for this.”

The Nuggets begin Summer League play tonight versus the Atlanta Hawks at 6 p.m. MST from Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas.