Nuggets training camp notebook: Day four

An unexpected visitor joined Nuggets practice this morning in NBA writer Brian Windhorst. Unbeknownst to most, Windhorst lives in Omaha and was excited to stop by Nuggets training camp this afternoon. He talked with general manager Tim Connelly, coach Michael Malone and various other staff members after practice. Windhorst is well respected around the league and the Nuggets were more than happy to have him stop by camp and check in with team before the season.

Here are some of the highlights from this morning:

Head Coach Michael Malone told the media after practice he is “very proud of the guys effort” and that it continues to be a “great camp” for the Nuggets. He spoke of Mike Miller and Jameer Nelson bringing the energy with Emmanuel Mudiay, Gary Harris and the rookie trio all making a positive impacts as leaders in this morning’s practice.

“I thought going into this practice that I was going to have to be a dentist pulling teeth,” Malone said. “I did not have to do that all. These guys brought it today.”

Malone went on to rave about the energy and competition in the gym across the 20-man roster. He feels this is vital as the Nuggets “work together to build something special.”

The competition amongst Robbie Hummel, Nate Wolters, Jarnell Stokes and D.J. Kennedy for the last roster spot has been one of the more compelling stories of training camp. Malone had positive things to say about the four players and feels that each of them brings unique offerings to the table. That battle will be something to keep track of heading into the preseason as it appears no one player has separated themselves from the pack which also includes Axel Toupane and Jakarr Sampson who each spent parts of last season with the Nuggets.

Darrell Arthur was once again a limited participant at practice today. Trainer Steve Hess told BSN Denver that the Nuggets aren’t pinpointing an exact date for Arthur’s return but the power forward did say he “wants to be in the mix more” at practice as early as Sunday. Arthur continues to take part in warmups and non-contact drills as he recovers from a knee scope performed weeks ago.

Point guard Jameer Nelson believes the team has “gotten better every practice” this week. “To develop into a good team,” Nelson said, “we have to develop that work ethic that we want to develop.”

Nelson feels that the veterans of the team – himself, Mike Miller, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler  – have been “working hard” in the gym at training camp. “When you work hard people follow,” said Nelson. On a roster with an infusion of younger players the Nuggets will be looking for Nelson and the other veterans to provide that lead-by-example mentality.

The veteran point guard has been impressed with the facilities at Creighton University this week.

“It’s beautiful, you can’t ask for more,” Nelson said. “The hospitality has been unbelievable. Hopefully, one day, all colleges can have something like this.”

Swingman Will Barton has noticed “everyone competing at a high level and working hard” during training camp this week. Needless to say, he believes that camp is going “real well” in Omaha.

When asked about how rookies Juancho Hernangomez, Jamal Murray and Malik Beasley and what they can bring to the team this upcoming season, Barton had great things to say about each of them:

On Hernangomez: “Juancho has great ability to spread the floor and make shots.”

On Murray: “Jamal’s ability to shoot the basketball and create his own shot.”

On Beasley: “Malik also has that ability to hit shots, but also play in transition.”

“They all bring different things to the table,” Barton said, “But they are all talented and each of them are going to be real good.”

Small forward Robbie Hummel has been someone that I’ve had the opportunity to talk with throughout the week at practice and the sharp shooting forward has looked as advertised when it comes to his jumper. You will be able to read about his upbringing in basketball, loving Indiana, his collegiate experience at Purdue and how he connected with Coach Malone while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves this weekend on BSN Denver.

The Nuggets will wrap up training camp Sunday before they open the preseason against the Toronto Raptors in Calgary, Alberta (CA) Monday night.