Since being drafted 18th overall in 2009, Ty Lawson has spent his entire NBA career with the Nuggets. On the court, he’s developed into one of the better point guards in the league. He finished last season tied for second in assists with 8.8 per game and is currently tied for first this season with 10.1. Away from the floor, Lawson has put himself in a few situations that has led to frustration from the organization.
Lawson did not play in the team’s first game after the all-star break for missing practice earlier in the week. He reportedly missed his flight from Las Vegas, which did not sit well with head coach Brian Shaw. In January, Lawson was arrested on suspicion of DUI after doing 61 mph in a 35 mph zone. Back in 2013, he was involved in a domestic dispute, although charges were eventually dropped.
At this point, it’s starting to sound like Lawson is on the way to wearing out his welcome in Denver. There was speculation Lawson could be dealt prior to Thursday’s trade deadline. While he was not, general manager Tim Connelly has expressed his desire for things to change.
“He needs to grow up. The organization, top to bottom, can’t be anymore supportive,” Connelly said via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. “It’s time for not just Ty but for several of our guys to be pros or it’s time to take a hard look at our roster.”
With chances of making the playoffs this year slim, the Nuggets traded Arron Afflalo, Alonzo Gee, and Javale McGee last week. A month ago, Timofey Mozgov was sent to the Cavaliers. The moves allowed Denver to shed some money with a likely roster rebuild ahead. Whether that includes Ty Lawson or not remains to be seen.
