His serious injury obviously didn't help him. According to the Denver Postthe Nuggets declined their “team option” regarding Vlatko Cancar. The Slovenian, who was supposed to earn $2.3 million next season, therefore arrives on the market as an unprotected “free agent”.
Victim of a ruptured left knee ligament during a preparation match with Slovenia ahead of the 2023 World Cup, the 27-year-old has not played at all this season.
A real success for this winger who, year after year, gained minutes within Mike Malone's rotation. NBA champion with the Nuggets in 2023, he averaged 5 points that year in the regular season, but hardly played during the playoffs.
Despite this declined “team option”, Denver and Vlatko Cancar could find themselves around a new contract. He's a valued teammate and the Nuggets would like to keep him. He could return to the Rockies on a veteran minimum contract, which would help the Denver franchise expand its bench at a lower cost.
We recall that last December, the winger set the goal of getting back on his feet to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. For qualifying, I hope I can get the green light by then, but it's something I plan to do this summer », he displayed.
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
