(Boulder-CO) I knew it after the last time the Nuggets were swept up along with the popcorn crumbs. I even hinted at such in my player report card for Eduardo Najera, remember?

"So, I say that if the Nuggets can keep Najera around for say... the next three years for somewhere in the range three million a year, great. If not, then it's time to say adios to El Grande Chihuahua."

Adios amigo!

Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News reports, "The Nuggets had wanted to bring Najera back, but with the team deep into the luxury tax, it was deemed impossible. On Friday, Najera agreed to terms on a four-year, $12 million contract with New Jersey, leaving Denver after 3 1/2 seasons."

Sad?

Don't be. This opens up more minutes for Linas Kleiza (also 6'8", and a much better offensive player) in what was, and still is, a very crowded pair of forward positions. Plus, and probably more influential in the decision to allow Najera to walk, there is the financial side of the Nuggets'current situation. Still over the $70 odd million new NBA salary cap by over $10 million, the Nuggets are better off in the long-run spending the money they would have had to spend on keeping Eduardo around on Linas next year when his contract is up instead.

On the other hand, I am going to miss having a guy like Eduardo on the team. He was a consummate professional, did anything he could for his teammates, and left everything he had on the floor every night. And thus, a fitting youtube farewell for "The Grout".

Go Nuggets!

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