Coby Karl has NBA talent, but he probably hasn’t played enough games in the big leagues to be considered an NBA player. That title is reserved for those who have had more than a weekend retreat on an NBA roster, and though Karl has technically been a part of 24 NBA contests, he’s never really had a team to call home. Each of his stints in the NBA have brought Karl instruction and experience, but they also seem to come with the understanding that he’s considered a stopgap player rather than a valued addition.
He’s there in case of injury, to serve as a practice body, and to help all of his teammates without a thought as to where his own career will take him. The roles Karl has been asked to fill are needed, but his various teams’ unwillingness to let him showcase his own skills are very much tied to his current status as an uncommitted, recently-waived free agent.
Karl was cut loose last week by the Denver Nuggets, who had signed him for last season’s coda. However, according to Karl’s agent, Dan Fegan, who spoke with FanHouse, Coby could potentially be back with Denver next season:
Dan Fegan, the agent for the son of Nuggets coach George Karl, said in an interview with FanHouse on Sunday that Coby Karl will clear waivers on Tuesday. His options then will be further assessed. “Coby has proven that he can contribute at the NBA level,’' Fegan said of the two-year NBA veteran. “He’s gotten better every year. And we’re still in discussions with Denver regarding his situation. Just because he’s gotten waived doesn’t mean that he won’t be part of the Nuggets.’'
...Indications are that one option could be for Coby Karl, who had been in line to have his $854,389 salary fully guaranteed for next season, to re-sign with Denver on a contract that is partially guaranteed for next season. He also could draw interest from another NBA team and playing in Europe next season is another option.
I wouldn’t set any of this in stone based on a quote from Karl’s agent (who, like it or not, has every reason to pump up the rumored interest in his client), but the report does at least give some indication that the Nuggets could be interested in bringing Coby back on an unguaranteed deal. If nothing else, it’s worth a note as Karl continues to explore his options for next season.