DENVER – Nuggets rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay returned to the court Sunday night (Monday in Manila) against Charlotte after missing 14 games with a sprained right ankle.
Just in time, too, as the Nuggets will be without Jameer Nelson after he strained his left hip flexor in a loss at Memphis on Friday (Saturday in Manila). Denver was also without forward Kenneth Faried, who's helping out after the birth of his daughter.
Drafted with the seventh overall pick last summer, Mudiay is averaging 10.7 points and 5.7 assists this season. He hasn't played since Dec. 11 against Minnesota.
Prior to the game, Nuggets coach Michael Malone says Mudiay won't have his playing time closely monitored, even more so with Nelson sidelined. Mudiay's backup will be Randy Foye, with Will Bartonand Danilo Gallinari possibly handling the ball as well.