The Nuggets have found their man.

Denver has spent the past several seasons searching for a backcourt mate for high-scoring threat Nick Van Exel.

Robert Pack returned to Denver and player 74 games there last year. He wasn't the answer, being a little too offensive-minded.

The Nuggets loved ex-Spurs guard Cory Alexander, awarded him a six-year, $13.5 million deal, then released him just before the 2000-2001 season, buying out the contract's remaining four years for $7.7 million.

Denver needed a talent who could co-exist with Van Exel and other Nuggets stars while offering much-needed floor and locker room leadership.

Antonio McDyess, Van Exel and George McCloud are the team's three captains, but none is comfortable with being the vocal leader.