Nuggets coach George Karl is in the final year of his contract and says that his health will determine his future.

"At the end of the year, if my health is more important, then I'll walk away from the game of basketball," Karl said. "I'm not saying that's what I want. But I'm not saying that I haven't thought about that more than any time in my life.

"So, I don't think [what the front office decides] matters a lot to me, because as much as they're evaluating me and what they want to do with me, I'm probably evaluating what I want to do with me."

Karl is a two-time cancer survivor and won't hesitate to retire if he suffers any setbacks or needs to reduce his stress level.

He is in his 23rd NBA season and is closing in on 1,000 wins, a feat accomplished by only six other coaches.