After hearing the Earl Watson question that has become standard with each day this season, Nuggets coach George Karl wanted to set something straight. Just because Watson sat out Denver's first two games does not mean Karl doesn't like him as a player.

The two met Friday to discuss Watson's situation, and both said the conversation went well.

"I think it was professional," Watson said Sunday. "He's a stand-up coach, a stand-up guy, honest. I respect it a lot. I respect our conversation. I respect him even more."

Karl said in talks like that, the coach usually does most of the talking. But, the coach said, "He talked 80 percent of the time and said all the right things."

Asked what he said in the meeting, Watson replied, "It's a challenging situation. I don't like to use negative words, but I'm a professional. I think a lot of people are looking at the situation trying to see what type of athlete I am. Am I for real? Like I told him, this is where my true character will show. I have to be professional. I have to be positive.

"Who wants to hear about an athlete complaining about playing time, especially when there are more important things in life, in other people's lives and in my life?"