Of all the candidates to be the Nuggets' new point guard next season, coach George Karl is finding out he would rather have the one who was just there.

"My whole thing is I think Steve Blake has earned the right to be the first one recruited," Karl said Monday. "His camp is going to make a decision, and we're going to make a decision."

Blake is mulling offers from several NBA teams, including the Miami Heat, which has shown great interest in the former Maryland star.

Asked what he thought the odds of getting Blake back on the team were, Karl smiled and said, "It depends on the day."

Blake is seeking the full mid- level exception, projected to be about $6 million next season.