George Karl put in a "request" for the Nuggets to re-sign Juwan Howard, waived Nov. 3. But the request apparently was denied because owner Stan Kroenke is eyeing getting under the $71.15 million luxury-tax threshold.

He is not the only member of the franchise lamenting the clear dearth of big men.

"We don't have no big men," said Carmelo Anthony. "I was the big man (Tuesday at Charlotte when the small forward played some center). Why not (acquire another post player)? If there's somebody out there we can get, why not?"