The first thing that George Karl did when he arrived at practice on Friday was apologize to Chucky Atkins and Steven Hunter about the rumors that the duo would be traded to the Indiana Pacers for Jamaal Tinsley, the Denver Post is reporting.

"He is a guy that we had talked about, but when I heard all the stuff this morning, I was laughing," Karl said. "I don't think it's that hot. But I shouldn't be answering that question."

Karl said that the rumor, which has been shot down by both sides, had an effect on Friday's practice.

"I don't think it was good for the morale of the practice," Karl said. "I talked to Chucky and Steven before practice and laughed about it. They're older guys. They've been in the league and probably have read their name in too many gossip columns. Rex (Chapman, Nuggets vice president of player personnel) apologized, and I apologized for putting them through it. But I don't think there's anything to it."

Via Denver Post

Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers

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