George Karl — Nuggets coach talks contract, PGs, love of Denver

“Everybody says we need to separate Raymond and Ty, but I think I like playing basketball more than I like playing positions. I like guys who know how to play basketball. Those guys are very good at playing together. I’m not going to tilt anything. Right now, we need both of them to perform at a high level. And as much as people say (that you need) size, I think they create many problems on the court (on defense).”

On Lawson’s demeanor:

“I need to turn his Dennis-the-Menace laziness into a committed professional. I’d love that to happen. Getting him to take some leadership and assertiveness has been a little bit of a push-and-shove match. Sometimes he pushes me, sometimes I push him to the wall, but in the same sense he’s moving in a good (direction).”

On coaching (or coaching with) his son, Coby:

“I still have a tremendous passion to coach my son and work with my son. I’ve talked to the Dunleavys about that, and they don’t seem to have that desire as much as I do. Coby is going to coach someday. I think he still desires to play a few more years, too.”