Nuggets sign Balkman to contract extension

DENVER (AP) The Denver Nuggets have signed backup Renaldo Balkman to a contract extension and also exercised the fourth-year option on guard Arron Afflalo, who was acquired from Detroit last summer.

Known for his hustle and ability to slip through defenses for easy baskets, Balkman averaged a career-best five points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting a career-high 55.8 percent in 53 games with Denver last season.

Terms of Balkman's deal were not disclosed.

Afflalo has averaged just over a point and an assist in 18.5 minutes in his two games with the Nuggets.

Updated November 1, 2009