The Nuggets have lost backup center Brian Butch for the next 6 months as he ruptured his patella tendon playing in the summer league. Butch played in 39 games (38 starts) in the D-League last season and he averaged 33.9 minutes, 17.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steal per game. This is a big blow to Butch who was likely going to get his big chance to make it in the NBA.