Weems back with Nuggets for now

Sonny Weems is back with the Nuggets.

For now.

The rookie swingman was recalled by the Nuggets on Tuesday after his second stint with the Colorado 14ers, who have the NBA Development League’s best record. But Weems expects to be back for the NBADL playoffs, which will begin shortly after the April 11 regular-season finale.

“I plan to be back for the playoffs and try to help them out a little more,’’ Weems said.

Nuggets coach George Karl confirmed that is the likely plan. NBA teams can assign a player to the NBADL three times a season, and Weems has one more available.

“It always feels good to be back in the (NBA) after taking all those Southwest Airlines flights,’’ the 6-foot-6 Weems said. “We were all squished in.’’

Weems, who was assigned for his latest stint March 6, has averaged 20.4 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19 games during his two stints this season. Karl said there have been mixed reviews.

“He’s had some very good games and he’s had a couple of games where some of the things we and the 14ers probably wish he had done a little better,’’ Karl said. “But I don’t think there’s any question he’s one of the top talents of all the players in the D-League. … An athletic talent (such as Weems) is very unusual to have in the D-League.’’

Karl is a big fan of the NBADL but believes “it’s not a positive energy experience for young players’’ as much as it should be. He said too many players have a feeling of “I wish I was back with the big team,’’ even if they are barely playing in the NBA.

As for Weems, Karl said he doesn’t expect to activate him for games this week.

The Nuggets suddenly have a numbers problem when it comes to players at the end of the bench. Center Steven Hunter, back from knee trouble, said Tuesday he’s ready to play if needed, but it remains to see how he could be activated for any games in the near future.

Denver’s end-of-the bench players are center Johan Petro and third-string point guard Jason Hart. But both could come in handy if there is foul trouble or injuries during a game.

Hunter, who hasn’t played since the first preseason game and underwent right knee surgery Nov. 14, said he could play in a game now. But since Hunter, who returned Monday to take part in his first full practice, isn’t now needed, the plan is to get a few more practices under his belt.

“I’m getting in shape and learning the plays,’’ Hunter said. “It’s a long process, just like training camp… The situation is just getting into game shape.’’

Nevertheless, it might be hard to get Hunter in a game before the end of the season if the Nuggets are still battling for playoff position. The same can be said about Weems.

But at least Weems soon should be returning to the 14ers.