DENVER, Dec. 17 (AP) -- Denver Nuggets forward Nene has been cleared by team doctors to begin ballhandling and shooting drills and can participate in full practices beginning Friday.

Nene, who has appeared in five games this season, tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb in a game at Boston on Nov. 7.


Copyright 2007 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited