December 19, 2006 2:32 PM
A.I. to the rescue
Who needs Santa Claus? A.I. is coming to town.
The Nuggets traded for seven-time all-star and former MVP Allen Iverson, sealing the deal Tuesday afternoon by agreeing to include veteran point guard Andre Miller in the package which includes veteran forward Joe Smith and two first-round draft choices, reports Chris Tomasson.
Reaction? All over the place.
Dave Krieger lets us in on the perspective of his 17-year-old son, an enormous AI fan. Dave's bottom line:
Superstars become available very rarely. Either you draft them or you get lucky when a team is forced into a divorce by circumstance, as the Lakers were with Shaquille O'Neal a couple of years ago. That worked out pretty well for the team that landed him.If you can get one of those guys, you do it and you take your chances. Because championship teams always have great players. And the Nuggets just added one.
Of that there is no doubt.
This doesn't mean a championship is on the horizon. But it means the Nuggets have a better shot at one than they did yesterday.
Bernie Linciome says what happens now depends on Iverson.
This will not work if Iverson thinks he is the one, but only if he is a mentor to Anthony, the guy on the back of the bicycle built for two.Iverson had his chance to be in front. The year the 76ers made the NBA Finals, it was because his coach, Larry Brown, concocted a team around Iverson, a shot that had to be taken because of Iverson's great skill and heart. But it didn't work when Iverson was up to it, and it will never work now that he is not.
The Nuggets players and coaches believe the reward is greater than the risk.
One risk is Iverson long has had run-ins with coaches and sometimes is not enamored with practice. Nuggets officials do not anticipate having difficulties, and coach George Karl hopes they're right.
"There are some bad stories out there," Karl said. "As I told (Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony) when I came here (in January 2005), there are some bad stories about me. But there are a lot of positives. One thing I hear about him on an almost consistent basis is that his teammates love him."
I've believed all along this is a great trade for the Nuggets, the best available opportunity to move from a middle-of-the-pack club to one with legitimate championship aspirations. It is also Iverson's last chance to win a title and prove he is more than a great scorer. If he is able to sublimate his scoring on nights when Anthony has a hot hand - and that's the biggest question in the deal - AI can close his career with glory before he heads for the Hall of Fame.
Are Nuggets fans being too optimistic given Iverson's history? Can he be a good fit with Anthony or will they have trouble sharing the ball? Are his age (31) and injuries (missed 51 games the past three season) being overlooked? Will they miss the steadiness of Andre Miller at point? Should they bring in a veteran point guard so Iverson could play more off the ball?
December 19, 2006
3:08 PM
Chad writes:
Great trade for the Nuggets. George Karl's running style and A.I.'s open court skills will be a good fit. It fills the gap unitl Carmelo returns from his suspension, but it will work well also when he returns. A.I. and Melo have been close since they played together in the Olympics. Andre Miller is a serviceable point guard, but A.I. is a one-of-a-kind type player.
December 19, 2006
3:15 PM
Cold Hard Truth writes:
This is one of the worst deals ever made by the Nuggets. Allen Iverson could not lead his team to victory in Philly, why would any sane person actually believe that he can lead a team to victory in the much-tougher western conference? Allen Iverson has never been a winner, and never will be.
December 19, 2006
3:34 PM
Anonymous writes:
Artificial Insemination?
How is this going to help the nuggets?
December 19, 2006
3:38 PM
Bill writes:
Great trade for the Nuggets! A.I. is an all time top 50 player, a once and a generation talent, and all we give up is a point guard who can't shoot and 2 low first round picks. THIS IS A STEAL. Look at AI on the Olympic team, he can be a team player. 10 years from now, NO ONE will remember who went #22 and #24 in the draft of 2007, but everyone will remember watching AI and Carmelo.
December 19, 2006
3:39 PM
Bill writes:
Great trade for the Nuggets! A.I. is an all time top 50 player, a once and a generation talent, and all we give up is a point guard who can't shoot and 2 low first round picks. THIS IS A STEAL. Look at AI on the Olympic team, he can be a team player. 10 years from now, NO ONE will remember who went #22 and #24 in the draft of 2007, but everyone will remember watching AI and Carmelo.
December 19, 2006
3:44 PM
keith writes:
Allen Ivervson is immediate help. If he and Anthony can not play together in January/February, Iverson can ride the bench and watch some other point guard play.
December 19, 2006
3:49 PM
Joe writes:
AI is one of the world greatest players! He gives everything he has out on the court everynight . He will work well wit hthe Nuggets and Denver will be thankful for this trade. Miller is not good, Smith stinks and the 2 picks could be something but there not going to be AI type players! I 'm glad AI is going to a good team. I think he can help in the playoffs for sure and maybe even take Denver deep into the playoffs. Denver is going to be very happy and excited with his play.
December 19, 2006
4:08 PM
Bill Walton writes:
AI is the epitome of a warrior. He finds new ways to fight through adversity and lead his team to his battle. The Denver Nuggets will emerge from the Western Conference as its representative come June 2007. Watch out Tim Duncan! This is not HORRIBLE!
December 19, 2006
4:20 PM
Anonymous writes:
The Nugget's 2007 starting line up:
Point - A.I.
Shooting Guard - JR Smith (once he agrees to a new deal)
Small Forward - Melo
Power Forward - Kmart
Center - Marcus Camby
WOW!!!
December 19, 2006
4:23 PM
Danny Schayes writes:
The Nugget's 2007 starting line up:
Point - A.I.
Shooting Guard - JR Smith (once he agrees to a new deal)
Small Forward - Melo
Power Forward - Kmart
Center - Marcus Camby
WOW!!! Future NBA Champs!
December 19, 2006
4:41 PM
adam writes:
now if they can only unload kmart...
December 19, 2006
4:52 PM
Dale writes:
He's never been on a "win it all" team, I don't think he's a good team player and there's that age thing. Although there was a guy named "John" that wasn't on a "win it all" team until later on in his years. Guess I'll grab a beer, sit back and watch a little longer to see if he's the missing Golden Nugget.
December 19, 2006
4:53 PM
mark writes:
Will the team now be known as the Denver Thuggets??
December 19, 2006
5:56 PM
Anonymous writes:
The Nuggets now have bookend thugs. Iverson and Anthony. Bad move to bring such a controversial player here to Denver. He is trouble.
As someone posted earlier, the new name- The Denver Thuggets.
December 19, 2006
7:30 PM
DMAN writes:
To sum it up...with a guy like AI on the blocks ...there shouldn't be a team out there who shouldn't covet him...I respect the Nuggets even more for taking a risk...on his Character...Each and every team is comprised of several different personalities....that could be questionable...so should we all lock out all the different personalities...that color the league....NO...!! not at all.....Thank you AI for choosing the Nuggets....!!
December 19, 2006
9:28 PM
john larson writes:
best thing that's happened to the nugs...maybe ever (George Karl being a close second)
December 19, 2006
9:56 PM
Loose Cannon writes:
One has to wonder whether George Karl discussed this with his friend Larry Brown. It's hard for me to imagine that Brown was an AI cheerleader. I might be wrong, but wasn't AI one of the reasons Brown wanted out of Philadelphia?In any event, AI is a one-man show and any sense of team-ness that was building among the Nugget players is in serious jeopardy or gone already. Anybody heard Melo's thoughts on the matter? In the end it doesn't matter. The Phoenix Suns are always going to be in the way.
December 19, 2006
10:52 PM
Greg writes:
Calling Iverson a thug is wrong and calling Melo a thug is racist. Melo has done more good for his community than any politician has ever done. He has poured money and energy into countless lives that otherwise would have only been talked about at most. He made one wrong move by punching a guy that attacked his teammate. 50% of the guys in the league would have done the same. If you watch the video, Mardy Collins was asking for it and was looking to get punched. He practically called out Melo after he tackled Smith. I say you (those of you who claim Melo is a thug for punching an idiot) are racist because you are likely the same people who love Basebrawls. Why is it that when a pitcher throws at a guy's head and the benches clear, it is all in the nature of the game but when teammates defend one another on the basketball court it is "outrageous" and "ugly". Perhaps because the basketball players are 90% black? Double standard. Besides, there have been countless worse fights in basketball in the last 25 years. That was not even in the top 10 since 2000. Now to Iverson. He may have an attitude, but he is respected by EVERY player, referee and coach in the league. Not just for his play but his desire, will, fortitude. He led the Olympic team in 2004. They only got bronze but he was the best guy on the team. Keep in mind that team included LeBron, Melo, D-Wade, Duncan... and he was the Captain. He was the guy on and off the court for them. He even buried his beef with Larry Brown (the real reason behind the bronze) in order to compete for his country. He isn't a thug, he just has a hip-hop attitude and swagger that alot of NBA fans in their 40's, 50's and 60's don't understand. He isn't Larry Bird or Magic Johnson. He is Allen Iverson. Top five player in the history of basketball (according to me, and Shaq). We are lucky to be able to watch him on a nightly basis. He is the best thing to happen to the Nuggets since Melo was drafted. Andre Miller was average at best and both picks will be in the twenties, do we need two Julius Hodges this year? No. At least now we have a PG who can shoot from outside the paint. And don't think for a second that AI will refuse to give up shots to Melo. AI can dish the ball out he just hasn't played with anyone better than Theo Ratliff or Mutombo his whole career. He had a lot of assists for that 2004 Olympic team. Sorry so long, but I had to get that out. GIVE IVERSON A CHANCE!!!!
December 19, 2006
11:03 PM
Larry Brown writes:
Yeah, Allen's a warrior for sure. But he's still a thug and he brings A LOT of baggage. Let's see if he can play with Melo, and if he shows up for practice before we all get too excited. Remember he couldn't play with Larry Hughes, Jerry Stackhouse, Chris Webber...you get the picture. And how many coaches did he single-handedly drive out of Philly?? Let's see how this plays out
December 20, 2006
7:42 AM
Anonymous writes:
Oh, good...another wannabe gangsta thug who can move here with his babymama and further erode the quality of life in Denver, youknowwhatimsayin?
December 20, 2006
8:11 AM
Sport King writes:
A.I is the answer if the question is "is the the most overrated, overpaid player that will not help the Nuggets balanced offense with his cronic ball-hogging"?
December 20, 2006
8:54 AM
just sayin' writes:
Anyone who thinks this is a bad trade doesn't know squat about basketball. It is widely considered a steal by the folks on ESPN etc. All we traded were 2 good players and some draft picks. We got one of the best players in the league. This is similar to when the Avs traded for Roy. Way to go Nuggets. (and stop with the rascist rhetoric, you don't like basketball then fine. Just shut your pie hole. I guarantee that people like Arnie would not have the guts to go up to a black or hispanic and spew their bigotry. Cowardly to do so anonymously on the internet)
December 20, 2006
9:58 AM
Tim J. writes:
A big thanks goes out to Stan Kroenke for taking this step in establishing a true winning Nuggets team in Denver. As a season ticket holder, I like the move. I'm not convinced that this will bring a championship to Denver, but I'm looking forward to the next 2 and 1/2 years of watching Melo, AI and Camby play together. It'll be pure entertainment, and more "bang for the recently raised ticket price buck" than ever before in franchise history. For the first time all season, I can say that I'm glad I renewed my season tickets.
I think that Stern should've suspended everyone involved in the fracas 10 games... Smith, Anthony, Collins and Robinson. Equal punishment for all involved. And Isaiah Thomas is simply the most despicable person in the NBA today
As for the NBA haters and racists on this forum... please show some restraint and let us talk about Nuggets basketball. Go Nuggs!
December 20, 2006
10:05 AM
Jeffrey writes:
So-so trade, but is that Dave's bottom line or is that his kid's? It seems that column was more about what his kid thought than what Dave thought.
December 20, 2006
11:17 AM
melvin p writes:
WOW. What a steal. The Denver Nuggets robbed the 76ers for the greatest scorer since Jordan left. Unselfish and driven. We in Denver are lucky to have a real star in town. Hope this uptight all white city can embrace a true talent. Nuggets fans get a real treat this season.
December 20, 2006
2:04 PM
Anonymous writes:
have the guts to go up to a black or hispanic and spew their bigotry. Cowardly to do so anonymously on the internet)
Posted by just sayin'
That's why racist bigoted idiots where hoods. They are all cowards
December 20, 2006
4:09 PM
Anonymous writes:
Lets just hope Earl Boykins is the next to go. Or he at least geta seat at the end of the bench. Now he is a guy who ruins team chemistry.
December 20, 2006
7:52 PM
Larry Bird writes:
The Nuggets need to level the playing field for white players, take some action affirmatively so as to have a diverse team so all can celebrate this diversity. The NBA discriminates against white players. Do I hear class action suit coming up? Suit up Larry the Legend and someone call the Office of Civil Rights.
December 20, 2006
8:03 PM
Just explainin writes:
2;04 reponse. If a white guy asserts his right and territory on a non-white he gets sanctions that discriminate against him(added hate crime). Blacks and browns are a protected "victim class" along with homo's. With the passage of time so too this shall pass. Now, I try to see all as individuals, but you get up in this white man's face and "it" is on. If I'm going to be labeled an opressor, I shall commence the opressing.
December 21, 2006
10:34 AM
Jeff Smith writes:
First off, I'm sad to see Andre Miller go. He is playing at near all-star caliber this year and has been an ironman in that he always plays, even if he is hurt. Good luck in Philly, Andre!
Second, if AI can still play at an all-star level for a couple of years, this is a good trade with the potential to make Denver a championship contender. This team has great players in Melo and Camby, rising stars in JR Smith and Nene (who is still young), and very good complementary players in Najera, Boykins, Evans, and Diawara.
The future looks bright.
December 21, 2006
1:29 PM
Truth writes:
8:03 interesting that you would try and explain rascism. I think the issue is that rascists on the internet are cowardly. They don't have the guts to stand up and state their case unless they can do so anonymously. Oh, and if a white person is talented enough he can play in the NBA.
December 21, 2006
5:15 PM
Cretin writes:
Just too bad we couldn't get Kyle Korver in the deal with A.I.
You can never have enough shooters, and outside of Melo and J.R, no one really scares opposing teams from long distance. Iverson is Ok from 3, he's more of a slasher and long 2 pt jump shooter..
Korver rules! Creighton BlueJays!!!!
December 21, 2006
5:34 PM
Just explainin writes:
truth @1:29. My first response dovetails perfectly with your post. Please reread it. I agree that if a white guy is good enough he can play in the NBA. Now try this on for size if a black/ brown/ nonwhite person is smart enough they don't need programs like affirmative action to get in to college or get primo positions at any level.
December 22, 2006
11:16 AM
Anonymous writes:
5:43 If you are going to bring up Affirmative Action you need to address Legacy Admissions as well. If people like George W were smart enough, they should be able to gain admission to an Ivy League school without relying on their daddy or grandpas influence.
December 22, 2006
11:38 AM
just explainin writes:
George Bush. A splendid shot! I wouldn't know a thing about Legacy Admissions. All I know is poor, lower income and middle class white students( mostly male) such as myself have been thoroughly screwed by the reverse and often perverse application of racial quotas. Is this fair to this demographic group? To top it off, where I lived, I was a racial minority. They drove new cars with their Affirmative Action monies and I rode a 5 year old bike and worked 2 jobs to put myself through school. Yea, Legacy Admision, what ever.
December 29, 2006
10:59 AM
Truth B Told writes:
To understand the law of attraction, we (basketball fans) have reclaimed the power to win and invested that in the Denver Nuggets. A.I. and Melo are all about winning and they have opened our hearts for more joy. Winning attracts joy and we enjoy A.I and look forward to more joy when Melo returns.
December 29, 2006
2:20 PM
waaah! writes:
geez Just Explainin' after reading your sad story I just can't stop crying. You poor tortured soul. (you really had to ride a 5 year old bike? Unbelievable)It is so hard to be a white man in this world. It's horrible, is there no justice??
December 29, 2006
6:43 PM
Anonymous writes:
just explainin should probably be more worried about W gutting the funding for secondary education than about whether or not we are still making reparations for past indiscretions