Iverson: Not the Answer

Foolish Trades Dept.

By Richard Martin, 1-09-07

Man, this don't look like Philly to me...

Here's what I wrote, but didn't post, on the day the Denver Nuggets traded for Allen Iverson: "The Nuggets, for years among the most woeful franchises in the NBA, have now consigned themselves to another five years of ineptitude, or however long Iverson's ridiculously inflated contract lasts." I figured I'd wait and see how things played out for a while.

Well, here's how things have played out:

-- The Nuggets are 2-6 since trading for Iverson.

-- He's leading the league in turnovers in those eight games.

-- He was fined $25,000 by the league last Friday for berating a referee, after he got tossed out of the game.

So, here's my more considered opinion: The Nuggets, for years among the most woeful franchises in the NBA, have now consigned themselves to another five years of ineptitude, or however long Iverson's ridiculously inflated contract lasts.

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By Richard Martin, 1-09-07 | comments (6) | email story | print story

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By Dr. K, 1-09-07

Now, now, Richard. That's not really fair. During each of these 8 games the Nuggets have had either 2 or 3 starters sidelined, and been forced to rely instead on guys like Kleiza and Diawara. While they're admittedly mediocre as 8th or 9th men, they're abysmal as starters or even the 1st or 2nd off the bench. The pair combined for a stellar 11 points against the Bucks last night, shooting 4 for 13 from the floor between them. Iverson went 9 for 21 and scored 23 — a far better percentage and twice the production to boot. Now, imagine Kleiza and Diawara replaced by Anthony and Smith. Why don't we just let the team play a little, as the team that's been envisioned, before we decide how successful the trade has been.

If you want to make an argument about outrageous salaries, that's one thing. But a lot of people think Iverson is one of the best point guards ever, and I for one am glad Kroenke has the scratch to go out and grab him. If only Charlie Montfort had the same balls...

By Silky, 1-09-07

One man can not win a game against 5 good opponents. So what he was fined $25,000.00 is Allen the only player who has been fined in the league. Let him adjust he left Philly on bad terms. Once Allen is relaxed he will be fine. Are you at the Nuggets practices? Remember Carmelo and Allen are practicing together with the team. You should not make any comments until you see the Nuggets play as a whole team.

By Kevin Waklatsi, 1-10-07

You obviously don't know anything about sports. iverson was not brought to denver to play with THIS team. When melo and smith come back, things will be different. Now, Iverson is forced to carry the team instead of contributing. You forgot to mention that Camby and Nene are both coming off of injuries, and Iverson is averaging about 27 points and 9 assists. You need to check the facts then check yourself.

By Richard Martin, 1-10-07

Okay, well, here's my prediction: the Nuggets will not make it out of the first round of the playoffs in '07.

By AJ Schroetlin, 1-11-07

"I figured I'd wait and see how things played out for a while."
-Richard Martin

8 games without the 2 leading scorers on the bench and Camby missing most of those games. Some patience. That is the problem with sports fans these days. No perspective and ridiculous expectations. This isn't the NFL where teams can be horrible one year and win the Super Bowl the next. You have to build teams in the NBA. It takes years to get the pieces right. From coaches to players.

I've been a Nuggets fan my whole life and seen horrible teams. No chance of the playoffs.

Will they lose in the first round. Maybe.
Will they MAKE the playoffs for the next 5 years. Maybe.

I like my odds. Stan Kronke bought the team and has made the same commitment with the Nuggets that he has with the Avalanche. He has spent money to get the right coaches and right players. Or at least he has tried. K-mart has been a bust but next year you throw him in this line up and it's pretty impressive....and athletic.

Why you hatting on Iverson? First ballot Hall of Famer, no doubt. The guy puts it out there every night and once he learns the system and other guys start seeing his passes, the turnovers will go down. Andre Miller was/is a great point guard and ran this team very well so it will take awhile to gel with AI, but put him, Melo and JR on the break together and it will be scary. Give em a chance. A year from now we will know if this was a good deal or not. At least let the guy play with Melo a few games before you call this a bust.

We could all pray that Stan buys the Rockies. First round of the playoffs sounds great right now. Some trades in the off season would be nice. :)

My 2 cents.

By Richard Martin, 1-11-07

I'm not an Iverson-hater, but I was an Andre Miller fan, I'll admit.

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