The Answer

I am extremely pumped for AI to go to the Nuggets. Combining Iverson and Carmelo Anthony will prove to be one of the most explosive duos in NBA history. They both have somewhat surely reputations, but I believe they are two of the most misunderstood players in the NBA. People are saying that their won't be enough shots to go around and that will lead to problems with each other and problems with their somewhat combustible coach (George Karl). I do not buy it.

Iverson has been in the league for 11 years. He has consistently performed at a tremendously high level and is probably one of the top 25 or 30 players of all time. He has been to the NBA finals once, but over all his teams have been up and down. The fact remains though that he has never had anything close to a second all-star (Mutumbo in 2002 was all defense, no offense) or legitimate scoring option on his team. I have never heard any of his teammates, current or former, say anything negative about him. While his practice habits have been questioned, he plays his hardest 48/82 (48 minutes/82 games).

Carmelo is in his fourth year in the league. He has yet to make an All-Star game, but has been in the playoffs every year. His team has lost in the first round in each of those seasons though. TO be fair, with the exception of last year against the Clippers, his team was a heavy underdog in each series. He has not had the same success as either Lebron James or Dwayne Wade so far in his career. In addition he has had many off the court problems. The fact remains though that he is still just 22 years old and prior to the fight Saturday night he was leading the league in scoring. He, much like Iverson (unlike Lebron), always plays hard and seems to be on a mission.

Combined, Iverson and Carmelo average 11 assists per game. That is a very good number for a teams' top two scorers. Not only are these two going to be the top two scorers in Denver, but they are presently the top two scorers in the entire NBA. Carmelo has shown that while being a tremendous player, he still struggles as a leader. Iverson can come in and be a mentor for Carmelo. I think both will defer to one another in some respects off the court. On the court though they are both tremendous competitors and I think that as will both be able to produce. They will probably not each average 30 ppg, but they will be good enough. Another important aspect is the fact that George Karl has a lot of experience coaching stars. While he has clashed with players in the past, he has their respect due to his track record and his toughness.

The Trade

I think that Philly got a good deal. Definitely not a great one, but probably as good as they could hope for. Andre Miller is a very good player who has one year left on his deal after this season. He could be an All Star, or he could also be used as trade bait. There are many teams in this league who would love to have Miller as their PG. Joe Smith has an expiring contract, and while the two 2007 draft picks will be in the 20's, this draft has been hyped as one of the deepest in years.

The fact is though that the Sixers did not get an impact young player (unless you count one of those two draft picks). There was not much out there though. The Clippers would not give up Shawn Livingston and the Celtics would not trade Al Jefferson. The Wolves would trade Randy Foye, but they did not have the expiring contracts to match with him, or any first round draft pick this decade.

Overall...Nuggets (A) Sixers (B)

AI will cost a lot in luxury tax for the Nuggets, but it is always good to see ownership stepping up to the plate and showing their fans they will pay the price to win. The Sixers will see the real benefits of this trade after next season when Webbers' contract is off of their books and they have a ton of young talent on their roster.

STKAFI