As I’m sure you are aware by now, earlier this week the Philadelphia 76ers traded Allen Iverson to the Denver Nuggets. Let’s put aside for a second how the Sixers got hammered in this deal, as they traded away one of basketball’s best for pocket change. That was bad, but we all saw that coming when they didn’t unload him in the off-season. The real problem with this deal for the neutral NBA fan is that A.I. did not end up with the team that was the best fit for him. He will be forced to try to share the ball with a young gun who is still trying to prove himself (Carmelo Anthony) instead of with a veteran with which he would be more likely to meld. He is now paired with a coach with whom he will inevitably clash; let’s face it, A.I. and George Karl just come from completely different schools of thought. Certainly, it isn’t up to Philadelphia to do what’s best for the league as a whole, but think of the possibilities if Iverson had been traded to a couple of other places. The Clippers would have instantly become title contenders and one of the most electric teams in the league with A.I. on the court. Half of the teams in the Eastern Conference (Celtics, Raptors, Nets, Pacers, Wizards, etc.) would have become infinitely more exciting and legit threats in the conference with Iverson. Or even better yet, imagine Allen Iverson and Kevin Garnett working together in Minnesota. Two veteran presences, both in search of a ring before their careers draw to a close. They would have been unstoppable together. Instead, off to Denver he goes, and while the deal certainly improves the Nuggets, it also creates the potential for an explosion of epic proportions between A.I. and ‘Melo, A.I. and Karl, or ‘Melo and Karl. With that, we offer a few things which just might have run through the head of Nuggets’ head coach George Karl when the trade went through:
- “I wonder if there’s any way I can sneak two basketballs on the court at the same time without the refs noticing.”
“Is Latrell Spreewell available? If he chokes me to death, maybe I won’t have to worry about keeping both of these guys happy.”- “Or maybe I can just start another brawl and get A.I. suspended when ‘Melo’s about to come back, and alternate them all season long.
- “Oh wow: ‘Melo and A.I. If they do get along, imagine how much I’ll be able to run up the score now.”
- “I bet A.I. won’t sprint the other way after he punches somebody in the face.”
- “I also bet when he uses the ‘Mile High Club’ line on Denver ladies it works a lot better than it does for me. Damn.”
- “I can’t wait until the draft. Just imagine how Billy King [76ers GM] is going to blow those two first-rounders.”
“Shit, I can’t believe this deal actually went through. I really thought Isiah would sneak in and make an even more absurd offer. He should ****-ing be held accountable! ****! I’m losing games by 10, 11 points!”
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Link-age from the past few days:
Two Teens Arrested for Stabbing Inflatable Snowman – Johnny Law may not appreciate their actions, but I commend these young men. There is no need for giant, inflatable holiday decorations. They’re just ultra-tacky.
Woman Arrested After She Complains to Police that Someone Sold Her ‘Bad Crack’ – Remember this post last week, when we included the link about the man who was arrested for reporting he was robbed of his illegal drugs? Apparently he isn’t the only person being arrested due to their own stupidity.
Woman Tries to Give Pot to Imprisoned Boyfriend By Putting it in a Christmas Card – More stupid people and drugs.
U.S. Mint to Produce Dollar Coins Featuring First Ladies – So, let’s recap. Susan B. Anthony coins failed. Sacagewea coins failed. So, in response, not only are we going to mint dollar coins with images of presidents (as we already discussed here a month ago), but ones with the former first ladies as well. Yeah, sounds like a great idea.
Red Sox Have Become Another Version of the Yankees – ESPN’s Jim Caple points out how Boston has essentially become “Evil Empire North.” I couldn’t agree more.
Woman Sends Baby Through Airport X-Ray Machine – Seriously, if you’re a parent, how in the world do you allow this to happen. Looks like the folks getting themselves arrested for illegal drug use have some competition for this week’s unReason of the Week Award.
Important Evidence May Be Buried in Man’s Head – This story certainly creates an interesting debate between the rights of the state and the rights of the individual.
Festivus Being Celebrated in Real Life – Oh man, this is great.
1 Comment
December 21, 2006 at 9:10 pm
I agree, it is inevitable that Karl and A.I. will clash Let’s all wait and see though. I think the up tempo play of the Nuggets will give Iverson some freedom to create which he does so well. Plus, the number of shots the Nuggets take means that both A.I. and ‘Melo will get their shots. I just feel bad for J.R. Smith, he was really coming into his own. I don’t know what this means for him.