Artificial Cheese

The Nuggets sucker-punched their way into making the biggest NBA trade in years. Just days after their short-sighted brawl with the Knicks, the Nuggets filled the huge void left by suspensions with Allen Iverson.

The deal was simple, Allen Iverson goes to the Nuggets. In return, the Sixers get Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two 2007 first round draft picks.

So who won? Everyone. In the short term, the Nuggets took their 108 point per game average and shot it through the ceiling. They now have the top two scorers in the NBA under contract including Carmelo the Flowery Enforcer. When the suspension-smoke clears they should be on course to the NBA finals. They’ll even trump the Phoenix Suns when it comes to sheer speed.

The Sixers won’t see their benefits for another three or four years. The degree of benefit, and Billy King’s job, will depend on one thing. Greg Oden. The phenom freshman center from Ohio State will be the target for the Sixers this entire year. Getting the first overall pick will be crucial for the future of the Sixers franchise.

For now I’ll say that Allen Iverson will be a snug fit in Denver, and won’t be the coach-killer that he has been in Philadelphia. I may find myself writing a ‘So I was wrong…’ entry on that statement, but I’ll stand by those words for now. Denver fans have a very exciting season in front of them.

Philadelphia fans should forget about basketball for a while. Spend some time with the kids, do some volunteer work, just spend your time productively for a few years. Before you know it, the Sixers will be right back in second place.

For more detailed analysis on the future of the trade from the Sixer’s perspective see this article on the mothersite.