The trade Tuesday that sent AI to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Andre Miller and two
first round draft picks was well overdue in my opinion. The fact that no team had pulled
the trigger on a trade with Philly was bad for Iverson, the Sixers, and the league as a
whole. Anytime one of the best players in the league is not in uniform due to anything
other than suspension or injury it is a shame for the fans of the game and the league;
fortunately the Nuggets changed all of that.         By landing Iverson the Nugs get a much
needed scoring punch with the leagues leading scorer, Carmelo Anthony, out for up to 15
games following the brawl with the Knicks. Not only will this help keep them in the
playoff hunt while ?Melo is out, but once he returns it gives Denver the best one-two
scoring combo in the league. Fill in around them with quality defensive role players such
as Marcus Camby, J.R. Smith, and Kenyon Martin (if he ever returns) and this team has the
potential to compete in the tough Western Conference. The move also helps out embattled
coach George Karl giving him another viable scoring option and allowing him to run the
type of up tempo high scoring offense he likes.
        The Sixers came out ahead on this trade too, however, landing two draft picks in 2007
which will be vital to their much needed rebuilding process, along with Joe Smith's
expiring contract which will give them more cap room come summer. If Philly can play it
smart they could end up like the Orlando Magic who were able to snag a franchise big man
(Dwight Howard) such as Greg Oden, and a pass-first point with good outside shooting
(Jameer Nelson) and use those two young pieces to build around with trades and free
agency. The Magic now sit as one of the East's best teams and their franchise players are
not yet 23.         Unfortunately for both AI and Philly this deal was a long time coming. The
Sixers have been miles away from competing for quite some time now and Iverson wanted to
be able to play meaningful basketball instead of babysitting young talent in a rebuilding
phase. As one of the NBA's greatest all-time players he should not have to waste away his
last good years in Philadelphia nor should the Sixers be forced to once agin mortgage
their future to give him a shot at a playoff run. As it came to the time to face facts
both fans in Philly and Iverson has mixed feelings about his leaving, but both are
certainly better off with the deal that was made. And I'm sure the fans in Denver won't
mind watching him play either.