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Is AI the Answer for the Nuggets?
December 17th, 2006 by aswitzer
Other than some salivating Denver Nuggets marketing people, and die-hard Iverson fans living in Denver, the main reason people want to see Iverson come to Denver is to bring a championship here.
I would give just about anything to see the Nuggets win an NBA championship. I’m sure many of you reading this article would also. So, what it really comes down to is will mortgaging some of the Nuggets future to bring AI here, pay off?
I have three major concerns if we successfully acquire AI:
- If we hang onto Miller, JR Smith, Diawara, and Boykins, as most of the trade rumors appear to backup, AI comes into a crowded position at both PG and SG. My guess is we would put AI at SG and make Miller’s primary responsibilty to somehow feed the rock to both Melo and AI enough to keep them both happy. Tough job! So then, JR Smith, who’s arguably the steal of the offseason and improving nicely so far this year, takes a major setback in his development. He’s going to be hurt, and confused, whether he publicly admits that or not. He’s 20 years old and he’s just not going to understand having to “wait” while we try and use Iverson to win a championship here and now.
- Iverson’s an incredible player, but the main reason (as I see it) that he has not won a championship, or even been close again since 2001, is that he simply does not make players around him that much better. He’s arguably the best ever small guy to play the game, and tough as nails, but he’s never found a way to get his supporting cast to raise their game. Jordan on the other hand, as an example, was the king of this. Sure, he had Pippen as a studly sidekick, but many of Jordan’s supporting casts during his 6 rings were probably worse than recent 76ers teams.
So, Karl’s been asking Melo to do this “make guys better” thing since he got here, and he’s definitely making progress in getting thru to Melo on that this year. Melo’s efficiency rating is at a career high, and his assists are something like 2 higher per game this season. He still has setbacks, like he did in Washington this week, but Melo’s definitely getting more out of his teammates this year, in my opinion. I think AI would definitely cause a major regression from Melo.
With the brawl in New York, the Nuggets will be without “the man” Melo from at least 4 games, but likely more. If we trade for AI early next week, he will feel the need to step in and be “the man” for the Nuggets while Melo is serving his suspension. This would also complicate any smooth transition and further jeopardize our chances for good chemistry.
We shall see what next week brings. I’ve waffled back and forth many times in the past week or so on whether I really want to see AI in a Nuggets uniform. At this point, even with the loss of Melo, I like our guys, and don’t think that bringing in AI is the right move, because I don’t think he guarantees us a championship. However, I would love to be wrong!
December 21st, 2006 at 7:53 am
This trade does not make the Nuggets worse. Now the Nuggets are probably the most dangerous offensive team in the League. Phoenix are the only team that can come near them for offensive talent. AI is in Denver for one reason only- to win. He has point to prove to the rest of the League for bailing out on Philly. I would be surprised if he didnt change his role to suit the Nuggets offense. I have no doubt he will give up the ball in order to make the rest of the team better. One thing I strongly disagrre with is that the current 76ers have better role players than Jordans Bulls. Jordan had excellent, solid role players around him, Kerr, Rodman, Kukoc to name a few, and then Pippen. Philly have an overpaid, offensively dumb center, an ageing egotistic PF, Igoudala can be a force but his offensive needs a hell of alot of work, Korver- a shooter but absolutely nothing else.
December 21st, 2006 at 10:16 am
I totally agree with Dan the Man. I’m surprised that Iverson didn’t leave Philly sooner, I guess he hope that Chris Webber will step up as well as the other players, but I guess Chris Webber is another Penny Hardaway clone. Its no future in Philly, they may have to rebuild like the Atlanta Hawks and and within a few years hope for the best. I was never a Nuggets Fan, but definately a Iverson Fan. But, now I will be rooting for Denver in the playoffs this year. I believe this was a great move for Denver, but it would of been perfect if they could of kept Miller and traded Boykins. I believe Iverson stats will be even better since now he don’t have to force so many shots and have another legitimate scorer that he can pass to and get the job done. It may take 2 dozen games to finally fit Iverson style of play in the Nuggets Offense, but its still very early in the season and they can be right there with the Pheonix Suns in the Finals. I remember back when Philly made it in the Finals in 2001 and in game 1, Iverson drop 50 pts on Kobe on the Lakers. Unfortunately Iverson didn’t have any help, but now with Carmelo and company anything is possible. I’m happy for both Iverson and the Nuggets.
December 27th, 2006 at 7:28 pm
yes ai is the answer for the nuggets, but earl boykins, cormelo,and marcus camby are god to, but ai will lead the nuggets to a win to the championship, thats what i think, no offense to the other players on denver nuggets
January 1st, 2007 at 5:54 am
Allen Iverson has proved enough evidences… In his two first games he shoots 49%, then VS Super Sonic he shoots 59%. Unfortunately, he shoots a degraded 27% VS Hornets and was the significant reason the Nuggets lose the game. He was back on track again, where he shoots 59% VS Mavericks… Although the Nuggets are 2/2 with him, I see greatness from Allen Iverson. I think he will bring the team to the finals this year. My question is, who’s the team belongs to, Melo or Allen Iverson? These players are two fundamental players, but I think Allen Iverson owns Nuggets.
January 6th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
i totally agree with iversonfan30 but i think there will be lots of people on either side with what player is better! close match up, they should have a one on 1 match against each other lol!
January 11th, 2007 at 3:49 am
i have been a huge fan of ai since way b4 carmelo anthony was in tha league but i think it will still kind of still be melo’s team b/coz this is where he started and its been his team 4 a while now. iverson is probably a better player but melo is good too and i think he still owns this team.
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:16 am
YES A.I. IS THE ANSWER FOR THE NUGGETS…WHY??? BECAUSE HE CAN HELP THE TEAM IN MANY WAYS…HE CAN SHOOT FROM THE PERIMITER (WHICH THE NUGGETS HAVE TROUBLE WITH) TO THE PAINT…HE IS ALSO A VERY GOOD PASSER…NOW WITH CARMELO ANTHONY IN THE LINE UP, I’LL SAY WE’RE A CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER…
P.S.
I LIVE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA NEAR SACRAMENTO, BUT I AM A DENVER NUGGETS FAN…A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE THINKS I CAN’T BE A NUGGETS FAN JUST BECAUSE I DON’T LIVE IN DENVER…BUT I DON’T REALLY CARE BECAUSE I LOVE THE NUGGETS TOO MUCH…GO NUGGETS GO!!! I ALSO LIKE THE BRONCOS LOL
February 25th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
this year were just contenders.. next year though were gonna b the nba champions, all we need is a 2 guard, i hear ray allen might b on the market this summer, denver haters better hope we dont get him, if we do all i gotta say is .. 2007-2008 nba champions= denver nuggets, enough said!.. holla