Tuesday, December 19, 2006
No More Answer
After almost two weeks, AI will report to work tomorrow. He will be reporting to the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado to help fill the void created by Carmelo Anthony's suspension as the Nuggets host the Phoenix Suns. Thats right, Billy King has pulled the trigger on a blockbuster. This just one day after Billy King asked for patience and acted like a trade may take weeks.
In return, the Sixers received Joe Smith (and his 7 million dollar expiring contract), a steady point guard in Andre Miller, and best of all two first round picks. Both of those picks will likely be in the 20's but it will start a rebuilding process and hopefully expediate the process.
In AI's 11 years in Philly, the franchise has come full circle. When he was drafted in 1996, the Sixers were a sadsack franchise run by Pat Croce. AI would become a star, Larry Brown would become coach a few years later and after a tumultous summer, AI lead a team of castoffs to the NBA Finals in 2000-2001. From there it has been a slow deterioration with Larry Brown jetting to Detroit, Billy King becoming the face of the front office, and a handful of coaches. And this year, the Sixers are on track for the worst record in the league and are again getting assistance from Larry Brown. Over a decade has gone by but the Sixers are back were they were in 1996. How depressing.
Having said all that, I still enjoyed every game that Iverson took the court for the Sixers. He left everything out there every night. Who can forget the crossover he put on MJ in his rookie year and hitting the three in the finals then stepping over Tyronne Lue. Vintage AI. Now he is off to the Rocky Mountains to wow the Nuggets' fans. AI will be missed in Philadelphia. He put the franchise back on the map after it had fallen off. The Sixers owe Iverson for all the money he has generated during his tenure in Philly. Iverson deserved a better finish in Philly than this. He has poured his heart and soul into this franchise. Thanks for the memories AI.
In return, the Sixers received Joe Smith (and his 7 million dollar expiring contract), a steady point guard in Andre Miller, and best of all two first round picks. Both of those picks will likely be in the 20's but it will start a rebuilding process and hopefully expediate the process.
In AI's 11 years in Philly, the franchise has come full circle. When he was drafted in 1996, the Sixers were a sadsack franchise run by Pat Croce. AI would become a star, Larry Brown would become coach a few years later and after a tumultous summer, AI lead a team of castoffs to the NBA Finals in 2000-2001. From there it has been a slow deterioration with Larry Brown jetting to Detroit, Billy King becoming the face of the front office, and a handful of coaches. And this year, the Sixers are on track for the worst record in the league and are again getting assistance from Larry Brown. Over a decade has gone by but the Sixers are back were they were in 1996. How depressing.
Having said all that, I still enjoyed every game that Iverson took the court for the Sixers. He left everything out there every night. Who can forget the crossover he put on MJ in his rookie year and hitting the three in the finals then stepping over Tyronne Lue. Vintage AI. Now he is off to the Rocky Mountains to wow the Nuggets' fans. AI will be missed in Philadelphia. He put the franchise back on the map after it had fallen off. The Sixers owe Iverson for all the money he has generated during his tenure in Philly. Iverson deserved a better finish in Philly than this. He has poured his heart and soul into this franchise. Thanks for the memories AI.
