Daily Nugget: Allen Iverson’s stunning trade to Denver

It was a surreal moment—Allen Iverson at a press conference at Pepsi Center draped in Nuggets’ sky blue. The entire NBA likely did a double-take at the blockbuster trade, which happened exactly 13 years to this day.  After all, Iverson had become synonymous with the city of Philadelphia and the 76ers franchise. Though it was far from a perfect marriage, The Answer might be as big (or even bigger) as Philly’s top icons,  Rocky and cheesesteaks. So, when the trade was announced, it sent shockwaves throughout the Mile High City.   “I’m very happy about the trade,” Iverson said in a statement to the Denver Post. “Denver’s style of play fits my strengths.”  The Nuggets acquired Iverson and forward Ivan McFarlin for Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first-round picks in the 2007 NBA Draft. At the time, the trade paired the NBA’s top two scorers in Iverson at No.2 (31.2) and Carmelo Anthony at No. 1 (31.6) with each other. In the pre-internet ticket sales era, the move sparked the sale of 340 season tickets within 30 minutes.  Although Iverson’s stint in Denver was short, he was only with the team for two seasons, there were some memorable moments during his time with the Nuggets. Arguably his greatest game in a Denver uniform came against the seven-seconds-or-less Suns in his first season with Denver. Phoenix was the Western Conference’s hottest team at 50-15 while the Nuggets were battling for a playoff spot at 32-31. Iverson put on a show for the Mile High City faithful with 44 points, 15 assists and five boards on 72.7 percent shooting, leading the Nuggets to a 131-107 victory. Here are highlights from that game.  During his time as a Nugget, Iverson averaged 25.6 points, 7.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds. He also made two All-Star appearances representing Denver.