By the time his 11th season with the Philadelphia 76ers came during the 2006-07 season, Allen Iverson had clearly worn out his welcome in the City of Brotherly Love. Tired of all the losing and the lack of support he was getting from the Sixers’ decision-makers, the former league MVP requested a trade that was immediately granted in December 2006, when he was sent to the Denver Nuggets.
Although losing the man who had defined the franchise and the city for over a decade cut deep, fans knew it was time for a separation. As terrific as Iverson was, he had grown into more of a distraction than the potent weapon he once was, especially during the 2000-01 season when he led the spunky Sixers to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Advertisement
Former Sixers president and owner Pat Croce offered the Nuggets valuable advice on managing the unpredictable superstar. He suggested it’s wiser to set clear boundaries for him rather than allowing him to define them on his own.
Let Iverson know what’s permissible
A.I. was far from uncoachable. In fact, his best years in the league came when he and Larry Brown found common ground and began working together instead of bickering all the time. However, Iverson relished being given some freedom. Some days, it may mean being late to practice or being absent altogether.
Advertisement
Other days, it may also mean shooting a few more contested jumpers than normal. The bottom line was that when Iverson felt like he had some control over his game and his life, he was able to channel that energy into positive performances on the court.
Croce had already mastered the delicate art of managing Iverson’s demands and expectations at that time. He understood that although Iverson had a reputation for being difficult, he was also fiercely competitive and wanted to win above all else. Given the Nuggets’ lack of experience with Iverson on their roster, Croce’s expertise proved invaluable.
“My advice to Coach Karl is ‘The first time A.I. steps over the line, break his toe,'” he said.
Advertisement
Croce was joking, of course. However, the message was crystal clear: someone had to step up and tell Iverson what was expected of him, or he would do it himself.
“If someone doesn’t say no, he’ll just do it,” Pat furthered. “And then you know what happens? People get tired of saying no to him. They don’t want to be on his bad side.”
Exciting times in Denver
The Nuggets’ trade for the Answer brought a lot of excitement to the Mile High City. With young and talented All-Star Carmelo Anthony already giving defenses headaches with his versatile scoring, adding Iverson to the mix convinced many that the Nuggets would soon be contending for West supremacy.
Advertisement
“It was the biggest thing around here since Elway won the Super Bowl,” Melo stated of the vibe that enveloped the city after the trade was completed. “I was like a fan. I relate to him more than any other player. I was happy seeing him there in his powder blue uniform.”
Iverson averaged 25.6 points and 7.1 assists per game for the Nuggets. Although he earned All-Star status in his two seasons there, the team failed to make it past the first round of the West playoffs. After playing three games for the Nuggets during the 2008-09 campaign, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, marking the end of his days as a team’s top scoring threat.
Advertisement
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.