“In reference to the acquisition of Allen Iverson by the Nuggets, I believe it was the great comedian W.C. Fields who said, ‘I’d rather be a lamppost in Denver than the mayor of Philadelphia.’ How appropriate to the recent trade.”
Steve, Colorado Springs
Kiz: We all know the Answer. Question is: Can A.I., like Fields, not only be a great solo act, but a strong set-up man, as well? In “My Little Chickadee,” Fields fed this beauty to Mae West: “I wonder what kind of woman you are?” To which marvelous Mae replied: “Sorry, I don’t give out samples.” Yesss! And a foul.
Barrelful of bad taste
“Headline: The Nuggets announce they have completed a trade to acquire Iverson from the 76ers. The deal is reported to include a number of veteran players and two handguns to be named later.”
Douglass, Denver
Kiz: Ouch. That’s a cheaper shot than a $72 pistol.
Yo, punked by NBA again
“For those of us who love basketball, the NBA is a dead issue. It’s not basketball. It has been hijacked by punks who can’t seem to dribble without carrying the ball, shoot a layup without traveling and for whom defense seems more a suggestion than a requirement. Professionals should be held to a higher standard, not a lower one, in skill set and behavior. Carmelo Anthony, though young, should know better. A sucker punch is cowardly.”
Joe, Denver
Kiz: That fight in Madison Square Garden was so lame, it even made old Rocky Balboa look good.
Stand by your teammate
“I grew up playing sports. You learn that your team is your family. Denver guard J.R. Smith was surrounded by five New York Knicks after a hard foul. They were pushing him around and restraining his ability to defend himself. When I saw Anthony step in that mix, I saw a captain ready to defend his teammate. I don’t think he let testosterone get the best of him. I think he knew he was looking at losing a lot of money and missing games. How do you lead a team if you won’t put yourself at risk and stand next to them when they need you? Melo made a statement that his teammates come first.”
Nathan, has got Melo’s back
Kiz: I appreciate your sense of loyalty. But how exactly will Melo be standing up for his teammates by sitting out 15 games?
Eruption of priorities
“I’ve been a Broncos fan since John Elway showed up for his first training camp, and I was an Army captain arriving at Fort Carson for his first major assignment. I’ve endured all the ups and downs. My question: Will the euphoria turn to ashes and lead to character assassinations if Jay Cutler and the rest of our heroes fail to win out?”
Dale, Mountain View, Hawaii
Kiz: Far be it for me to question anyone’s choice of words, but I’m not sure a guy who lives down the street from Volcanoes National Park should be thinking about euphoria turning to ashes.
No takeaways on this day
“Seven tickets to a Broncos game: $900. Travel to Phoenix: $700. Parking and concessions: $200. Team jerseys: $350. Watching safety John Lynch after the game, going under the stadium ropes to offer both gloves and a wristband to my son, nephew and a friend’s kid, only to see some adult try to take away the mementos for the kids, until Lynch made sure the souvenirs went to the children before we had to throw this jerk over the stadium edge: Priceless.”
Todd, big fan of No. 47
Kiz: It’s amazing how many tough guys back down when they go helmet-to-helmet with Lynch. Thanks for the story of a local hero doing good.
Parting shot
And today’s parting shot is aimed at the Nuggets’ blockbuster trade, which has one doubter wondering if Iverson and Anthony on the same team might lead to an equipment problem.
“I’ve heard the players’ association plans to file another ball-related grievance with the league. This time, it’s the fact only one Spalding will be allowed on the court when A.I. and Melo are out there at the same time.”
Steve, Seattle
