Iverson Trade Watch Update

It's as official as it's going to get until something actually happens: last night, Sixers chair Ed Snider told reporters that "it's time for him to go his way and for us to go our way." Personally, I like the subtlety there-is Snider talking about irreconciliable differences or an amicable split-but either way, the bottom line is the same. The most popular player of the post-Jordan area is going to be starting his overdue second act, and the Sixers will get to actually build a normal basketball roster.

We've already hit you with some educated guesses on where he might land. One superstar, though, is chiming in with his own plea for the services of Newport News's favorite son.

Kevin Garnett and Allen Iverson -the possibility of that combination lifted Garnett's spirits just minutes after a big victory over Utah. "Bring it on, I love 'The Answer,"' Garnett said Friday night. "We welcome A.I. with open arms. Where's Kevin McHale?"

This was without a doubt one of the more uplifting moments in recent NBA history, in part due to the recent Kevin Garnett Sadness Watch. Cynic that I am, though, I couldn't help but get reminded of Iverson's own reaction to the arrival in Philly of another certain high-priced star:

SCENE: Inside Sixer's Locker Room

STEPHEN A. SMITH: You know the deal. Chris Webber's in the house. Is this the best secondary option, supplementarypart,whateveryouwannacallit-- is this the best teammate you've had?

IVERSON. (giggling) Definitely. By far, by far. (Turning rapturous) I mean, uh, I don't know how to express it right now, 'cause, it all just, uhm came to me, uhmm, it just feels good, I don't have uh, no words to explain it. But I know I have a bona fide superstar alongside to me, and I'm just looking forward to making this happen, looking forward to getting on the court with him and getting things done.

Not to be all "and look how that turned out," but KG, look at how that one turned out.