NBA Trading Deadline

I have had about ten e-mails in the last few hours to talk about the big trade in the NBA today: which brings the Philadelphia 76ers Chris Webber, long the star of the Sacramento Kings, to compliment Philly's franchise player, Allen Iverson.

Here's my take: this trade puts Iverson in the hot seat.

He has been a top NBA player for years, he was even the league MVP in 2001, but he hasn't won a title. For much of his career (except that magical run that resulted in a trip to the 2001 Finals) his teams haven't even been all that good. The excuse through the years has been that he hasn't ever had a big-name teammate.

Chris Webber is certainly a big name (and big contract!).

Iverson's not getting any younger. The Sixers are spending money. The next two or three years are Iverson's chance to show he can lead a team to the promised land--and secure a place in the Hall of Fame.

I think it's iffy. But stranger things have happened.