Full of fond memories, terrific trio back in town
Allen Iverson got lost trying to navigate the Pepsi Center on Friday night, a reminder that “it’s been a while” since he roamed those halls. But as Kenyon Martin walked toward the court, memories from his seven years in Denver started flooding his mind.
Much has changed for Iverson, Martin and Marcus Camby, the former Nuggets stars who were honored during Friday’s “2000s Night” as part of the franchise’s season-long 50th anniversary celebration. But being back in Denver — where they were all part of a successful run of 10 consecutive playoff appearances from 2003-13 — still stirred emotions.
“I’ll always remember the time that I was here,” said Iverson, a Hall of Famer who averaged 25.6 points and 6.1 assists per game during parts of three seasons in Denver from 2007-09. “I had so much fun night in and night out.”
Iverson easily recalled the roar of the crowd when he checked into a Nuggets game for the first time after being traded to Denver by Philadelphia, confirmation that he was “wanted” by the franchise and its fan base. He said he had “never played with so many talented guys on one team” — meaning, he didn’t need to carry the offensive load like he did with the 76ers. And now he appreciates the impact he had on the current generation of players, with the Nuggets’ Will Barton gushing earlier Friday about how he admired Iverson’s authentic moxie on the floor.
“It was like, ‘OK, A.I., you did all you did in Philadelphia. Now it’s time to give these people that excitement that you gave them,’ ” Iverson said of his tenure in Denver. “That’s what I tried to do for the couple years that I was here.”
Martin, who averaged 12.3 points and seven rebounds per game with Denver from 2004-11, bluntly critiqued former coach George Karl’s up-tempo style and lack of playoff adjustments during his tenure that included a Western Conference finals appearance in 2009. Martin also believes his physical approach would not fly in today’s NBA, thanks to the array of rule changes.
“I couldn’t play in this, because I’m not going to adjust,” Martin said. “I can’t adjust. I don’t know no other way to play. If you’re coming down the middle, I’m not moving out of your way. That’s not going to happen. I’m not conceding two points. It’s personal. …
“I got fined and suspended a lot when I was playing (with) the way the rules were then. Imagine how much money I would give back now. Just think about it. Everything is a flagrant one (foul).”
Camby, who was the 2006-07 NBA defensive player of the year and averaged 10.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and three blocks per game with the Nuggets from 2002-08, experienced the team’s progression from winning 17 games his first season to becoming a playoff regular after drafting Carmelo Anthony and signing Martin. He also fondly remembers the way St. Luke’s hospital took care of his daughter, Maya, who was born premature in 2007.
“I’m always going to be drawn to this city and drawn to the fan base here,” Camby said. “It’s a special place.”
Iverson, Martin and Camby have kept track of this version of the Nuggets — who are 33-26 and entered Saturday in sixth place in the crowded Western Conference standings — to varying degrees throughout the season. Martin and Camby praised emerging star big man Nikola Jokic, who posted his third consecutive tripledouble in Friday’s dramatic 122119 win against the Spurs.
Iverson, Martin and Camby had a courtside view of Jokic’s performance as part of the Nuggets’ 10th victory in their past 13 games. And their presence linked the franchise’s recent past to its current surge.
“This is where I spent most of my career,” Martin said. “So it definitely has a place in my heart.”