http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/press_conference_061219.html
Opening statement
We have traded Allen Iverson and Ivan McFarlin to Denver for Andre Miller, Joe Smith and two first round picks.
First, Id like to thank Allen for the 11 years. I think that he gave us great excitement - getting to the Finals, being MVP, being in the All-Star game. I think he is one of the greatest players to ever play the game. From the organization, I want to thank him for everything that hes done for us.
In making this trade, it was one that was difficult because we had to work hard to do it. There were a lot of rumors and things involved. What we are trying to accomplish is to get some cap flexibility and get a player that could help us. I think we were able to do that. I think that we have a plan now in place that will help the organization in the long haul.
I am really excited with Andre [Miller] being third in assists and Joe [Smith] giving us a big man that will help replace Shav[lik Randolph] until he is back. Now we can evaluate our team and see where we go from here. I think that we have a great future ahead of us.
On the draft picks that were acquired
The one pick is from Denver and the other is from Dallas. One is protected if it is number one.
On when the trade came into place
Weve been in discussions for a while now. The deal didnt get really sealed until three oclock today.
On if the fight with the Knicks delayed the discussions
No. Actually we were actually talking that night. We took some time to pause and got back talking yesterday.
On if the draft picks were an important part of the trade
I think the draft picks are really important because we want to build through the draft, through our young players and have cap flexibility. All of that was very important. In talking to people that is what we were trying to accomplish, and I think we were able to.
On taking Andre Millers contract
There were a lot of things that were reported. What we were trying to do is give ourselves the most flexibility financially, get players that can help us play and get draft picks. This does that. We were going to have cap room in that year anyway. This gives us a lot more cap room as well.
On how it came down to trading Iverson
He did ask to be traded. We did acknowledge that and honor that. Once that was done, we decided to work at what was best for this franchise.
On if he tried to up the ante before finalizing the trade
We talked quite a bit. We were back and forth. We even got a phone call after the deal.
On if there will be more trades before this years deadline
This was a major adjustment for our team. Now I think we need to sit back, relax, evaluate and then well make decisions accordingly.
On how he feels about making this trade
Anytime you make a trade, its a difficult one. Obviously, this is a big one. I think in evaluating and looking at where we needed to go, this is one that had to be made. I dont worry about me personally. I worry about the organization, the fans and do somethings right for them.
On if it was difficult to evaluate the younger talent with Iverson on the team
I think weve got a good idea where they are, but I think now we are going to go into a different direction. This team was built around Allen. He helped to carry us for a long time. I think now we need to step back, evaluate different players and different personnel. With the draft picks and the cap space, it will give us space to really build again.
On if the team is better after this trade
Anytime that you take a great player off of a team, its a big loss. I am not going to discredit what Allen has done for this organization. I think now we need to evaluate, and well do that.
On what the new players add to the team
I think Andre Miller is one of the best point guards in this league in assists. He is a great passer. He led the league in assists early in his career. He is third in the league in assists (this season). I think that you are getting a true point guard that will run the floor. Joe Smith has been there before. He will give us another big guy with veteran leadership. I think we are bringing in two guys that have leadership. Now we will get to evaluate and see what we need.
On if this was the best deal that he could get
We were going to be patient. In talking to people - players go into deals and players come out of deals, picks go into deals and picks come out of deals. We werent going to make a rush decision that was bad. In looking and evaluating, I felt this was best for the franchise and the long haul.
On when Andre Miller and Joe Smith will be in the Sixers lineup
We looked to get flights out tonight, but there werent any flights from Denver. We will get them here and quickly as possible. We have to do the physicals. Wed like them to play tomorrow. If not, then well shoot for Friday.
Ed Snider Quotes
On Allen Iverson asking to be traded
A lot of players ask to be traded
We felt the time was right for him to be traded, he wanted to be traded, and we felt we should move on from this point.
On how this day will be remembered
Weve had Allen for close to 11 years. Hes been phenomenal for us. We havent won a championship. I think we were a long way from winning a championship with Allen and it was time for us to take a deep breath and say OK weve got to move in a different direction. Allen wanted to move in a different direction; we accommodated him and now we have to do what we have to do to try to build around our young players and draft picks who have a lot more flexibility financially.
On whether the Sixers now have a better chance of winning a championship
Not today - absolutely not; not without Allen (Iverson). But we certainly cant wave a magic wand and change the team over night. We do think if we make the right moves, if we draft properly, we now not only have 2 draft picks, we have 3 draft picks. If we make the right moves and draft properly well have the young team that will be reckoned with in the future.
On his feelings after Allen Iverson asked to be traded
My reaction was that he asked to be traded and it was time to grant his wish.
On Allen Iverson
Allen (Iverson) has worked hard, hes played hard, hes played almost every game, and I have nothing but the greatest respect for him. I wish him the best because he was a great member of this organization and he did a lot for the Philadelphia 76ers and for the fans of Philadelphia. Theres always a time for something and this was the time. We were not going anywhere the way we were and neither was he.
On how long Mr. Snider thought it would take to get the trade done
It was strictly up to Billy (King). It was Billys decision. Obviously we were all anxious; we hoped that it would be resolved quickly, but you never know that it can be. If it had dragged out than it would have dragged out; Billy had total control of the situation.
On a timetable of when the team will be competitive again
We have no timetable, but we feel confident that its going to be competitive again and were looking forward to that day.
On how the organization will go about getting fans back in the stands
Were hoping they believe in what were doing. We hope that they believe in our young kids and enjoy watching them play. We have some exciting players and lets see what they can do.
