Sixers officially in search for new answer

Today's trade of Allen Iverson to the Denver Nuggets is bittersweet. On the plus side, AI will not be in the division or conference. This is a bonus especially considering that Boston was an instant frontrunner to snag him. Another plus is the fact that the Philadelphia 76ers were able to acquire Joe Smith's expiring contract, two first round draft picks and Andre Miller (pictured), a solid point guard who's averaging more than nine assists on the season.

Sadly, though, this marks the end of an era in Sixers basketball, an exciting one to boot. Iverson is one of the greatest players that ever put on a Philly uniform, and it's a shame that he isn't leaving with a ring (not his fault at all, but that's another can of worms that team owner Ed Snider should address). I've never seen a player do so much with so little stature. He truly gave 100 percent on the court every time he laced up.

Another disappointment is the fact that this is an admission that the team cannot win with Iverson and his hefty contract. Building a team around the superstar, still in his prime, just never seemed to work. As good as he is, I knew they would eventually have to part way if the Sixers were going to win a title in the future. In 2002, I met former Sixer Matt Harpring. A lifelong 76ers fan (and basketball fan in general), I was excited to have the opportunity to talk to him. In that conversation, which lasted about an hour, he told me directly that the 76ers will never win a championship with Allen Iverson. I wanted to think he was wrong, but I knew he was right.

Now it's time to move forward and embrace the newest additions to the team. Miller has impressed me at times when I saw him play live as a Clipper. He has some skills and has career averages of more than 14 points and seven assists. He is a quality point guard who should move current starter Kevin Ollie back to the bench where he belongs. Though he is no replacement for AI, who no one will replace, Miller is a young, quality point guard who could be a steady piece of a championship puzzle if the team rebuilds quickly.

Seldom used forward Ivan McFarlin will head to Denver with AI. Hopefully for McFarlin he'll participate in a win soon. His only playing time has come in Sixers losses this season (0-11 when he takes the court).

The youth movement is in full effect, and I can't help but wonder if the team won't be able to move Chris Webber around the trade deadline. If anyone is thinking straight in the front office, Webber should be on the block. Now comes the exciting part...How this new-look team handles the road in front of them.

AI can go, but problems will persist

With trade rumors running through the streets of Philly faster than Rocky Balboa, the 76ers are the talk of the league. There are people who think trading away Allen Iverson will immediately set the franchise on a course to return to greatness in a few years. Then there are the doomsday predictions that say if the Sixers trade him, the franchise will never recover and the team should keep him and build.

But the Sixers will have neither prediction come true without more changes. Iverson is an amazing talent, and one of the league's top draws on the road. Losing him will undoubtedly take the Sixers down a notch, if possible sitting at 5-13.

The Sixers should trade Iverson, without a doubt. But they should also let head coach Maurice Cheeks and president Billy King follow him out the door. Neither has demonstrated an ability to do their jobs well, and both have the franchise on its knees gasping for air.

King has had one of the greatest players of all time right in his hand, yet he has continuously failed to build a team around his prized player. It's not like he's had a month. He's had more than three years. And the team of overpaid nobodies is now worse than I can remember, at least recently.

King is the one responsible for signing the players. Cheeks is the one responsible for not motivating them. I recently saw the team play at the Meadowlands. The 76ers looked like a bunch of gym league players at a pick-up basketball game. And that's just during shootaround. Cheeks looked shellshocked most of the game and it should be no surprise to anyone that this club does not look like they want to put on an NBA uniform. Cheeks had no control of his players in Portland, and appears headed down the same path in Philly.

If Ed Snider really wants to turn things around, trade AI to Memphis for Gasol and the big man they need will be here. To make it even better, send Cheeks and King with him.