"Iverson's a great player, but I think it makes Denver a lot (more) difficult," the Jazz coach added. "Obviously, since they're in our division, that's the thing we have to look at and be concerned about."

Williams felt similarly.

"It definitely helps them out," he said. "Chauncey's still one of the best point guards in the league."

Williams feels so strongly that the deal will aid Denver that he texted Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony, his teammate on Team USA's gold medal-winning entry in this year's Summer Olympics.

The message: "The Northwest got real."

Anthony's response: "Yep."

SLOAN UPDATE: Sloan missed last Saturday's win over the Clippers because of flu-like symptoms, but that didn't stop him from watching the game on television.

"It wasn't a lot of fun," said Sloan, who was feeling better by Monday.

"You have no way of yelling in your bedroom but at yourself," he said jokingly. "Then they know you've gone crazy."

COLLINS UPDATE: Jazz reserve big man Jarron Collins didn't return home with the team Monday night, and instead will have a specialist in Los Angeles examine his still-sore right elbow and arm today.

Collins said Monday that he's seeking the second opinion because he continues to be bothered by the elbow, which he bruised during an offseason golf-cart accident, and ensuing complications, including severe triceps tendinitis.

He dressed for the Jazz's season opener but didn't play, and has been inactive for both of their games against the Clippers.

Meanwhile on Monday, Jazz reserve forward Matt Harpring (ankle rehab) was inactive for a third straight game.

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com