Denver Nuggets point guard Steve Blake has gotten a career boost since being traded from the Bucks earlier this season. In Denver he's been getting 34.1 minutes per game and has averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 assists and 1.16 steals per game. Tuesday night in New Jersey InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner met with Blake for an exclusive interview.

InsideHoops.com: Going back, the trade that sent you from Milwaukee to Denver, were you expecting it? Did you know it was going to happen?

Steve Blake: Actually I had no idea. It came out of nowhere. It was actually the best surprise that could have happened. It was great for me and I'm definitely glad that it happened.

InsideHoops.com: Playing time was tough to get out there with Milwaukee. It kind of juggled.

Steve Blake: It was up and down. Mo Williams was playing really well, and coach was playing him a lot of minutes... being a backup, time was scarce. That's just the way it was.

InsideHoops.com: He was having a breakout season this year, makng it even tougher.

Steve Blake: He had a good year the year before. He had been there for years, and coach was comfortable with him. He was playing really, really well, So, not much I could do about it. And I didn't want to complain, because it wasn't the right thing to do.

InsideHoops.com: And your reaction when you found out you got traded to Denver?

Steve Blake: I smiled. I had a big smile on my face. Because I knew I was going to a really good situation, playing with really good players. Denver was a playoff team. So all-around, a really good situation for me.

InsideHoops.com: What was your first impression of this team once you got to know everybody?

Steve Blake: My first impression was just how good the team really is, and could be. How accepting everybody was for me to come in there right away, play with them right away. They made me feel right at home right away.

InsideHoops.com: Did you learn anything about Allen Iverson that maybe not everyone knows? About how hard he works or anything that isn't known.

Steve Blake: I think everyone kind of knows he's a hard worker. He puts it out on the floor every time. He's a really good teammate. I've gotten to know him really well. Love playing with him. He's really easy to play with. Some people might think he's hard to play with, but he's really, really easy to play with.

InsideHoops.com: And your thoughts on Melo?

Steve Blake: Super talented. The sky's the limit for him, as far as scoring and what he can do with his game. I'm just enjoying it right now.