Allen Iverson Headed To Motown

If you're Allen Iverson, you have to be feeling a lot better moving from the Denver Nuggets in a very tough Western Conference to a weaker, however definitely improved, Eastern Conference and joining perennial Eastern powerhouse, the Detroit Pistons. In exchange for Iverson, the Pistons will be sending back Chauncey Billups, a Denver native, and former Nugget, Antonio McDyess.

How does this work for both teams?

I'll tell you this much - Carmelo Anthony is happy. Not that there was any bad blood between he and Iverson, but with AI shipped off and Billups coming in, Anthony will have all the shots he wants and have a true point guard to run with. And don't sleep on Billups as he is also a proven scorer, so teams still won't be quick to double down on Anthony as Mr. Big Shot is a threat himself.

J.R. Smith could find himself starting now for the Nuggets at the two-guard and be that third piece to the Nuggets having three potential 20 PPG scorers on the floor at any given time. Linas Kleiza should also benefit from the move as he could get more time on the hardwood.

However, is Billups the answer (no pun intended) to the Nuggets moving past the first round of the playoffs? He's just as good a candidate as anyone else considering how long and consistently he not only helped the Pistons make the playoffs, but make deep runs to the conference championship as well. And, considering Billups is a hometown boy, he just might be able to help sell some tickets as well. He better considering the Nuggets are now on the hook for the three years and $36 million left on his contract.

Interestingly enough, this is the last year in Iverson's contract ($21 million), so the Pistons can have a lot of salary cap space available, not only for next offseason, but the much anticipated one after that. It's been mentioned that LeBron James is on the Pistons' radar. Cleveland Cavaliers fans just shuddered.

Pistons president Joe Dumars would be a certifiable genius if he gets LeBron James in 2010, but that's pure speculation and hypothesis at this point. This season, despite getting rid of, arguably, the Pistons leader in Billups, Iverson could be what the Pistons need to get back to the NBA Finals. He'll provide scoring and toughness (like the Pistons need more of that), as well as a shot in the arm for Detroit.

Let's be honest, the Pistons were sort of getting as bland as the San Antonio Spurs in that you knew they'd go far in the playoffs year in and year out. Naturally, there's nothing wrong with that at all as it gives you a shot at a title every year. However, this is the NBA where "amazing happens." What would be more amazing for Pistons fans other than to see Iverson slash to the bucket, make some crazy shot, get fouled and knocked down, get right back up, hit the free-throw, then stare into the stands with an "I own this" look on his face? Or how about his legendary scoring streaks - when AI gets hot, he's like the sun, scorching nets like it's nothing.

And, it's not like the Pistons gutted their team. They didn't. Sure they gave up a solid power forward/center type in McDyess, but the Pistons also have two youngsters more than able to take over in Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson. Look for them to up their game and produce just as much, or even more, than McDyess would have. And, once Iverson leaves next summer, point guard Rodney Stuckey will be able to inherit a starting position sooner, as opposed to having to wait for Billups' contract to run out in three seasons. In fact, don't be surprised to see Iverson and Stuckey on the floor at the same time in the backcourt. Stuckey is that good and the Pistons won't have to play the waiting game for him, as they will let him develop and get major minutes at the lead guard position.

Rasheed Wallace is still there. Richard Hamilton is still there. Tayshaun Prince is still there. The Pistons will still be there, and by "there" I mean making a deep run in the NBA playoffs. Perhaps, Iverson might even get a nice parting gift for his service - that elusive NBA championship ring.

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