UPDATE: It's official.Some shocking NBA news hitting the wire just before lunch time today, as MLive is reporting (it was also mentioned by blogging superstar Stephen A. Smith on the moving picture screen) that the Pistons and Nuggets have reached an agreement that would be an early-season trade of superstar proportion:
The Detroit Pistons have reached a tentative agreement to trade Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson. Neither player was at this morning's shoot-around. Team officials said that more information would be forthcoming later today.That's pretty freaking heavy, man. And while there's plenty to discuss about the ramifications
The curious thing here (things, actually) are, first, how does the backcourt shake out for Detroit? Iverson will have to play point, presumably, with Rip Hamilton at the two and not really a small forward type. But Rodney Stuckey is clearly the future in Motown, so there might be a plan in place here to let the team go small at times and go with a run-heavy rotation.
For the Nuggets, well, WTF? They've now made a semi-slew of questionable moves, first by locking up Nene and then shipping out Marcus Camby, although this move does give them a true point guard and the ability to start J.R. Smith at the two alongside Billups (and yes, the thought of Smith getting starter minutes is fantasy basketball drool-inspiring).
Obviously there will be more to come as the Pistons and Nuggets start forcing physicals on these old dudes and actually start talking about the deal, but, yeah, this is some serious spice for your Monday lunch break.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
As a long time Pistons fan - 50 years- I certainly hope this is not true. I beleive that character counts, and AI does not have the kind I'd like to see in Detroit.
What would Detroit be getting besides AI? A couple of first round picks and I'd consider it even. AI can't even match up to Chauncy by himself.
I didn't know iverson was worth that much!
http://www.squidoo.com/Doughboy
Iverson will be right at home in Detroit. He can knock off 7-11's in his spare time.
Are you k-nuckleheads kidding? AI doens't "knock off" 7-11s in his spare time -- he's one of the greatest basketball players of all time !! Denver knew they weren't going to get it done with him, however, because the Nuggets clearly matched up poorly in the playoffs last year. Their defense wasn't anywhere close to their offense. Detroit is a much better fit because they've already got physical, muscular dudes will to do trench work. Granted, Rip and AI are a small backcourt, but, lord, they will be explosive. McDeyss, a great comeback story after horrible injuries, is, at best, servicable. Chauncey was the price. I like the move - a lot - for Detroit. Iverson is a winner who has yet to win. He still has enormous, top-of-game talent, and is willing to sacrifice to get his ring. He's matured and will do what is asked, and that includes scoring at will when necessary. Chill, Detroit, and enjoy the show.
umm.. iverson by far is the better player in this deal. Iverson is better than chauncey and mcdyess... c-mon guys yall cant be serious. And to the guy who said character counts, what about the infamous NBA BRAWL? ben wallace/rasheed wallace/rip hamilton/lindsay hunter were all hyping up the pacers which escalated the brawl doesnt seem like character to me. Iverson hasnt got into trouble for a couple of years now and yet yall can say his character is flawed. I dont think this was the right move for detroit however because iverson is not close to the lockdown defender billups was(billups was def. up there with billups and d-will in point guard lockdown defense). but i aint sayin it was a bad move just cuz of his character. Another thing is that iverson will not settle coming off the bench its gonna create headaches in detroit. I also believe iverson needs the ball in his hands a lot to be effective. He is a sg that takes a lot of shots. I dont think rip hamilton will be glad to fight for minutes with A.I. especially because A.I. isnt a pg. Detroit looks like they are signaling the white rebuilding flag but at the same time i believe that this deal is bad for my reasons not for a dumb one like character especially when iverson has behaved himself for a couple of years now.
Iverson should still be in prison for his involvement in a melee/mauling in a Virginia bowling alley years ago. Thanks to Senator Wilder (at the time) for granting him his pardon!!!!!
Was you there at the Skating rink, because it wasn't a bowling alley!? There you again, somebody who wants play down someone because they have no talent. There are no two guard combo out there tht can stop Rip and Al. The one thing about Al is there he can give you 30 plus a night. He doesn't have the defense like Chauncy but he can put points on the board. He's a guard's nightmare because he's quick and got skills, plus he got heart. I'm a Piston fan and we do need some explosion and stop playing that half-court mess that we been seeing them play. They should have more than one championship in this decade. GO BADBOYS!!!
i hate when this happens, keep iverson, get chauncy and send someone else to detroit. this sucks
This trade sucks. Detroit got the better player by far. Who the hell is Billups? McDyess should have retired years ago. This really sucks!