Word on the street is that the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons have pulled off a major trade that will send Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to Denver in exchange for the Answer, Allen Iverson.
Billups grew up in Denver and played for them previously in one of his many NBA stops before he established himself as a star with the Pistons from 2002-03 onwards. Billups in Denver adds a distributor to the Nuggets’ offence, along with a much needed additional big man — an area that is quite shallow following the departure of Marcus Camby in the offseason.
The big question however, is if AI in Detroit suddenly makes them a threat again. Iverson, despite never finding an illusive title, flourished in a slowed down, halfcourt offense during his Philadelphia days — much like the style he would be required to play in Detroit. The run and gun style of the Nuggets clearly never was enhanced enough by Iverson to make them a contender, perhaps Detroit is a better fit.
The other angle on this of course, is the fact that the Pistons gain considerably more salary cap flexibility with Iverson on the books, as opposed to Billups and McDyess. AI comes off the books at the end of the season, whilst Billups has three years to go on his contract and McDyess has two years left.
This allows the Pistons to make a strong run this year, with a lineup centred around Iverson, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey and Amir Johnson. Should that plan not work, they are free to blow things up in the Summer and concentrate on a youth movement that focuses on young pieces Prince, Maxiell, Stuckey and Johnson.
Denver meanwhile has changed the makeup of their lineup somewhat, taking out one of their big two scorers, but adding depth and defense to a roster that has struggled in the latter category.
