Pistons Swap Soul, Spectacle

Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson are a paradox. Billups has won five division and two conference championships. Iverson has won one division and one conference championship. In the 2004 NBA Finals, Billups won Most Valuable Player. In the 2001 NBA Finals, Iverson won one contest. Unfortunately, Iverson is renowned.

On Monday, the Denver Nuggets traded Iverson to the Detroit Pistons. As reciprocation, the Nuggets received Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb. “We just felt it was the right time to change our team,” said Pistons General Manager Joe Dumars. “Iverson gives us a dimension that we haven't had here and we really think it's going to help us.”

According to Larry Brown, this swap is sensible. “Allen is really special,” he said. “If they want excitement in that building they're going to get it because every time he steps on the court he's going to try to win the game. And I don't think you would ever consider giving up Chauncey and Dice unless you were getting something you thought was pretty special.”

During his career, Iverson has registered 27.9 points and 6.3 assists per contest. He has tallied six thirty plus point seasons. He has also logged four twenty-six plus point seasons. “I want to thank A.I. Allen Iverson was a joy to coach,” said Nuggets Coach George Karl. “When we acquired him, there were all these nightmares and stories about how difficult he was, and he never was difficult for me.”

During his career, Billups has registered 14.8 points and 5.5 assists per contest. He has tallied six sixteen-plus point seasons. “We fortunately fall into a guy that's an All-Star caliber point guard,” said Karl. “The connection with Denver and Colorado is fun to be a part of and enthusiastic to our owners.”

Since 2002-2003, the Pistons have logged a 338-158 ledger. Yet, they have fired three coaches. They have swapped a cornerstone. Detroit cannot continue this. Eventually, Dumars deserves scrutiny.