According to ESPN, the Denver Nuggets' guard Allen Iverson has been traded to the Detroit Pistons for point guard Chauncey Billups and power forward Antonio McDyess.
Now that's a sign of rebuilding, for both Nuggets and Pistons. The Pistons are going to see $20 million that they wouldn't have had since Billups is signed for 3 more years and an option for the 4th. Now, it seems like that'll be the Nuggets problem, or not. With Billups from a perennial championship contender, two time Eastern Conference finalist and 2004 MVP, he can bring the Nuggets very valuable veteran experience. He's signed through 2011 with a team option for 2012. Although it doesn't fill the void Marcus Camby left when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, he's a good defensive guard from a team who was known for defensive.
Denver Nuggets
Ever since getting booted out of the first round of the playoffs last year by the Los Angeles Lakers, Charles Barkley branded the high scoring team the "Enver Nuggets" for their lack of D. With Billups and Antonio McDeyss, defense, at least at the point, could be coming their way. Billups is a stronger guard than AI, though not as fast. Him and Melo are especially good in late game situations. They don't call him Mr. Big Shot for nothing. One man can't slow down a whole team by himself. The Nuggets are going to have to defend to even think about getting out of the first round, even with Billups.
Ever since Melo was drafted in 2003 the Nuggets have been kicked out of the first round ever since. The trade for AI in 2006 didn't change that either. With Camby gone the Nuggets, who finished in 8th place last year, are the favorites to miss the playoffs. If the Nuggets can do more than try to outscore their opponents and defend, with Billups on their side they can get out of the first round. He hasn't gotten out of the first round since 2001 and 2002, when he and Kevin Garnett were teammates.
Here's a side story. For McDyess, who's contract expires next year, it'll be a homecoming for him, again. This will be his third stint with Denver. After his first 2 years as a Nugget and spending 4 more being trade to Phoenix, he was on pace to be a solid star in the NBA, averaging 20.8 PPG and 12.1 RPG in the 2000-01 season. After a horrible season ending knee injury the next season, he never got his career back on track. He got on board with the Pistons too late and now he's a Nugget again.
If the high scoring continues, Billups' assist numbers will go up, but can he keep up with the running game. He's from a team that controlled the tempo, usually at a low pace. If he can't keep up, scoring goes down, the only thing that keeps them winning. They'll be rebuilding starting next year. Extension talks with their back-up forward Linas Kleiza fell through and he and his agent will be looking at other teams and Europe. With only 7 gauranteed players next year, they'll be seeing some new faces very soon. They could a good free agent this summer.
Projected Line-Up: PG- Chauncey Billups, SG- J.R. Smith, SF- Carmelo Anthony, PF- Kenyon Martin, C- Nené
Detroit Pistons
Low scoring isn't a problem when the team they play scores lower than them. With AI heading back east, this team could be able to compete with the Boston Celtics in the conference finals again if there scoring increases. Despite his age AI never seems to slow down his speed and scoring, even with a high scorer on his side like Melo. He led the team last year with 26.4 PPG. If he can score and the they can play D, this team can be very good throughout the season.
This might be their last chance for a championship though. Next year, Rasheed Wallace and AI will be free agents. With young guys like Rodney Stuckey, Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell on board and Rip Hamilton agreeing to a 3-year, $34 million contract (more details on bottom), the youth movement could be underway next season. They'll also have a lot more cap space and they can go for a big free agent in 2009 or 2010.
Projected Line-Up: PG- Allen Iverson, SG- Rip Hamilton, SF- Tayshaun Prince, PF- Amir Johnson, C- Rasheed Wallace
In the end, the trade will work right now and in the near future for the Pistons. For the Nuggets, it might be a project. It should be fun to see how this trade turns out. Watch out for January 9 when AI reurns to the Mile High City as a Piston, March 3 when Chauncey returns to Motown. AI will play the Sixers for the first time this year on December 5 and will play his only game at Philly on April 4.
Late Breaking News: Rip Hamilton and the Pistons agreed to a 3-year, $34 million extension, according to ESPN through team sources. The third year is also partially guaranteed, but it looks like he'll be part of their future. He could also be a trade piece if things don't work out. It's possible with an contract making over $11 million a year.
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