i can't really tell who got the better end of this deal. i guess the nugs but geez, what a lateral move for both teams.
I think Denver gets better even though Iverson is the better player. Their mix wasn't right and they needed a general, which Billups provides. I don't know what it does for Detroit. It makes them more volatile, which means they could become better or worse. But, they couldn't stand pat and expect more success in the playoffs this year than last. So, if this is the last year before they blow it up anyway and Iverson is the best talent you can get for the price you're offering, then they may as well try it.
Detroit gets a big time playmaker, as Iverson is a better scorer and much more dynamic. He can stay with the likes of Rondo and other quick pgs and not be completely overmatched. On the other hand, Billups brings leadership skills, passing, and great team concept to Denver. I actually think both have slightly improved. Also, I think both teams don't really have to rely on either player to win, so that is also another plus. For Denver's favor, this move actually gives a more favorable matchup against playoff teams and Western powerhouses. I'm actually kind of scared of Denver...I seriously think they might actually challenge Utah for the Midwest, if Billups can be a glue guy, like Shane Battier....but Billups is probably closer to an all-star, though. He's like a souped up version of Derek Fisher with better passing abllity and defense.
Denver all the way. A way better deal will be, tmac for billups and prince. Rox get new starting PG and SG. Instead of the 3 headed PGs of last year, rox could have the 3 headed defenders.
That was impressive. I've never seen someone make five consecutive posts before. EDIT - nevermind, I saw you did 6 straight in another thread. I take back my compliment.
It was grand theft for the Nuggets but Dumars knew his team wasn't a contender, took a chance and even if it failed he still has Iverson's massive expiring contract. It was oh so sweet watching the Nuggets pummel the Mavs to start the 4th quarter tonight.
I was so confused by the zombieness of the thread that I thought Detroit was desperately begging for a trade back.
I disagree with this. I can't speak of how he's doing in Detroit (haven't seen muhc of them lately), but Iverson wasn't a cancer here in Denver. He busted his ass for us, but it just didn't work. Not his fault, not Melo's. Just didn't work well together. Still thrilled we did the deal, but I just wanted to defend AI here.
I've seen the Pistons plenty since AI went there. Same thing is happening. But they will figure things out, the Pistons will finish with a good record, lose in the 1st or 2nd round and AI's expiring will make them major players in this summer's FA market. Save for the huge cap space, results would have been the same with Chauncey.
I agree that Iverson is not "cancer" in the sense of being a bad citizen. But I do believe that his style doesn't work well with any star player. He is at his best being the one man show like he did in Philly. I know this smells like hindsight. But I never had believed that he would work out with Melo. I didn't know what they were thinking when they made that trade.
They were thinking AI would change his game to mesh with Melo. Didn't happen. The problem with AI is he isn't comfortable unless he's playing 42 mins/game and dominating the ball. Unfortunately, he's no longer good enough to carry a team. Until he finally gives in, accepts a lesser role, comes to grips with his declining ability and learns to trust teammates more, AI is gonna have a rought time of it. I think he will be smacked in the mouth this summer by the lack of interest in giving him a huge contract. The short-term results of the Billups trade have killed AI's value, but the extreme lopsidedness won't continue indefinitely. The Nuggets will slow down and the Pistons will find themselves.
They were thinking "we have a chance to acquire a top 10 player for a good-to-great starting PG, a backup PF and some crappy draft picks". I will never fault the team for doing it. It's like the Artest trade with you guys -- it might backfire, but you HAVE to go for it if the opportunity presents itself. The Nugs weren't making the second round with the lineup they had, so what's the loss? If nothing else, I was thrilled that I got to see him play in person 15-20 times over that time. Truly a player you don't appreciate until you see him in person. I can guarantee that the Nugs saw how AI played against Utah in the first game and noticed he wasn't as quick and that his speed was starting to go and that increased the urgency to deal him. They spent all off-season trying to get Chauncey for him (the Melo to Detroit rumors were never true) and that game just increased the urgency.
*I don't fault the Nuggets at all for acquiring Iverson. They had nothing to lose at a small cost. *Despite the Pistons' struggles, I still think Dumars got over on this deal. They weren't going anywhere with Billups. *I'm happy for Nuggets4 that it's worked out thus far. That team must have been frustrating to watch over the past few years, so this must be a welcome breath of fresh air. The team is better with the trade, but the upside with that team is still not title contention, which is the only thing that can justify the acquisition of a 30 year old with a $50 million contract.
