Is Allen Iverson the Answer Detroit was looking for?
After two games and a 0-2 stand since making the trade, the obvious answer is a resounding NO.
It seems it was only yesterday when the Pistons were having a perfect 4-0 start to the 2008-09 NBA basketball season. Despite that, the front office felt it was about time to make a change and since they were STILL undefeated then, it makes you wonder why Joe Dumars decided to fix something that’s ain’t broken?
BAM. The Detroit Pistons traded away Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson. The move gave the Pistons a star caliber player after six years playing without one. The fans were obviously excited since Iverson is a former league MVP and a multi-time scoring champion. The wins should just keep on coming right?
WRONG. After two games 
with Allen Iverson, the Pistons looked stagnant, losing BOTH games. They lost to the Nets 103-96 in Iverson’s debut with the Pistons before losing to the Boston Celtics, 88-76, in Iverson’s home debut at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
It was one of the worst performances ever by the Pistons at the Palace. Sure, it was a game against the Boston Celtics, the defending world champions but still, that’s not an excuse the Pistons can use since they do have Iverson, a guy expected to score a lot for this team. And if they were confident enough to give up Chauncey Billups for this guy, they better come up with better performances than the monstrosity we saw against Boston.
How bad was it?
Iverson scored 10 points after going 4-for-11 shooting. And while that one was that bad already, Richard Hamilton was worse, going a dismal 0-for-8 from the field for three points. The Pistons also turned the ball over 17 times, which the Boston Celtics turned into 23 points. The C’s also outscored Detroit 32-16 in the paint.
If it wasn’t for Tayshaun Prince who scored a team-high 23 points to keep the scoreboard respectable, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear the fans cheer for Billups back.
Oh yeah, Billups is averaging 15.5 points and 6.5 assists in his first two games with his new team, the Denver Nuggets. And yes, both of those games were wins, winning against a tough Dallas Mavericks team in his first game with the Nuggets before following it up with a win over the young Memphis Grizzlies.
Who will win the 2009 NBA Finals? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.
Boston Celtics 4.00
Los Angeles Lakers 4.50
Detroit Pistons 9.00
San Antonio Spurs 9.00
Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more basketball betting odds. Want to watch the NBA live? Get NBA tickets online now.
NBA Guide
NFL Guide
NCAA Football