Clever title huh? I mentioned this before but I strongly believe this trade is a win for both teams and all the players involved.
AI will make his Detroit Piston debut tonight as the Pistons travel to New Jersey. If you get a chance, read Jemele Hill's article about the trade, I think she does a great job explaining how this COULD work for Detroit (here is the link: ESPN PAGE 2).
The Pistons will be a better team because of this trade. Maybe they won't score more points, maybe they will. Maybe they give up more points, maybe they don't. When crunch time hits in the 4th quarter of an important game, we will ALL take notice of just what Allen Iverson brings to a team. As a Pistons fan I am certain you remember many of the times in the last few years when our team went ice cold, out mid-range jumpers weren't falling, Sheed was in foul trouble or his inside turnaround was off, Rip couldn't buy a bucket, Chauncey wasn't hitting the outside shots, etc. These things don't happen to Allen Iverson. Iverson is such a unique talent, that he cannot be defended for a full game. He has CAREER averages of almost 9.5 free throws attempted per game! And in the playoffs for his career he has averaged 45 minutes per game!
For everything Mr. Big Shot did for the Pistons, these are qualities Billups did not possess. I don't mean to sell Billups short by any means. He did great things for the Pistons, and was the backbone of our winning tradition over the last six or so years, but the time came for change. I hope the Nuggets have a great season, and I hope Billups revitalizes the local fan base (He chose #7 because the last Denver legend wore #7. Not Chucky Atkins...John Elway).
Billups is Denver's native son, graduating from George Washington High School in Denver as a four time All-State pick, three time Colorado Mr. Basketball and a McDonald's All-American. Playing at the University of Colorado, when he could have chosen to go anywhere, he led them into the NCAA tournament. In 2004, Billups had his number retired by CU.
This trade is a rare case in which both teams are better off because of it. I am not sure if the Win-Loss records will be drastically different, or even any of the statistical analysis, but the players on both teams will be rejuvenated and two of basketball's best will be teaching along the way. Billups can and will help Carmelo and JR Smith become better players. Iverson will mentor Stuckey and even Hamilton and Prince in ways I'm not sure Billups could.
I am thrilled to watch Iverson in Detroit and Billups in Denver. The impressions of this trade will be felt for years to come, on many different levels.
If that's not a win/win, I don't know what is.
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