A New Motown Hit?

     Hidden behind the brouhaha over the US elections, a big deal was completed in the NBA.  The Detroit Pistons shipped "Mr. Big Shot" Chauncey Billups and Antonio Mcdyess to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Allen Iverson.  Who benefits from this? Let's find out.

Winners

Detroit Pistons

     After crashing out of the Eastern Conference Finals yet again, General Manager Joe Dumars warned that sweeping changes could be made to the team, who seemed to have grown into contented cows.  Over the summer though no deal was made, so man thought he had given up on this plan.  With this deal, though, Dumars has again demonstrated his savvy as an executive.  First of all, AI brings excitement into a team desperately in need of a spark.  Secondly, this human scoring dynamo called Iverson will no doubt bring a "scorer" much needed in a Pistons offense that grows stagnant on a nightly basis.  With Detroit, AI gets another shot at reaching the NBA Finals, so he will be a good citizen and fit in nicely with the Pistons.  Thirdly, moving Billups and Mcdyess will give young guard Rodney Stuckey and young bigs Jason Maxielle and Amir Johnson more minutes to show their wares.  In this way, the transitional period of a supposedly aging team will go on while they are still playoff worthy.  Lastly, even if AI turns out to be a dud, his contract expires at the end of the year, along with Rasheed Wallace's.  That means of 40 million of free cap space.  (Just wait for the call from Joe D, Lebron)

Rodney Stuckey and Carmelo Anthony

     Both these young guns will benefit with this trade, even if they express any sadness about their former teamates' departure.  Stuckey will be the unchallenged starter so added minutes and confidence should help his game.  He can use this year to solidify his position on this team.  'Melo, even if he will den it, must be salivating over the prospect of more shots.  With Iverson around they had to share the scoring load, but Billups is more of a point guard than Iverson, meaning he will get 'Melo more touches.  

     I would include JR Smith in this list, but I would have to observe his mental state before declaring anything.  He is, after all, JR Smith.

Antonio Mcdyess

     Dyess will probably b waived and bought out by the Nuggets, and the Pistons have already signified their intentions to resign him.  So basically, he gets a little more money and a 30 day vacation as he waits to clear waivers.  30 days is a boon for those wear knees as he prepares for the playoffs.

Losers

Denver Nuggets

     For a team that supposedly wants to shed hefty and long contracts, they sure do a lousy job.  The Nuggets basically gave away Marcus Camby to lighten their contract payments, but then they also give away Iverson's large but expiring contract.  Furthermore, they take on Billups smaller but longer contract.  This means they're tied to another significant contract for three years, instead of getting rid of an enormous one by the end of the year, which could help them make a play for a younger free agent.  Billups will certainly help the Nuggets an probably push the Nuggets into the playoffs again, but they are a long way from the Championship.  My guess is they make the playoffs for another two years, while they pay around seven million dollars in luxury tax, three huge contracts for an aging point guard in Billups and two forwards with three gimpy knees in Kenyon Martin and Nene.   

     Will AI be another motown hit? I think he would be, but if he isn't, his expiring contract will surely be.