Allen Iverson Traded to Detroit
The Nuggets Send The Answer to the Pistons
Allen Iverson's career in the NBA has been a long and tumultuous one. There have been quarrels with coaches, run-ins with the law, gaffes in the media, and well, issues with practice. However, Iverson managed to match every problem he had along the way with a great accomplishment, such as the Rookie of the Year award, four scoring titles, a league MVP title, and being captain of the USA Olympic team. It is bittersweet that finally, nearing the twilight of his illustrious career, he has been traded to the team he probably should have been playing for all along; the Detroit Pistons.
The headline story of Iverson landing in Detroit was almost printed eight years ago. In a 2006 interview, Pistons' President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars told ESPN's Chad Ford about how in 2000, the Pistons were hours away from a deal that would have sent Jerry Stackhouse and Jerome Williams to Philadelphia for Iverson and Matt Geiger. Problems arose with Geiger's contract negotiations and the deal was ultimately cancelled. So close, yet so far away.
Iverson and Detroit - Both Synonymous with Toughness
Allen Iverson's no-holds-barred, leave-everything-on-the-floor style of play is a perfect fit for a basketball franchise notorious for its toughness. But is it too late? Iverson now finds himself in a city as rough and hungry as he is, but surrounded by teammates who seem to be complacent with their place in basketball history. Three of the five current starters taking the court with Iverson every night in Detroit were on the 2004 championship team. They have been there and done that, he has not.
Iverson may have been a better fit on the 2000-2001 Pistons like it was originally planned. They were a young, scrappy ball club desperate for a championship. Allen Iverson could have been the conduit through which a dynasty was built. Today's Pistons seem lazy and uninterested on defense, and selfish and disjointed on offense. Iverson finds himself responsible for carrying yet another team, only in this case he has very little time to make it happen since his contract is up at the end of this season. Ironically, despite being one of the older members of the team, the Pistons hope Iverson will jump start their increasingly lackadaisical franchise.
One of the Greats
Whether or not Iverson wins the championship he so desperately wants, he will go down as one of the all time greats. His impressive life story is the only thing more compelling than his athletic career. Few players in sports history have had as big of an impact on their sport and American culture as Allen Iverson. His legacy as an unapologetic and fearless warrior on the basketball court will live on not just in the annals of NBA history, but also in the hearts of millions of admiring fans who have had the pleasure of watching him play over the last few years
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