Why Pistons really traded for Iverson

[mfbmike]

A league insider with knowledge of the Pistons' thinking told me that Detroit went ahead with the Allen Iverson trade knowing full well that the eight-time All-Star had lost a step. "They didn't care," the insider said. "They made the deal strictly for the cap relief" after the season, when Iverson's $20.8 million salary comes off the books. Detroit is 7-9 since Iverson joined the lineup Nov. 7. Its defense, the backbone of the team that has made six consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference finals, has been average at best. In a 104-92 loss to the Knicks last Sunday in New York, Iverson and Rasheed Wallace struggled mightily to defend the pick-and-roll combination of David Lee (12 points, 19 rebounds) and Chris Duhon (25 points, nine assists). Tayshaun Prince was frequently seen explaining defensive rotations to his teammates during breaks in the action. "This team is a shell of what it once was," a courtside scout said. "They aren't contenders anymore."

SI.com

Not a surprise by any means but if I was a Pistons fan the words "They aren't contenders anymore" would sting just a little bit. Guess we could all just speculate what free agents the Pistons can land in the upcoming season and count them out this year. Cleveland and Boston in the ECF?

[mfbmike]

I've never really hated on the Pistons. In fact, I wanted them to beat the Celts last season in the ECF and actually thought they were in best position to do it after getting that early road game win in the series.

But yeah, if they don't land Boozer Dumars should lose his job. lol.

[Buzzman]

Wasting a season to land someone is nothing. Can you imagine some tioher teams. They would kill just to make the playoffs, and here you say missing the playoffs one then get a superstar who can help dominate for years to come. Im not saying Boozer isnt great, but hes not someone you build around.

[CB4]

Was pretty obvious they wanted his expiring. If the Pistons can land Boozer they'll be back at the top next year.

[Vinsane]

"hes not someone you build around"

That's why Cleveland dumped him, he was a solid PF yes but he wasn't dominant. He was a sleeker Boozer just hit and miss, mostly miss. When it comes to scoring, he'll either put up points, or grab boards. Never really doing both consistently.

The supposed "death" of the Pistons bodes well for the teams that do make the playoffs, I didn't see the Pistons making it past the second round as they would of either faced King James and Cleveland or the Big 3 and Boston. ECF = Celtics/Cavs.

[Lupe]

"hes not someone you build around"

That's why Cleveland dumped him, he was a solid PF yes but he wasn't dominant. He was a sleeker Boozer just hit and miss, mostly miss. When it comes to scoring, he'll either put up points, or grab boards. Never really doing both consistently.

The supposed "death" of the Pistons bodes well for the teams that do make the playoffs, I didn't see the Pistons making it past the second round as they would of either faced King James and Cleveland or the Big 3 and Boston. ECF = Celtics/Cavs.

Do you watch basketball at all? Boozer has become a force in the NBA. Were not saying that if detroit signs booz there building around him. I'm not saying this guy is a top 10 Power Forward in the league but he def cracks my top 20. I see him as one of the best pick and roll big men in the league. If you see his game logs this year on nba.com I don't understand how he's not doing both consistently. His season low for boards is 7 and he's having a monster season. I see it as pretty good for a guy who 'can't do both consistently".

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/carlos_boozer/game_by_game_stats.html

[LC AAU]

I think my Miami Heat will get Boozer in the offseason.

[mfbmike]

I think my Miami Heat will get Boozer in the offseason.

we can only hope buddy.

[corbin]

Surprised? Nope, actually quite obvious why they did this trade.

[Buzzman]

Buzzman, I dont think its a surprise that the franchise is being built around Stuckey. With him, a dominant big man (see lupes post) in the paint, a older, yet good supporting cast of vets like Prince and Rip, Solid youngsters in Afflalo, Amir, Maxiell etc.. whats wrong with that?

Every body on the team is coming along nicely, I found it hard that a fellow Piston fan wouldnt like to see that product at the Palace starting next year.

Being a Piston fan like myself, I dont mind an average year where we still make the playoffs to get a more dynamic player 2 years from now.

[Vinsane]

Do you watch basketball at all? Boozer has become a force in the NBA. Were not saying that if detroit signs booz there building around him. I'm not saying this guy is a top 10 Power Forward in the league but he def cracks my top 20. I see him as one of the best pick and roll big men in the league. If you see his game logs this year on nba.com I don't understand how he's not doing both consistently. His season low for boards is 7 and he's having a monster season. I see it as pretty good for a guy who 'can't do both consistently".

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/carlos...ame_stats.html

:didntread:

Umm, in my defense I believe the sentence says "He's a slicker Boozer" my mind wandered and for some reason I'm getting Boozer confused with Gooden and didn't focus, damn drugs, got my mind fried.

[Buzzman]

Tell me what kind of primetime player wouldnt want to come to a good team for a lot of money?