Iverson traded to Pistons

[AGDee]

And Detroit fans have grown to HATE LeBron James. Detroit fans have loved that they had a TEAM, not individual superstars who carry a team. Still so sad...

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by AGDee

And Detroit fans have grown to HATE LeBron James. Detroit fans have loved that they had a TEAM, not individual superstars who carry a team. Still so sad...

I think this argument says a lot more about perception, and the way the media has portrayed Iverson, than the reality of the situation. You can say what you want about Iverson's shot selection, or his comments about practice, but he played hurt a TON when he was in Philly. If your'e going to talk about someone who is a team player, I'd take the guy who is going to play hurt in that manner. (And, from what I've read and heard, Iverson's teammates have loved him).

Plus...everyone loves Rasheed Wallace now, but when he was with the Trail Blazers, he had a reputation as a selfish player and locker room trouble-maker. It was only after he went to Detroit that people started tossing verbal bouquets his way. It's mostly perception, and the way in which the media presents a player, that shapes this sort of debate, and I think it obscures the facts.

ETA: It would be VERY interesting if Detroit ended up with Lebron. The Nets have essentially purged their roster to make a big push for him. Apparently, though, the move to Brooklyn is on hold, and that could make a difference in Lebron's decision-making.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by AGDee

And Detroit fans have grown to HATE LeBron James. Detroit fans have loved that they had a TEAM, not individual superstars who carry a team. Still so sad...

This is a great way to sell tickets, but the reality is that Detroit's "Big 4" of Billups, Prince, Wallace and Hamilton were every bit the "superstars" that the Celtics or others have - it's a team game, sure, but having four stars is clearly better than one no matter how well they share the ball. Detroit's collection of all-star talent really was second to none for quite some time.

I don't really like this move for Detroit, unless it does lead directly to LeBron - it's a strict talent downgrade in a roster sense (as Billups and McDyess are likely just better than AI at this point), and while it may be a push in terms of the starting five (Stuckey is apparently that good), it kind of kills their depth, something that will be missed in the playoffs.