[NBA] Iverson Goes to Pistons in Major Trade

The Detroit Pistons yesterday obtained shooting guard Allen Iverson in a major trade to upgrade its championship contention.

The Denver Nuggets traded the All-Star Iverson for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheick Samb.

In the 2004-05 season, Iverson won the league scoring title with 30.7 points per game and finished third last season with 26.4.

The Pistons had to sacrifice Billups, who earned the NBA Finals MVP in 2004 and who was a mainstay in Detroit for his consistent play.

In short, Detroit chose change over stability. The Pistons have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for five straight years but has yet to win the league crown since 2004. The team has lost in the conference finals for the past three seasons.

The Pistons beat the Charlotte Bobcats for their third straight victory, 101-83, though Iverson did play. Six Detroit players scored in double figures.

In Dallas, LeBron James helped his Cleveland Cavaliers beat the host Mavericks, 100-81, to even Cleveland`s record at 2-2.

James led all scorers with 29 points, and added eight rebounds and three assists.

hic@donga.com