Team Player?

I find it very interesting that the Detroit Pistons went from being one of the NBA’s Eastern Conferences top team every year, to a team fighting for their playoff lives. I do realize that age has a lot to do with the Pistons decline but I also think the trade for Allen Iverson had a lot to do with it. Chauncey Billups may not be as flashy as Iverson but he does all the small things that win games for the Denver Nuggets. Currently the Nuggets are in 2nd place in the Western Conference and are peaking at the right time as they are (9-1) in their last ten games. This could be the first year during the Carmelo Anthony Era that they make it out of the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs. I don’t think this will have anything to do with Anthony but rather management getting the right people on the bus, and the wrong people off.

In an article in the Sporting News, Iverson spoke about how hard of a time he is having coming off the bench. After a loss to the Nets Iverson had this to say about accepting a role on another team as a reserve:

“No way. I wouldn't do that to myself or the team that I am playing for. I don't think I can give everything I have to give in that situation."

IF you are the Pistons and hear a statement like this, do you really think that he is giving your team 100% when he steps out on the floor? Great team players that win organizations championships are able to except their role and do whatever it takes to win games. This is also coming from the same person that had his infamous, “we're talking about practice” speech (clink on link to see it on YouTube) that to this day is still a coaches nightmare. The big things as a coach you always have to remember is talent does not always win you games. In Iverson's case to give a franchise the choice of playing him or retiring is ridiculous. It is those that sacrifice the most and put the team first that find a way to win games.