PistonsNationBlog.com - Detroit Pistons News & Views

The Nuggets pulled even at a game a piece in their series with the Lakers and Chauncey had this heads up play at the expense of Kobe Braynt. 

” ‘Cause I’m already gone
And I’m feelin’ strong
I will sing this vict’ry song
woo, hoo,hoo,my my woo,hoo,hoo”

I understand the team was complacent.  I get that the money should help the the ‘Stonz for years to come.  But, damn it Joe, why’d you have to trade Chauncey!

I’ve officially become a member of the ‘Pile on Dumars Club’.  Frustration has set him like Varejoa’s perm highlights.

This season has been a disaster.  Allen Iverson was a joke.  We’re an eight seeded team being embarrassed by a division rival in the opening round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile on the other side of the country OUR playoff hero is doing his thing for the for another team.  Chauncey is doing the Hornets like the LeBron is doing us.

Look at these numbers! Denver is where amazing is happening. Yeah, the critics were right. Chauncey has lost a step…

This is as painful as watching your long time girlfriend on the arm of another dude, and you never wanted to break it off in the first place.  Damn, she’s looking good.  Why couldn’t we just have made it work??

Nuggets (95) / PISTONS (100) / {boxscore}

“There’s really no words that really can explain how good it made me feel,” Billups said. “I felt appreciated. I felt very, very appreciated for my years here. I want you guys and them to know that I appreciate you guys, and I appreciate the time that I spent here and how you guys all treated me. It was great. It was great to be appreciated.” – mlive

Last night was the best of both worlds for Pistons fans.  Chauncey returned to the Palace to a hero’s welcome and had a great game, but in the end the Pistons got their third consecutive win (and 3rd consecutive) as they swept their season series with the Nuggets for the 3rd straight year.  It would have considered it a win-win-win night for myself if I’d just hit for that $212 mill Mega Millions.  Maybe next time.

Chanucey was agressive last night picking up the slack for Carmelo Anthony who was serving a one game suspension from the Nuggets for refusing to come out of their previous game.  Chauncey led all scores with his season high 34 points.  There was also the business of showing the Joe and Co. what they traded away as Billups readily copped to this game not being any ordinary game for him.

Spurred on by a standing ovation and Mason’s signature B-B-B-Billups intro Chanucey went at his former running mates from the outset scoring 13 first quarter points and 21 by halftime.

“I may forget the game and what happened,” he said. “But the ovation and warm welcome the fans gave me, I’ll never forget.” – AP

The Nuggets had the Pistons down by ten at the break.  The Pistons were having a tough time finding good shots but I had a feeling that after a half with the excitement of Chauncey’s return to the Palace it would be a much better effort from hte Pistons come the second half.  It was a pretty good hunch.

The Pistons attack started to crisp and by the end of the third quarter they’d set up a 74-all tie for the 22,000+ Piston faithful in attendance.

You could tell that Rip really wanted to show Chauncey that he had the reigns of the team now as his and Billups went at each other.  Rip scored 21 (7/7 FT) and dished out 7 assists while trying to keep his good friend under thumb.

“At the beginning of the third quarter, I said, ‘OK, you done had your fun. First half, everybody yell and scream your name or whatever. Now I got to guard. Now I got to lock that thing up on you,’ ” Hamilton said. -Freep

The Piston starters had the sort of night that the Pistons Nation are used to out of their starting group.  All starters scored 16 or more points.  The two bigs Rasheed (16 pts, 10rbs) and McDyess (16 pts on 7/10 shooting, 12 rbs) both had double-doubles.

Tayhsaun Prince was solid as a rock last night.  Tay scored a team high 23 points on 9/15 shooting.  The ‘Long Arm of the Law’ also swatted 3 Nuggets shot attempts.

Was it ever nice to see a win at the Palace after dropping 10 of their last 12 at home.

“This was to me as big of a win or bigger than the two road wins that we just had because we owe it to the fans and we owe it to ourselves to come home and take care of our home court,” coach Michael Curry said. -Freep

About Iverson: There’s no timetable set for Iverson’s return.  The Pistons should know more after results Gergetown University where he’ll be undergoing tests on his back today.  This will be the third opinion Iverson has gotten for this particular ailment, but the Pistons aren’t going to rush AI.  There’s two ways of taking that.  Either they’re not going to take any chances with Iverson’s health or they’re in no hurry to rock the boat on the new found cohesion.

On a related note in the three games (all wins) since Rip has supplanted Iverson in the starting lineup he’s averaging 25.6 points on 50% shooting, and 7.3 assists.

GAME NOTES: The Pistons have beaten the Nuggets 13 straight times at the Palace dating back to the 1995-96 season … only 7 points from the bench, all from Will Bynum … Pistons has won 3 straight for the first time in 2 months … Sunday’s win against Boston made the Pistons the first team to beat every division leader … Nuggets TV analyst Scott Hastings, a former Piston, made a no-look, over-the-head shot from a chair on the sideline before the game … Jalen Rose on the game and the trade … Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post: “In a way, (Chauncey) will always be (a Piston) …

Kinda missed this the other day, but it’s definitely worth going back to.   Found in the Rocky Mountain News; When asked about doing his signature introduction for Chauncey when the Nuggets play the Palace on March 3rd Pistons announcer John Mason replied:

“They won’t allow me to do it,” said Mason, who plans a regular announcement during lineup introductions but said nobody will hear him anyway because it will be so loud.
[...]
Mason’s call is right up there with what Billups misses about Detroit.”Yeah, I miss it,” Billups said. “That was sweet.”

I understand not doing it every time Chauncey returns to the Palace, but not doing it this first time is kinda bush league in my opinion.  Almost as bush league as letting Iverson wear #1.  Ok, so he’s no longer a Piston, but why the cold shoulder?  Mr. Big shot did more for this team and community than anyone the current roster and in recent memory.  A total class act.

Not only that, but the fans would want it.  I’m going to go out a teeny-tiny limb here and say there’s going to be just as many fans that night who’ll want to show their appreciation to Chauncey as there will be fans there to root on the home team.  This isn’t like when Ben Wallace left to pursue $greener$ pastures.  Chauncey wanted to retire in the Pistons red, white, and blue.

The Pistons are a better organization than that.  I don’t know who’s call this is but I hope they change their minds by the time this game rolls around.  Do it for the fans, and more importantly for Chauncey.

The Pistons (21-12, 9-7 away) will be in Denver to take on the Nuggets (25-12) Tip off is 9:00 pm est from the Pepsi Center and will be televised locally on Fox Sports Detroit

Nuggets’ Snapshot
Home record: 14-4
Vs. East: 10-3
Standing 1st in Northwest, 3rd in West
Last game: 1/07 (Weds) W 97-108 Vs. Heat
Last 10: 8-2
Streak Won 5
Since trade: 24-9
Injuries: Carmelo Anthony (wrist)

Even if Iverson is unenthused to play against his former team, Chauncey Billups admits it’s something he’s looking forward to.  Chauncey has twice as many former teams as Iverson so you’d think Billups would be the one with the business as usual attitude.  The difference is in Detroit Billups went from zero to hero while Iverson’s time in Denver, while not really negative, was more about unfulfilled expectations.

Chauncey experienced and accomplished enough in in the Pistons red, white, & blue with a core group of players to form a brotherhood like bond that will extend beyond the playing days with guys like Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince.   As a fan, Chauncey, even in his Denver home whites, is still more of a Piston than I view Iverson as.  That’s not a knock on AI but rather a tribute to Chauncey who never got his correct due when departing for Denver (think jersey number).

Vince Ellis of the Free Press says both Rasheed and Rip might return tonight in Denver:

Both players took part in Thursday’s short practice, and Wallace was extremely active, running around and shooting three-pointers.

Hamilton was not quite as active, but he has indicated that he wants to face his friend Billups.

It’s encouraging to hear, well expect the Rasheed shooting three-pointers part.  You know Rip would want to face Chaunce, hopefully it doesn’t get too awkward and bromantic.  It’ll ultimately be a game-time decision.  If Rasheed goes tonight he’s ready to do a little friendly trash talk with Billups.

“It’ll be like old times again before I came here to Detroit,” Wallace said of when he faced Billups as a member of the Trail Blazers. “It’s going to be fun, talking junk to him and having fun with him.” -DFP

Antonio McDyess, who was traded with Billups, thinks it’ll be weird facing CB and thinks Billups will definitely be up for the game:

“To say it’s going to be weird or emotional, man, that’s an understatement,” said Antonio McDyess, who was part of that trade back on Nov. 3 but re-signed with the Pistons after the Nuggets bought out his contract. “Just looking at him in that type of uniform still seems weird to me. But I know he’s going to be pumped and up for the game.

“I know him, man. He’s going to want some vengeance. I look for him to come out and be aggressive right from the start.”- Detroit News

The article goes on to say that Chauncey isn’t seeking “vengence” so much as he just wants to play well against he former teammates.  Billups holds no ill will towards the Pistons.  He’s glad they gave him the opportunity to achieve professionally what had eluded him to that point in his career and has even said he’s grateful that he was at least traded to his hometown team.

ALSO OF NOTE: The Pistons are 17-12 with Iverson … At 25-12, Denver is off to its best start since its first season in the NBA in 1976-77 … The Pistons have won 13 of the last 15 vs. Denver … a theological take on tonight’s game … The Pistons recalled Alex Acker and Walter Sharpe from the D-League … Nuggets exec says Allen Iverson was golden … Denver trades Chucky Atkins to OKC … Pistons moving up the cultural power rankings …  Bulls don’t waive Lindsey Hunter …

Game Day Films will be video posts somewhat relative to the Pistons opponent and hopefully mildly entertaining.

There’s going to be more hypre than usual for a Pistons/Nuggets matchup courtesy of the November 3rd blockbuster trade that sent Chauncey Billups (and technically McDyess) to his Mr. Big Shot’s hometown Nuggets in exchange for Allen Iverson and his big ‘ol expiring contract.

The Pistons have to stay focused on the actual game and avoid distractions. They must study this video and be the opposite of the Nuggets announcers.

Free Press:

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Clippers acquired 7-foot-1 Cheikh Samb of Senegal from the Denver Nuggets on Monday for a conditional second-round draft pick.

The Clippers also waived forward Paul Davis and guard Fred Jones and received cash considerations as part of the deal.

Samb played in six games with the Nuggets this season, averaging 0.7 points, 1.5 rebounds in 4.0 minutes.

With all the injuries L.A. has Samb might get some real minutes, and what better guy for Cheikh to learn the center position than Marcus Camby.

Cheikh’s very intriguing to me and I’m hoping he gets some minutes.

Inside Hoops:

The Denver Nuggets have assigned C Cheikh Samb and G/F Sonny Weems to the Colorado 14ers of the NBA Development League, team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today. Samb, 7-1, 245, has averaged 0.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 0.83 bpg in six appearances with the Nuggets.

With no Pistons in the D-League I’ve had no real reason to follow it.  Well here’s my reason.  I’m still very intrigued by Samb.  He did some decent things last season down in Ft. Wayne.  Hope he continues his progression.

Nuggets coach George Karl talks about the Chauncey/Iverson trade on PTI.

(Link attributive: mLive)

The Nuggets are now 12-3 since trading for Chauncey back on the 3rd of November.  They’re yet to lose back-to-back games and are tied for first in the Northwest Division.

Mr. Big Shot was named Western Conference player of the week last week.  Chauncey’s averaging 18.9 ppg , 7.2assists, and 1.6 TO’s as a member of the Nuggets.

Last night Billups had a 24 point, 14 assist (1 turnover) double-double helping the Nuggs kill the Raptors 132-93.  And get this Chauncey had a freak’n +48 +/- stat!  I’d say Denver is definitely benefiting from the trade.

The Denver Nuggets are 5-1 since acquiring Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson.  They’re playing some good team ball, with noticeable betterment coming on both sides of the ball.  Yes, the Nuggets are now playing defense. Listening to the Nuggets it seems as if AI was the problem, not the answer:

“There are less bad plays, more solid plays,” Karl said. “I think the wasteful, cheap possessions that we used to have 10 to 15 a game, they don’t exist very much anymore.” [...] “We have contested-shot charts, bad-shot charts and cheap defensive possessions,” Karl said. “I would say that when A.I. was here, we had most games in the teens of contested, tough shots, sometimes in the 20s. And I don’t think we’ve had a double-digit one since (Billups has) been here.- Denver Post

AI is a special talent, but he’s never been a coach’s fave, so going from Iverson’s erratic play to Chauncey’s careful precision so you can understand why it seems George Karl is saying what he is here.

Kenyon Martin has benefited a great deal from C-Bills coming on board.  He’s getting back to the kind of game he had when teamed with Jason Kidd in New Jersey.

“We’ve got a great point guard now who gets his teammates involved, doesn’t mind passing the ball, and that’s what he’s done throughout his career. He’s a general on the court. He gets his teammates the ball, get his team in the offense quickly and gets the ball to his teammates in the right places.” -Hoops World

Take the quotes as you like, but it’s clear that the Nuggets are better and it’s a direct result of Mr. Big Shot. Carmelo Anthony and Nene’s numbers are also benefiting from Chauncey’s arrival.  I don’t think the Nuggs dislike Iverson, but I do think as they continue to thrive they’re realizing that Iverson wasn’t right for them.  Hopefully it’ll be different here.

It’s being reported that Antonio McDyess is drawing interest from 17 of the league’s 30 teams.  Why shouldn’t he?  He’s a very solid big to have coming off the bench, and a great guy.  All 30 teams should want an Antonio McDyess on their rosters.

But,  now I ask how sure are we that McDyess isn’t going to weigh the Pistons willingness to deal him in choosing which team to sign with after Denver buys him out?

I think we’re still the front runner’s for Dice, but after ready the following quote from agent Andy Miller we may not be the lock for the Miggidy Miggidy McDyess we all thought we were:

“I don’t think it has to do with a destination or a city right now,” Miller said. “I think it has more to do with his ability to pick and choose his destination … He really had difficulty with the whole thing.” -Free Press

Hopefully  it was just in his clients best interests that Miller didn’t just come out and say “Antonio wants a buyout so he can return to the Pistons”.

A lot of practice talk lately.  Here’s a video via the Rocky mountain News from Chauncey’s (#7) first practice with the Nuggets.

The video itself would have been a lot better if not set to the cheesy studio music.

It’s gotta be weird feeling going from being “the man” to being the new guy trying to learn on the fly. You can also see lanky Cheikh (#35) in the vid.

You can check out Chauncey’s first game tomorrow at 10:30 est on ESPN when the Nuggets take on the Mavs. (HT: DBB)

(!)UPDATE: Video of Chauncey’s Nuggets’ presser where Billups says he ended up picking #7 because of Broncos great John Elway. Thanks to PN reader Dave for the heads up!

Looks like Stuckey doesn’t have to can’t give up #3 and just in case you had any doubt that the Chauncey Billups era was indeed over…

Also we’ve got a ‘Dyess buy out update via HoopsWorld:

Multiple sources have told HOOPSWORLD the Denver Nuggets and newly acquired forward Antonio McDyess are in the process of negotiating a buy-out. The proposal includes McDyess getting a little over $6 million over the course of the next two seasons.

Yesterday we were hearing that the Nuggets intended on buying out Antonio McDyess rather than forcing the hand of a player who didn’t want to be a part of their team. Again, we in Pistons Nation really feel for McDyess because we’ve seen his dedication to winning a ring in a Pistons jersey and the outward disappointment when it didn’t happen year after year. Rather than signing with any other contenders who’d happily welcome his addition Dice made it clear that he only wanted to contribute to a championship here.

How can we not want Denver to buy him out?

Well, wow Nuggets’ vice president of player personnel Rex Chapman is saying Denver plans to hold onto McDyess. Let’s just hope that this is some posturing on the part of Champman and the Nuggets.

If Denver does buy out Dice he’d be free to immediately sign with any team that isn’t the Pistons. For that he’d have to wait 30 days.

Rocky Moutain News via Detroit Free Press