by Anthony Francisco

Created on: April 10, 2009   Last Updated: May 04, 2009

The Allen Iverson trade can simply be described as the deal that ruined a franchise. The Detroit Pistons, once a shoe in for the Eastern Conference finals, barely made it to the first round for 2009. Not even a monumental descent from the top, just a complete and utter collapse. When did this all happen? Right around the time the Pistons dealt one of the best point guards in the game for another pure scorer on a team stacked with shooters. Actually, if you were to examine the characteristics of Iverson's game, by taking a look at what he brings to the table, the Pistons already have a player with all of those credentials in Rip Hamilton. Hamilton may not have the scoring titles, the fat paycheck, or the media appeal, but he offers the same type of game as Iverson. In fact, he has had to give up playing time just to accommodate Iverson. Still, that's not the worst part. Iverson could have possibly made an impact in the playoffs, using his experience to contribute to a drawn out, hard fought series. Opposing teams may have even had trouble matching up to both Iverson and Hamilton; the Pistons may have been able to justify the trade once and for all. The worst part; Iverson is currently out for the season and will not play a single second during the 2009 playoffs.

Now let's take a look at the other end of the spectrum. More specifically, how the Denver Nuggets went from average team in the Western Conference to the number two seed and a force to be reckoned with. Upon the arrival of Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets seemed to play with an air of invincibility. The Nuggets will be heading into the 2009 playoffs as the Northwestern division champs, outpacing a young and talented Portland team. The team has made several impressive runs throughout the season, including a notable nine game home winning streak with Billups controlling the ball. Additionally, the arrival of Billups has sparked the play of the team's other marquee player, Carmelo Anthony. It only makes sense that the addition of an experienced, skilled, team player like Billups will help to increase production from the other players on the floor.

To sum things up, the Pistons may have dealt away their chance at ever returning to the NBA championship, while losing their status as one of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference. The Nuggets have always been competitive in the West, but are now the second best team in a conference filled with playoff contenders. So, what kind of impact did the Allen Iverson trade have on the NBA? Perhaps, the outcome of the playoffs will tell all, and the decline of a dynasty may just be solidified.

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