You never know about chemistry, but I think this deal makes Denver better. The experimented with AI and Carmelo together and I just don’t think playing 2 guys that need to dominate the ball that much works. Billups should allow Carmelo to be the man and be more of a traditional point guard who initiates offense for other players rather than just himself. He’s also a significant upgrade defensively where they’ve had to play Anthony Carter against the other teams’s 2 where he’s always mismatched. I think this will also provide an opening for J.R. Smith to play some minutes. With Iverson gone, I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves into the starting lineup with Carter moving to a backup role where he is more suited.

I’m not sure how this benefits the Pistons in the short term. I don’t thnk adding AI puts them over the top of either the Celtics or the Cavs. I guess Detroit must think that Stuckey is ready for a big step up (I love him as a player). They can rent AI for one year and then have 20 mil back for their cap and have Stuckey ready to start next year. I watched AI against the Clips and the Lakers and he really looks like he’s lost a step. It could be that he’s just not motivated since Denver stripped his captaincy and he’ll perk up on a new team. However, the Pistons have stressed defense over the last few years and I think AI is a downgrade for there. He gets some steals by gambling, but he’s not real effective as either a one on one or team defender where he gets exploited for his lack of size and lack of willingness and his quickness isn’t what it used be. Again, you never know how the chemistry will work out…it could be a great move, but does anyone think this makes Detroit better this year?

I think Cleveland should take a look at him…

I heard that Denver is expected to waive Dice. I wonder what his next destination will be?

Denver becomes a more balanced team, especially with Smith likely to start alongside Billups, and Carmelo should benefit from playing with a real PG again. McDyess gives them much-needed frontcourt depth, and he and Billups are the type of team-first, professional leaders that locker room seems to be lacking. The question I have is, how have they gone from dumping Camby (presumably for financial reasons) to shipping out a massive expiring contract like AI’s to take on $60M+ worth of salary in Billups and McDyess? What exactly is the plan over there?

I like the move for Denver, although it does not move them into contender status, but I think kwame a. is right that this is the first step in Detroit revamping. They will still be good this year but this is clearly a move about setting up cap space for the future.