Is there an election tomorrow?  As far as I'm concerned the blockbuster Iverson-Billups/McDyess deal about ten hours ago was the big story of the day.  It's rare to see a trade of this magnitude a couple games into the season and everybody seems to have an opinion.   Forget about what Chad Ford, Mark Stein, Stephen A. Smith, Rick Bucher, Big Brother Bill, Dr. A and all the other NBA "experts" have to say.  Here's what you need to know: Simply put, it was a trade both teams had to make. 

Over the past several months I've made my feelings quite clear about the direction of the Denver Nuggets so there is no need to launch into yet another critique of the Marcus Camby giveaway.  With Alan Iverson, Denver was going to find itself on the outside of the playoffs looking in this season.  Although a supreme talent, The Answer isn't a point guard.  He's also not a very consistent long range shooter.  Chauncey Billups is both.  Putting aside the fact that Billups has been one of "My Guys" for years, he is a much better complement to Carmelo Anthony.  J.R. Smith and Leinas Kleiza should also thrive with Chauncey running the show.  Although relatively unknown, Dahntay Jones is someone else who will benefit immensely from Billups.  DJ has really impressed me and I wouldn't be surprised if he plays major minutes while becoming a huge factor in the team's success.  Another big body up front is definitely needed (particularly with Kenyon Martin's recent hamstring injury), however, it appears as though Antonio McDyess has no interest in a third tour of duty in Denver.  Even if McDyess is bought out, Chauncey should lead the Nuggets to a 7th or 8th seed in the West.  

As far as Detroit is concerned, AI could be the missing ingredient to get the team back to the NBA Finals.  Blessed with a unique mix of solid veterans (Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince), young studs (Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson) and solid role players (Walter Herrmann, Will Bynum and Kwame Brown), The Answer should fit in very nicely.  By the way, I really did say that Kwame Brown is a solid role player.  Kwame will never be a star in the league, but he's a very effective defender and will pay dividends as the team advances through the playoffs.  Since Iverson has an expiring contract, the risk to Joe Dumars and the Pistons is minimal.  The huge $21 million cap figure comes off the books at the end of the season and the team can explore other options, if necessary.  While still a productive player, McDyess was preventing a couple of the youngsters from gaining valuable time on the court.  With his departure, Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson in particular should really flourish this season.   Dumars has been trying to shake things up since June and this deal may give Iverson a chance to compete for the ring he covets so much.  Boston and Cleveland are still the teams to beat in the East, but Detroit isn't too far behind...    







Well, the big day is now only a few hours away and by this time tomorrow night either Maverick McCain or That One are going to be the next President of the United States.  As mentioned earlier today, my ballot has already been cast so I'm just going to sit back and watch how it all plays out...