Pistons Begin Curry Era With A Changing Of The Guard
by Steve St. Pierre
The Pistons are on a mission to prove to their fans that they still have what it takes to compete for an NBA Championship.
They came into this season with only one significant change in the hiring of Michael Curry, Pistons Head Coach. Fans voiced their displeasure after the team produced only minor changes to the roster. That was until Nov. 3, when the franchise announced its acquisition of superstar guard Allen Iverson.
Coming over from the Denver Nuggets, Iverson was traded in exchange for guard Chauncey Billups, forward Antonio McDyess and center Cheikh Samb. McDyess is expected to be released by Denver and could re-sign with Detroit following a 30-day wait.
“We are pleased to welcome Allen Iverson to the Pistons organization,” says Joe Dumars, Pistons President. “Allen has proven he is one of the elite players in the league and we like what he adds to our roster at the guard position.”
With Billups vacating the starting point guard spot, Iverson is expected to step right into the role and should have little trouble establishing himself as the new face of the franchise. The Pistons are also excited about the debut of Curry, who appears to have already won over his players with his philosophies and approach to the game.
“I have gotten nothing but positive feedback from each and every (player) about playing for our new coach,” Dumars says.
“Michael Curry is more of an in-your-face type of coach…” adds forward Amir Johnson. “…If you don’t play hard, you come down and sit on the bench.”
Prior to the Iverson deal, the team had made only minor changes. Since drafting rookie Walter Sharpe in June, the Pistons signed only reserve free agents, inking guard Will Bynum, center Kwame Brown and re-signing forward Walter Herrmann and guard Alex Acker. Detroit also announced contract extensions for veterans Rodney Stuckey, Arron Afflalo, Jason Maxiell and Rip Hamilton.
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