Monster trade in the NBA announced today - Nuggets ship Iverson to the Pistons in exchange for Billups, McDyess and some scub.  What does this mean for both teams?

The Nuggets added some much needed frontcourt depth after losing Camby to free agency this past summer.  When healthy, the combination of 'Dyess, Nene, and K-Mart could prove to be a tough group of bigs.  I expect Melo to pick up the majority of shots left behind by Iverson.  Don't forget Melo averaged close to 30 ppg the year before A.I. arrived in Denver.  He could vie for the scoring title this year now that he has a pass-first PG (Billups) in his rotation.

The Pistons got a lot quicker today after shipping aging vets Chauncey and 'Dyess back to Denver - the team that drafted both of them.  Even though Iverson doesn't have the range of Chauncey, he's still one of the quickest players IN THE HISTORY of the league.  Dyess was Detroit's emotional leader and the key to the Pistons 2nd unit.  I expect Rip to come off the bench and pick up the scoring role in the 2nd Q while the starters rest.  That means A.I. will start opposite 2nd year pro Stuckey and revitalize one of the league's most dynamic backcourts.  This trade also paves the way for Amir J to find more minutes at PF.  All in all, a nice job by Mr. Dumars.

Most importantly, what does this mean for the Cavs?  Coach Brown has always had a tough time slowing down the Pistons backcourt.  Mo and Delonte will have to limit Iverson's production and still conserve energy to burn at the offensive end.  That won't be easy considering Iverson averaged 34.5 ppg vs. the Cavs during his last year with Philly.  The loss of 'Dyess should create opportunities for the Cavs' long and deep frontcourt on the block.  The Cavs will need to control the pace of the game and keep the Pistons from getting easy hoops in transition.  And hopefully we can force a few more turnovers given that the Pistons team chemistry just took a hit!!!