Detroit Pistons Tickets

The Detroit Pistons flamed out in the second round of last year's playoffs, and general manager Joe Dumars realized it was more than just a bad series.

Dumars decided that the current group of players had run its course and it was time to change things up and go in another direction.

The GM did just that, making a blockbuster trade that sent veteran point guard Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for superstar Allan Iverson.

The move has worked out well for both teams. It makes sense from an economical standpoint for the Pistons because Billups still has several years left on his contract while Iverson will be a free agent after the season.

Dumars was looking more toward the future with the trade as he plans on continuing to reshape the roster after the season.

However, the short-term outlook is surprisingly good as well, as Iverson's presence has seemed to energize the team.

However, I'm quick to note that while the shakeup may have sparked the team, Iverson's numbers have seen a significant drop from previous seasons. That's certainly a concern given his age and how much pounding his body has taken throughout his career, but at least the Pistons can let him hit free agency in the offseason.

The trade of Billups has also given Rodney Stuckey a chance to become more involved, as he has moved into the starting point guard spot.

The Iverson trade hasn't been the only change for the Pistons. In a stunning move, star Richard Hamilton now finds himself coming off of the bench despite being the second leading scorer on the team.

Hamilton has struggled at times this season and the coaching staff thought it might be best if he was used in a different role. I'm sure he isn't happy about the move, but he has kept his thoughts to himself.

The Pistons should be the fourth of fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, which might be enough to at least advance them to the second round of the playoffs.