The Consensus: Bench Iverson

The Allen Iverson bashing is picking up momentum. Putting Iverson on the bench would not solve all of this team’s problems, but it would definitely solve quite a few. In an effort to support the arguments made in The Detroit News, The Detroit Free Press, and on Fanhouse, here is a recap of the reasons the Pistons should reduce Iverson to a reserve role.

• Iverson is regarded as a terrible defender; however he also appears to be incapable of being part of an efficient offense.
• Part of the reason Iverson brings down an offense is his horrendous shot selection.
• Iverson allegedly kills team spirits.
• As crazy as this sounds, Iverson is no longer good enough to start for an above average NBA team. Not a single team with an above .500 record would benefit from starting Iverson over one of its current starters.
• Iverson dominates the ball while in the game. This has detrimental effects when he plays with the starters, but would be OK alongside the Piston reserves, many of whom struggle to create open looks.
• RIP Hamilton is the shooting guard of the future. It makes sense to allow him to play alongside Stuckey and Prince – the other core players here for the long haul – as often as possible. Since Stuckey and Prince both start, the logical move is to start Hamilton.
• Stuckey looks lost playing with Iverson. His development should be the top priority for the Pistons the remainder of this season. Allowing him to play in a more traditional offense –one that does not revolve around Iverson – would be ideal.

The Pistons won roughly 70 percent of their games between the start of the 2001-2002 season and the trade for Iverson. Since Iverson first suited-up in Piston blue, the team has won 45 percent of its games. Obviously there are a ton of other factors at work and the problems extend far beyond Iverson, but he clearly has not been of much help. Whatever the Pistons are doing now is not working. Limiting Iverson’s role is an option Michael Curry must explore. If this season can be salvaged, he has no other choice.