I've been discussing the recent Allen Iverson trade to the Pistons with some co-workers, and while others think its a bad move on the Pistons part, I tend to disagree. While Iverson has been a me-first scoring machine type for the majority of his career, that mentality was based on necessity not selfishness.

Until his most-recent stint in Denver, Iverson has never been surrounded by enough talent to be anything but a team's No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 scoring options wrapped into one but that won't be the case in Detroit and a new-look Iverson will be born. With Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace by his side, expect to see a whole new A.I. once he gets established in the Motor City. One who will still do his fair share of scoring when needed, but one who will also draw the double team on drives to the basket only to kick it out to open shooters who can and will knock down the open looks.

I truly believe that the championship-starved Iverson will give up some shots and ultimately watch as his scoring average plummets in favor of a well-balanced attack that will provide him with his best shot at a title since he carried the Sixers on his back during the team's championship run in 2000. You remember that powerful offensive lineup that included Aaron McKie, George Lynch, Matt Geiger, Theo Ratliff and the ever-explosive Nazr Mohmammed. How Iverson led that squad to within three games of a world championship is still one of the biggest mysteries in the history of professional sports not to mention a major accomplishment on his impressive list of credentials.

Only time will tell who gets the better of this trade and if Iverson is ultimately a good fit in Detroit, but my gut feeling is the league will soon be introduced to a new, older, wiser A.I. who is willing to do whatever he needs to do to pick up the elusive ring. Whether it's developing a pass-first, shoot later mentality or becoming the on-court leader they were looking for in Denver, the Pistons version of Iverson could be the best ever. And that's saying something.

Worst-case scenario, the me-first Iverson beast lives on and the Pistons bow out in the conference finals much like they have for the last several years and free up about $30 million after dumping the salaries of Billips, McDyess and free-agent-to-be Iverson. That extra cap space could then be used to land a Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade or perhaps even LeBron James in the free agent market. Like any trade, we'll have to wait and see on who got the best of it. Stay tuned.

After a sizzling week that should get him thinking about a trip to Vegas, Yale Brown picked 12 of 14 games correctly to take down The Blogger (8 picks) and the rest of the pack to win this week's contest. For his efforts Brown will be receiving an authentic 8-by-10 signed photo of Drew Brees.

To try and take down The Blogger yourself, check back on Wednesday to see the matchups and points points spreads for this week's games and make your picks before the start of the week's first game. If you pick more games correctly than the Blogger, you could be the next winner. There is a Thursday night game this week so make sure you get your picks in a half-hour before the start of the Cleveland-Denver game to be eligible. Spread the word and good luck.

With the first night of the NBA schedule kicking off I had to wonder what David Stern and Co. were thinking when they picked the start date. I realize things have been this way for years now, but it sure seems like starting the NBA season a little later in the year would benefit all of those associated with the Association.

Think about it, wouldn't in make more sense for the ratings-starved NBA to wait until the World Series is completely over before trying to steal some viewers and advertising dollars? I'm sure they realize they're in a no-win situation when it comes to competing head-to-head against the almighty NFL, but taking on MLB at the same time is similar to picking a fight with two 20-year-old Mike Tysons. You can't beat one so what makes you think two is a good idea?

I'm sure there has been a ton of research done that produced some sort of rationale as to why the NBA jumps in with the NFL season in full swing and Major League Baseball showcasing its biggest event, but nothing logical comes to mind that's for sure. I realize that changing the time frame the NBA season kicks off would involve some major logistical issues and likely millions of dollars as well, but that money could be recouped over the long haul in additional ad revenue and an increased viewing audience.

When the choices are a meaningful midseason NFL game, Game 5 of the Fall Classic or the first of 82 meaningless NBA games, the options are simple – the baseball game on center stage, with the football game locked on your "last channel" button on your controller, with the NBA game only getting a look when both of the others have gone to commercials. Sometimes timing is everything, a fact lost on those running the NBA.