We're talkin' about me, myself, and Iverson.

Recent wall-to-walls via Facebook with a friend has fueled me to to defend Allen Iverson for the 81893812838 time. If you don't care, don't read.

So far this season, I've heard and/or read about mostly the following:
Pistons losses = Allen Iverson's fault.
Allen Iverson = Not Chauncey Billups.
Allen Iverson = overrated.

I was at work the day of the trade, November 3rd 2008.
I get Pistons news/scores texted to me, so I got the news. Allen Iverson traded to the Pistons.
I loved it.

That entire week, month, and still to this day, all I've heard about are negative comments about the entire thing. A lot of Pistons fans hate it, and have even stopped watching games and rooting for their team because they don't like Iverson. I feel like I'm the only one who likes it. That's cool ... I mean, I like a lot of things others hate, so I'm used to it. I'm cool with it, whatever.

But when people start placing the blame for everything on him, that's when I get kinda heated.

Once again, he is not to blame for the Pistons' struggles.
It's like you're just looking for someone to blame.

People back this up with "He's not playing the same. He's not scoring enough. Blahblah."

You could take any great player - who for their entire career has been the star of the team, the point-getter, the one to carry the team, and put them on a team that works together, shares the ball, and where every player contributes - and they'd be completely different players. They'd pass the ball more, they'd sit more, they'd shoot less. All of this equaling less points, obviously, which tells you why his ppg is down since joining the team.

Anyway, you need to look at the entire team, not just him. Look at the way the others play. Look at the shots they miss, look at their turnovers. Don't just put the blame on A.I. because you don't like him - or, what I'm starting to think it is - because you still miss Chauncey.

All these Pistons fans want and expect him to be like Chauncey Billups. Well, that's not fair.


Another thing, it's disappointing to see Pistons fans giving up on them this season.
It reminds me of an article that was in the Grand Rapids Press back in December about the 0-16 Lions titled "You Call Yourself A Fan?"

Some excerpts:

"It might be a silly little pet peeve of mine, but I firmly believe that once you start rooting for your team to lose, you're no longer a fan."

"Being vocal and opinionated are the very essence of being a true and loyal fan. No one is suggesting that fans have to become sheep and simply go along with whatever product is being put in front of them. However, once you cross the line and ROOT for your team to lose, you've abdicated your right to describe yourself as a fan. "

"Please, puh-leeze, don't give me "proof" of your fan status because you're a season-ticket holder or you've watched every game on television for the past 20 years. That simply makes you a spectator.
And don't try to use the argument that you only want the team to lose because it's the only way to ensure some change in the front office and coaching staff."


Peace out, and GO PISTONS!