Nor Cal Basketball

The trade is still new. Allen Iverson and his Detroit Pistons teammates are still working out the kinks.

Which is why Iverson said he's not concerned with the losses in his first two games with the Pistons.

"It takes a little bit of time," Iverson said Monday at Arco Arena. "The most important thing is, we have 76 games. What more can you ask for? If you can't get it together in 76 games, it's not going to come together."

Iverson joined the Pistons in a Nov. 3 trade that sent Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb to the Denver Nuggets. The swap created a buzz around the league, while bolstering interest in a Detroit team that has made it to the Eastern Conference finals six consecutive seasons.

Iverson said he welcomed the pressure associated with playing for Detroit.

"People are saying if we don't win a championship, it's a bust," Iverson said. "I haven't been on a team like that."

Playing for his third team in three seasons, Iverson said he had a feeling he might be traded after hearing rumblings from players and agents. Then came the telltale sign.

"I noticed something in the beginning of the season when I didn't have a play called for me," Iverson said. "I thought that was weird."

He said he will remember his time in Denver with Carmelo Anthony as a good experience with a good friend.

"All in all, I think it was (good chemistry)," he said. "After we are done playing basketball, it's something we will talk about, laugh about and cherish."

That's not to say Iverson's career is nearing the end. Iverson, who is in his 13th NBA season, said physically he feels like he has a lot of mileage left in him, despite critics saying his stamina is wearing down.

"People just expect that because of the way I play, and rightfully so," Iverson said. "I am fortunate enough to be blessed with the trainers I've had in my career. I feel fine. I can run with the best of them night in and night out."

He said he was humbled by the applause he received from fans when first introduced with the Pistons.

"It couldn't be better," Iverson said. "That was priceless."

Timeout – Pistons point guard Rodney Stuckey did not make the trip to Sacramento with his teammates Monday after experiencing dizziness during Sunday's loss to Boston. Stuckey stayed behind in Detroit for further medical observation, although he has not been ruled out for tonight's game against the Kings.

Forward Walter Sharpe will be available tonight, despite missing the team's flight to Sacramento.

Posted on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 PST at http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/1387246.html
Author: mgutierrez@sacbee.com (Melody Gutierrez)