How much better will they be? Pierce and Iverson is a great duo but what else is there? can Boston be a threat in the east? Does this trade make Pierce have reasons to stay? I have my doubts.
I think the Iverson+pierce combo would be just about impossible for almost any team to stop. the only thing that could stop both of them from having big nights is if they both have an "off night". The firepower they could produce would be unmatched. However, i think defensively their team might struggle, which is why i would say that their a championship team. the trade would improve boston dramatically, but not enough to be serious contedners. Hopefully AI goes to play with KG where they will have a contending team.
Look at NJ with Carter/Kidd/Jefferson going nowhere. It's become pretty obvious by now that a guard/guard combo is much less effective than a guard/big man combo. Obviously, getting Iverson would be huge for Boston, but as Thrilla said, they'll still be one move away from contention.
If the Celtics somehow manage to keep big al, and this trade goes through, then I definitely think this team has a legit chance.
^^ very easy to say Anyways, I believe that Celtics can make a great duo out of Iverson/Pierce. I am picturing them more like Arenas/Jamison or Kidd/Carter. If Celtics can somehow land Iverson, I feel the Celtics can be strong playoff contenders. Iverson and Pierce will make great duos.
All the teams that Iverson is rumored to go to could become instant "REALLY GOOD" playoff contenders. I expect no difference with Boston, especially with Pierce at his side.
Iverson just needs a sidekick to make that certain team a contender. For example: Garnett, Pierce, Melo. Those are the only three players who Iverson could pair up with to make that team a strong playoff contender. I would hate for Iverson to go to Sacramento or Bobcats, because there he really wouldn't have a sidekick to make that team a playoff contender. It will be best for him to go to a team with an all-star.
