The Answer
As much as I hate to agree with unabashed Celtics fan Bill Simmons, a tremendous shift is about to take place in the NBA. Judging by the impact Shaq had on the Heat, Barkley had on the Suns, and Aguire had on the Pistons, a deep run into the playoffs or a title is about to fall into a lucky team's lap, most likely the Celtics or Clippers.



I can't remember a time when someone at or near the top of the league in scoring could be bought for a bargain-basement price from one of the worst teams in the league. Rest assured, Pistons fans will miss the days of Iverson's terrible supporting cast when they're facing him and his new team in a close game. Iverson has always been a player to be feared, but move him to any other team in the league and he becomes one of the most dangerous men on wood, especially when he plays the soon to be hapless Sixers. This is already one of the worst teams in the league: they have now lost nine straight without the services of Iverson. God help them when they have to play an angry and rejuvenated AI in a different uniform.
Judging by the lack of interest from possible trade destinations, this league has forgotten what Iverson brings to the court. His crossover move on Jordan was the most palpable moment marking the decline of the best ever's career. Every little man from the NBA to the playground has been imitating him for years. He's the only player with a heart as big as Jordan or Barkley. He's the only player I'll entertain the idea of "pound for pound best player ever" against Isiah Thomas. Watch the style of a game from the late 80s and watch a game now. His impact on the league is immeasurable.
Remember when Iverson carried a ridiculously flawed Philadelphia team on his back to the NBA finals and beat the Lakers in game one? I can't explain in words how good this Laker team was. Shaq was at the prime of his career and completely healthy, while Kobe was just as physically gifted but too young to start challenging Shaq and screwing up the chemistry. Phil Jackson was coaching out of his mind, and they had yet to lose a game in the playoffs. Philadelphia was a heavy underdog. Iverson didn't even have suitable roll players, but he was too angry, too aggressive, too stubborn to lose that game.



That Iverson is coming back.