Iverson's playing status uncertain against Toronto

[November 06, 2008]  TORONTO (AP) -- Allen Iverson is questioning his status as an NBA superstar.

After being traded for the second time in his career, Iverson is awaiting the results of Chauncey Billups' physical before being allowed to play for Detroit.

"I'm starting to feel like a journeyman," Iverson said jokingly at the Pistons' shootaround before the game against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.

Some journeyman. The 33-year-old Iverson ranks 20th among all-time scorers in NBA history, earning league MVP and nine-time All-Star status.

The Pistons acquired Iverson in a blockbuster trade Monday, sending Billups, top reserve Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb to the Denver Nuggets.

Iverson's status for the Raptors' game is dependent on Billups, who needed to take a physical in Denver to complete the deal. McDyess and Samb have not been required to report to Denver.

"I'm just ready to go," said Iverson, who has taken a physical. "Hopefully everything gets taken care of ... and I'll be able to get on the court with my team and try to learn these plays as fast as possible."

Pistons coach Michael Curry wasn't too concerned about Iverson's status against the Raptors (3-0).

"If he's able to play, he's starting and (Rodney) Stuckey is coming off the bench behind him," Curry said.

Iverson likely will make his home debut Sunday night against the defending champion Boston Celtics.

Whenever Iverson makes his Pistons' debut, he'll be on the court with All-Stars Richard Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace and Olympian Tayshaun Prince.

"I've always been a fan of the Detroit Pistons, even though we had to play against them so much, but I became a fan by knowing how tough they were," Iverson said. "These teams are all about heart, and I just think I fit right in with that."

Iverson acknowledged it will take some time to feel comfortable with his new team.

"It's definitely going to be a work in progress" he said. "I'd be lying if I said the chemistry will be there right off the top. (Curry) said the way they play is aggressive on offense and aggressive on defense. Obviously you know I can be aggressive on offense and just do the best I can on the other end of the court."

Curry expects Iverson to settle in quickly.

"When you're that talented, and he's going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, you can fit in with any team," Curry said.

Wallace said the Pistons are excited by the addition of Iverson to the lineup.

"We know what type of player he is, we know he's a fierce competitor and that goes perfect with this team," Wallace said. "We're all about one thing, and that's making sure we play in June, and I think he still has that hunger in him to be playing in June."

Iverson, the top pick in the 1996 draft, said Wallace doesn't have to worry.

"I have a big-time resume, but I have a big hole in that, and that's a championship, so obviously that's something I want to accomplish," Iverson said. "I have money, I have all the individual accolades, I've done all the All-Stars, the scoring championships, the MVPs, stuff like that.

"But I haven't had a chance to feel the feeling of winning a championship, and that's the most important thing for me right now."

[Associated Press]

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