By Andy Charles

When you take a look at NBA previews, November 3 2008 could just go down as the biggest day in the history of the Denver Nuggets – the day Chauncey Billups came home.

Billups has always been a legend in the Mile High City after his time at the University of Colorado, where his No 4 jersey was retired, but what he has done since returning for the loss of only the underwhelming Allen Iverson has elevated him towards God-like status.

The 2008/9 Nuggets, who have already smashed most of their franchise marks, stand on the verge of a first trip to the NBA finals should they be able to match the highs of the easy series win over the Mavericks when they come up against either the Lakers or the Rockets.

And however many points Carmelo Anthony scored this season – 1504 in 66 games to save you looking – you can place a lot of your basketball betting money on the fact that it was Billups’ addition that turned this franchise into the winner it has become.

George Karl’s offense is perfect for the veteran and boy has he enjoyed running it. Especially since the start of the play-offs, putting up some incredible performances including a master class 28 point, 12 assist show against loudmouth Mark Cuban’s Mavs in a fitting finale on Wednesday night.

Poise and leadership were just what the Nuggets needed, and just what Iverson could never produce, and has never produced anywhere in his career despite the gaudy numbers and the flashy personality.

Of course time could prove it to be a win-win, Denver possibly going all the way this season and Detroit ridding themselves of Iverson’s bloated $21m contract as soon as they can – about now would be a good idea.

Their big hope has to be the predicted financial upswing actually arriving in stricken Motown by the end of next season, probably a lost one in this toughest of the tough Western Conference, when the 2010 free agent free-for-all kicks off, justifying a move for one of the high-profile free-agents who should become available.

Adding a LeBron, D-Wade or Chris Bosh could just make this a really bad bet that the Pistons win in the long-run.

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