Utah Jazz players agree: Billups makes Nuggets better

When the Denver Nuggets traded all-world scorer Allen Iverson to Detroit for All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups early in the season, the Utah Jazz players and coaches all felt their Northwest Division rivals got the better of the deal.

Many NBA observers at the time disagreed, however, feeling Iverson would be the boost the Pistons needed to compete with the Celtics and others in the Eastern Conference.

Now, three-quarters of the way through the season, it seems clear that the Nuggets were the trade's big winner. Denver, while in a little slump of late, has led the division all season long, with Billups a steadying influence.

The Pistons — a team that has been to the Eastern Conference finals, at least, for six straight seasons — are now barely a .500 team.

"It's a different (Denver) team with Chauncey out there," said Jazz point guard Deron Williams before practice on Thursday in preparation for tonight's game against the Nuggets at EnergySolutions Arena. "Allen Iverson is more of a scorer. Chauncey is a guy who scores, but he also distributes and knows how to run a team very well. That's something that they needed. Carmelo Anthony has benefited from it. Nene has benefited from it. Kenyon Martin and all those guys have benefited from (Billups) being there and getting them the ball."

Added Carlos Boozer, "(Billups) is a very poised player. He's very confident, a great quarterback and a winner. ... They still play up-tempo, but now they are more in control with Chauncey at the helm. He makes sure the ball goes where it needs to go."

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is also a fan of the way Billups directs a team.

"(Billups) gives them direction," said Sloan. "They seem to be running a few more plays and be in more control because of his ability and the way he's always played. He's been a very effective player throughout his career."

WANTING TO SCORE LESS: In a league where the top scorers are usually rewarded with the biggest contracts, many NBA players worry about the number of "touches" or shots they get per game.

Utah's point guard, meanwhile, likes that he won't be required to score so much anymore.

"Having everybody being back and everybody being healthy means I need to try to get everybody involved and I don't have to worry about scoring so much," said Williams.