New Conspiracy Theory: Jameer Nelson Intentionally KO'd Chauncey Billups

by Ben Q Rock on May 8, 2008 7:39 PM EDT in News Comment 3 comments

Jameer Nelson has not won the respect of Pistons fans.

Some Detroit Bad Boys readers noted in the comments section of last night's game thread that they think Jameer Nelson intentionally took down Chauncey Billups last night. As best I can tell, "Other Matt" was the first person to posit the theory (warning: language). Here's the video, courtesy TrueHoop:

Take a look at the second replay, from about 00:14 to 00:17. Jameer has right foot wrapped around Billups' left foot when Billups' left leg comes out from under him, causing him to split. From my perspective, it seems unlikely that Jameer's foot got in that position accidentally. Henry Abbott agrees, but says, "This is no great scandal. It's hardly the most evil basketball play ever. It's just a little garden variety playoff feistiness." Matt Watson, who runs Detroit Bad Boys, disagrees, saying he "still lean[s] toward it being incidental."

Intentional or not, there's no question that Billups' health -- even if he's able to play as soon as Saturday, there's no way he'll be at 100% -- is a key factor in this series. Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel has gone so far as to guarantee the Magic will win the series as long as Billups doesn't come back "close to full strength."

Me? I'm not ready to say that just yet. The Pistons still lead the series, 2-1, and they have the depth and talent to compensate for Billups' 17 points per game.

[Note by Ben Q Rock, 05/08/08 7:37 PM EDT ]:

DBB commenter Rob G has an amusing, if not disconcerting, take on the situation:

On purpose or not - why can’t we knock the hell out of him the next time he drives the lane anyway?

Jameer better be careful. He's already had 2 concussions this year, and the last thing we need is our 26-year-old Point Guard of the Future sidelined with a serious injury while our backups try to pick up the slack.

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Considering my experience with Pistons fans thus far has resulted in my wanting to mow them down with my Yaris, I’m disinclined to believe that Jameer intentionally meant to harm Billups.

Do I think Jameer wanted to trip Billups after falling to the ground? I really hope not. I despise fouls that occur solely for the purpose of hurting the player (I was not happy when Hedo pushed Bosh, disgusted with Jason Kidd, and rolled by eyes repeatedly at Songaila). I don’t think Jameer meant for Billups to attempt a split in the middle of the game and hurt himself. Don’t most men try to avoid straining their happy fun area? Anyway, I doubt that Jameer had the thought in the split second it took for them to fall to the ground that if he should twist his foot just so he could trip Billups, and in doing so predict that Billups would then lose his balance in a way resulting in an injury.

I don’t think Jameer’s that kind of player (coughBruce Bowencough). I hope he’s not. Did he mean to try to trip Billups up? Maybe. I would be disappointed if that were true but I would accept it, however grudgingly, if it were true. But I honestly don’t think any Magic player would wish true harm in their opponents. We’re not the Spurs, for God’s sakes.

If Billups hadn’t been injured, this would be a non-issue, but he was, and it’s very unfortunate. I’d rather have a series where we can prove ourselves against a good, healthy team, than have one riddled with controversies—shot clocks, free throws, fouls, injuries. and so on.

For now, though, I’ll give Jameer the benefit of a doubt.

by TheGiantSquid on May 8, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Excellent Post, GiantSquid

I would rather the Magic beat the Pistons with Billups in the lineup, that way we would get a lot more respect than if we beat them without Billups.

If the Magic can play the way they did in Game 3 (limiting their turnovers, shooting the three ball well, and outrebounding the Pistons), I believe they can beat the Pistons with or without Billups.

by Mike from Illinois on May 8, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jameer the thug

He looks kinda thuggish with all those tats… Yeah, I don’t think so either. If they purposefully try and give him another concussion Gortat should show off his boxing skills! With Billups out I really think that the advantage switches to the Magic. Go Magic!

'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12

by Eyriq the Red on May 8, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs