By George B. Eichorn of The Detroit Monitor

What a trade, eh? You got to hand it to Pistons executive Joe Dumars for pulling off a stunning move — at a time no one expected. Obtaining all-star guard Allen Iverson from the Denver Nuggets last week could be a stroke of genius. The price was heavy as popular captain and guard Chauncey Billups was sent packing along with forward Antonio McDyess and little-used center Cheikh Samb.

Iverson is still one of the top guards and gate attractions in the NBA. The Pistons will benefit on the court as well as in the stands as more fans buy tickets to see AI play than would to see Billups.

McDyess’ absence leaves a void. He was the top sixth man off the Pistons bench, along with guard Rodney Stuckey. Without McDyess, the Pistons substitution rotation is lacking the talent and strength they had hoped for. There is hope that McDyess may return to the Pistons after 30 days, provide all other NBA teams don’t offer him a deal to sign.

Don’t look now but the Detroit Lions have lost 16 of 17 games and tasking of winning a game soon is not getting any easier.

Following Detroit’s 38-14 thrashing last Sunday at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Lions have three consecutive quality opponents to close out the cold month of November: at Carolina, at home a week from Sunday against Tampa Bay and on Thanksgiving Day versus undefeated Tennessee.

Woe is coach Rod Marinelli and the Lions. Pity the fans who are not buying the garbage being heaped at them from Allen Park and Ford Field. You won’t hear the word embarrassment heard from the front office or coaching staff yet you will from long-suffering blue- and white-collar fans that still but tickets.

It’s time, Mr. Ford, to sell this team. And if you cannot do that, it’s high time to turn the reins over to your son, in scant hopes he has a clue on how to run

– not ruin – an NFL franchise.The Red Wings are on their way to another wonderful season

– it appears thus far. Thanks to free agent winger Marian Hossa and star Henrik Zetterberg (8 goals each) the Wings are scoring more goals and outlasting most of their opponents en route to a first-place standing in the NHL’s Central Division.Despite a weaker-than-expected defense and not-as-solid goaltending, the Wings appear primed to defend their Stanley Cup title of one season ago. In the 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils last Saturday at Joe Louis Arena, the Wings showed marked improvement in their checking game and overall defense. Again, Hossa led the way with two more goals in the victory.

The question always comes up among friends of mine: Which of the four major professional teams has the best press box food?

In memory of deceased colleague Joe Falls of the Detroit News, who loved writing about this stuff, it’s time to reveal my rankings based on quality and not price. By the way, the Lions and Pistons serve complimentary meals to the media while the Red Wings and Tigers make us pay.

The Pistons get an A-plus. Outstanding quality served by the Palace Restaurant Management Group in Auburn Hills. The main course is always a delicious one with roast pork, a variety of chicken entrees or beef — always served just right. This is complimented by a starch such as potatoes or pasta plus hearty cooked vegetables, rolls, a salad bar and scrumptious deserts like cream puffs topped with Sanders hot fudge.

The Lions food grade is an A-minus. They feature Levy Restaurant’s finest eats such as pork chops, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, meatballs and pasta, steamed veggies, salad and desserts like slices of cake or fresh-baked cookies. An added treat at halftime is chili with hot dogs, potato chips, brownies and a fresh fruit tray.

Give the Red Wings and Tigers both a B-minus. Their food is far less flashy than the Pistons or Lions. A typical entrée at the Red Wings is one meat, one side and one veggie plus a salad bar, slices of Little Caesars pizza and slice of cake or a frozen ice cream bar.

At Comerica Park there’s a bit more variety with typically two hot entrees to select from, vegetables, a soup/salad bar and an occasional ice cream treat for dessert. Another nice feature at the Tigers press box is home-cooked omelets and potatoes at matinee games and the always-popular deep-fried chicken tenders and French fries or burger and fries

– at any game.Personal friend and Monitor reader John Wendler of Westland has again compiled his “dollar battles” list with the Pistons facing the Red Wings at home. There are six such battles this season starting November 26 with the Pistons hosting the Knicks and Red Wings hosting the Canadiens. I bet those two will both be sellouts. The Lions and Pistons have two dollar battles and the Pistons and MSU Spartans (football) one.

As for possible out-of-town visitors to see multiple games in Detroit, he offers these: February 4 and 8: Wings host Coyotes and Pistons host the Suns and April 11 and 13: Wings host Black Hawks and Pistons host Bulls. We are not open for business in regards to ticket sales!

Finally, Wendler adds these possible trips to see multiple teams from here on the road — November 21-22: U-M Wolverines at Miami (Ohio) in college hockey and U-M at OSU football; December 27-28: Pistons at Bucks and Lions at Packers; January 27-28: Red Wings at Columbus and U-M at OSO basketball; February 20-22: U-M at OSU hockey and Pistons at Cavaliers; April 6 and 8: Red Wings at Sabres and Pistons at Rangers; April 11 and 13: Wings at Black Hawks, Pistons at Bulls and Tigers at White Sox (through April 15).

Buy George Eichorn’s book, “Detroit Sports Broadcasters On the Air,” for $19.99 or less at 

www.amazon.com. Reach him at geichorn@yahoo.com.

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