Wrong Answer: Iverson benched for first time

Feb 27, 2009 - 11:52 PM DETROIT (Ticker) -- Detroit Pistons guard Allen Iverson will be coming off the bench for the first time in his career.

Iverson, who has been dealing with a sore back, will be replaced in the lineup by Richard Hamilton.

According to the Detroit News, Pistons coach Michael Curry announced the move at Friday's shootaround, which Iverson did not attend.

Curry said it is the final lineup change of the season. The plan will not take effect immediately, though. An MRI on Iverson's back came back negative and he returned to Detroit for more tests.

The Pistons will face the Magic without him Friday.

Iverson has averaged 18.0 points and 5.0 assists in 51 games since being acquired from the Denver Nuggets for Chauncey Billups in November.

He pushed Hamilton, who has been a starter his entire career, out of the lineup on January 20. The experiment has not worked out though, as Detroit is 4-12 with Hamilton coming off the bench.

"This change is more than about Allen and Rip," Curry said. "We hope that with this change, more guys will play better. That's what we are seeking. Hopefully this will allow us to execute better, get us back in sync and rejuvenate us."

Curry spoke to Iverson about the move and said the 10-time All-Star is not happy about it.

"He's been trying to play hurt and he's been frustrated with that," Curry said.

"He didn't react any different than Rip did when I told talked him about coming off the bench earlier. Neither guy wants to come off the bench, but this is the hand we've been dealt. If Allen is healthy, once he steps on the court I am convinced he will give us 110 percent."