Apology a critical first step in regaining trust

The relationship with Allen Iverson's teammates is the only thing that bears watching in the aftermath of his Thanksgiving practice no-show. Outsiders might wonder first about Michael Curry - especially as a first-time head coach - and how Iverson's insubordination would threaten to undermine his authority.

But to know Curry and - especially - to know Curry's relationship with Joe Dumars renders such concern moot. Nobody was thrilled about rolling out of bed on Thanksgiving morning - after not getting out of The Palace until nearly midnight after Wednesday's win over New York - to come to practice. But the Pistons were griping good naturedly to each other about it after Wednesday's game - brothers in misery, so to speak.

When Iverson didn't show, he set himself apart from his team. He had said and done every right thing since being introduced to Detroit on Nov. 4, talking from the heart that first day about having achieved every individual honor he could in the NBA - MVP, scoring champ, first-team all-NBA - but having a hole on his resume that could only be filled by winning the title. He convinced Joe D that's all that mattered to him.

Actions trump words every time, though, so sleeping in on Thanksgiving morning while the players with far more equity in this franchise reported for duty taps the brakes on Iverson's Pistonization.

But almost nothing is black or white. One misstep doesn't mean Iverson is destined to fall short of becoming fully vested with the Pistons. The first step was a critical one and he took that Friday morning - apologizing all around, but most especially to his teammates.

Michael Curry will be fine. If anything, his handling of the whole affair underscores the ease with which he's assumed command of the Pistons. There were no histrionics from Curry, no dangerous ultimatums, no bridges burned. He acted swiftly, fairly and decisively.

The only issue here is how Iverson's teammates respond to him going forward. They're a serious group and they properly regard Iverson's no-show as a breach of team ethic. But they're also mindful that the only goal that matters to them is winning a championship. They know that's much more attainable with a focused and productive Iverson as opposed to an alienated and disengaged Iverson. So they'll give him every chance to regain their trust. His apology was a necessary first step.

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