New team, old tricks for Allen Iverson. After vowing that he’d changed his ways at a news conference that introduced him as the newest Detroit Piston, Allen Iverson showed an old habit this week. The recently traded point guard missed a practice without being excused by the team. Pistons coach Michael Curry confirms that A.I. won’t start for Detroit in tonight’s game. He’ll be replaced in the starting line-up by Rodney Stuckey. Iverson also faces an undisclosed fine.

Stephon Marbury criticized after recent loss. The 14-point loss New York suffered this week after playing with just seven men has forward Quentin Richardson lashing out. The player blames guard Stephon Marbury, whose listing as inactive has kept him on the bench this season, but who sat out the game for a second time Wednesday after having a chance to play. Marbury earlier disputed reports that he’d been offered 30 minutes of playing time last week, saying he was told the decision wasn’t his. “He hasn’t played with us all year,” says Richardson. “Regardless of what you have going on with the organization or what you have going on with your coach or whatever, you’re not going to allow your teammates to be left out there the way we were basically being left out there.” Richardson says he doesn’t “look at Marbury as a teammate anyway.” Injuries and trade maneuvering have left the Knicks roster short in recent days.

Francisco Rodriguez to consider offers in Las Vegas. Record-setting pitcher Francisco Rodriguez will start testing the team market in Las Vegas at winter meetings on Dec. 8, says his agent. K-Rod, who had a best-ever save total of 62 games for the Los Angeles Angels, wants a five-year contract of about $15 million a season. The New York Mets, who K-Rod’s agent says he plans to address, are among candidates to become the pitcher’s new team.

TAGS: Allen Iverson, Detroit Pistons, Francisco Rodriguez, Las Vegas, loss, New York Knicks, practice, Stephon Marbury

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