Some recent Detroit What Ifs
Pistons draft Carmello over Darko
Pistons don't trade Chauncey for Allen Iverson
If the Pistons draft Carmello, than you get Billups at the point, Rip at 2, Carmello at small forward, Elden Campbell at power forward, and Big Ben at center to start the season. Tayshaun Prince and Mehmet Okur would headline the bench. The big question for that season is whether or not they still trade for Sheed. It's also likely that the terms of the trade would be different. Whatever the case, Detroit is going to be better in the long term, but might take a chemistry hit in the short term. If Denver takes Darko, then they are screwed.
The second question has less important implications. Detroit is going to be better but not a title contender. Denver is going to take a hit and gets even less for Mello in the Knicks trade.