Pistons Have Not Recovered from Billups Trade

From 2002-2008, the Detroit Pistons advanced to an unprecedented six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. Despite going through three different coaches during the span, the Pistons continued to maintain a consistent level of play by winning at least 50 games during those six seasons. The primary reason behind their sustained excellence? Point guard Chauncey Billups, whose leadership both on and off the court set a tremendous example for his teammates.

Before the 2002-03 season, the Pistons signed Billups to a five-year, $25 million contract, arguably the greatest free agent signing in NBA history. All Billups did since he arrived in Detroit was average seven assists per game, 17.4 points per game, and 90% free throw shooting. Furthermore, he was the go-to-player on the team, as he recorded numerous clutch shots at the end of games to lead his team to victories.

His stellar play led the Pistons to an NBA Championship in the 2003-04 season, in which he was named NBA Finals MVP. In the following year, he led his team to another NBA Finals appearance, when the Pistons lost to the Spurs in seven grueling games. Along with the victories, he also transformed teammate Richard Hamilton into one of the premier guards in the NBA, as their on-court chemistry was absolutely impeccable.

However, despite his excellence, Billups was often underappreciated by the Detroit Pistons organization. After signing Billups to a $64 million contract following the 2006-07 season, the Pistons put Billups on the trading block midway through the 2007-08 season, as they thought that his best years were behind him. However, despite the rumors, Billups nonetheless led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Celtics dethroned the Pistons.

Finally, after a coaching change prior to the 2008-09 season, the Pistons traded Billups to the Denver Nuggets for a package that included Allen Iverson. With the remainder of their core still intact, the Pistons believed that they still could compete for a championship. However, the Pistons immediately missed Billups’ leadership, as they faded to a losing record of 39-43. In the playoffs, the Cavaliers swept the Pistons in the first round, winning every game by double digits. Furthermore, tremendous turmoil existed in the locker room, as a number of players expressed their discontent about playing for coach Michael Curry.

The Nuggets, on the other hand, thrived under Billups, as he rejuvenated a franchise that hadn’t won a playoff series since 1994. In particular, Carmelo Anthony has benefitted the most from Billups, as he is currently has averaged over 25 points per game playing with the point guard. In the 2008-09 season, the Nuggets won 54 games and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where the Lakers ousted them in six games.

Currently, in the 2009-10 season, both teams have gone in opposite directions, as the Pistons are 19-33 while the Nuggets are 35-18. Billups is averaging 19.5 points per game while helping Anthony average 29.2 points. Unlike the Nuggets, the Pistons will have immense difficulty making the playoffs, and they even suffered through a 13 game losing streak earlier in the season.

With all of the Pistons glory years in this millennium under Billups’ leadership, why did they even think about trading the face of their franchise? After all, he averaged at least 17 points in his final four full seasons with the team, while bringing the necessary intangibles to the Detroit Pistons. In addition, he knew when to keep egocentric players like Rasheed Wallace in check during difficult times and made the most out of Richard Hamilton. The Pistons have not found a leader since his dismissal, which has contributed greatly to their downfall.

Players like Chauncey Billups do not come around very often, and it will take the Pistons a while before finding a capable replacement.