Detroit Pistons: 5 best free agency moves in franchise history
1. Chauncey Billups
Sometimes greatness has to evolve.
When Billups signed with the Pistons as a free agent in 2002, it was his sixth team in as many seasons. It seemed like he would never live up to the expectations that came with being the No. 3 overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft.
The Pistons needed Mr. Big Shot as much as he needed the team. The Pistons ended their 12-year Eastern Conference Finals drought the first season Billups suited up in a Detroit uniform. The team made the playoffs every year he played in the Motor City.
Billups shot 51.3 percent en route to winning Finals MVP honors during the 2004 NBA Finals. Billups’ shooting and camaraderie with Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince helped them defeat the Lakers 4-1 in the Finals.
13 yrs ago today..WE shook up the world. Broke up the dynasty..#best5alive pic.twitter.com/T83ggRi8pF
— Chauncey Billups (@1MrBigShot) June 16, 2017
During his time in Detroit, Billups made three All-Star teams and two All-NBA teams. He has hit the second-most three-pointers in Pistons history (876), and ranks among the top 10 in assists and made free throws.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
Billups is ranked second among players for most three-pointers in Pistons’ history with 876 three pointers. He also ranked in the top 10 for assists and made free throws.