Pistons Can't Afford to Lose Billups

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Chauncey Billups is not Ben Wallace. Let's face it: If Chauncey Billups were Ben Wallace, that would mean the Pistons played only four guys for most of this decade, and that would be pretty dumb, although it would explain last season's playoffs.

What I mean here, of course, is that Billups is not like Wallace. He is different physically, emotionally and in the eyes of the Pistons. Add it up, and you end up with a large contract extension this summer, when Billups can become a free agent.

There are rumors, probably legitimate, about Milwaukee's interest in Billups. But if the money is equal, Billups is likely to stay, and the Pistons should make sure the money is equal.

"I'm not going to cheat myself just to stay," Billups said. "This is going to be my last piece of the pie. I want what's fair."

Maybe that makes you nervous, but what is he supposed to say? Max contract? Blecch! Who needs it? Billups is just below the LeBron/Wade stratosphere -- he can't assume the Pistons will open the vault for him. He needs competition in the market to make sure he gets fair value.

But there are several reasons why this should end with a smiles-all-around news conference at the Palace in July.

Wallace was determined to go to the highest bidder, not because he has an emeralds-and-rubies fetish, but because he wanted affirmation of his status as a star. He thought he could have the same success elsewhere that he had in Detroit.

Billups seems more appreciative of what he has here.

"I know when we are playing and doing what we gotta do, I don't think there is (anybody) better than us in the East, period," Billups said. "I love our chances this year."</div>

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