Pistons set to retire numbers of Billups, Wallace

The two days Detroit Pistons fans have been waiting for since the 2004 NBA championship will occur at some time this season.

Persons with first-hand knowledge of the organizations’ plans confirmed to the Free Press today that Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace will have their numbers retired at two separate game-night ceremonies later this season.

Anonymity was requested because the dates haven’t been finalized, but the news confirms what has been rumored for the past year – the main cogs in the last great era of Pistons basketball will get their nights to receive thanks for their great careers.

The plans have been in the works for some time, and Billups (No. 1) and Wallace (No. 3) were officially informed the past few days.

Billups, also known as “Mr. Big Shot," retired after the 2013-14 season. The point guard rejoined the Pistons for his final season after he was traded in November 2008 for Allen Iverson.

Before that trade, Billups, 39, was the unquestioned leader of the team and was the MVP of the 2004 Finals.

The Pistons’ decline can be traced to the day he was traded to the Denver Nuggets and the news comes with the current Pistons generating excitement because of a 2-0 start.

If Billups was the leader, Wallace, 41, was the heart of that group of Pistons. The defensive anchor of a team that smothered opposing attacks, “Big Ben” was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year.

He hasn’t played since the 2011-12 season.

Reggie Jackson currently wears Billups’ No. 1; rookie Stanley Johnson wears Wallace’s No. 3.

There is precedent from when the Pistons retired Dennis Rodman’s No. 10. Former Piston Greg Monroe was allowed to wear the jersey until he left this past off-season.

The expectation is that the jersey retirement ceremonies will come during high-profile games to make sure the greats get the recognition they have earned.

Contact Vince Ellis: vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.