New York Knicks: 5 Reasons Why Chauncey Billups is Key Component to Playoff Push
When Chauncey Billups left Wednesday’s game following a collision with Philadelphia 76ers power forward Elton Brand, it appeared he had suffered a thigh injury similar to the one that sidelined him for six consecutive games in March.
The Knicks’ championship aspirations flashed before my eyes—or any chance at playoff success for that matter.
Although the bruise wasn’t serious, and Billups returned to the starting lineup the next game, this really put No. 4’s value to the team into perspective.
While he was somewhat of an afterthought in the Carmelo Anthony trade, Billups is the oil that keeps the Knicks motor operating smoothly. Mr. Big Shot possesses five distinct attributes that make him indispensable and vital to a deep playoff run.
Locker Room Presence
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Billups is a laid-back guy, but players fortunate enough to be his teammate say he’s one of the most respected in the league. He is a quiet leader who speaks through his actions on and off the court.
The even-keel demeanor that Billups is so well known for is what allows him to excel in high-pressure situations. It can also do wonders for the players surrounding him.
The Knicks are among the youngest teams in the league. Billups offers the necessary guidance to mold the youth into level-headed veterans.
Immature players are apt to keep their cool in testy situations when they have a role model like Billups. In essence, his presence provides a calming effect which could prove invaluable during a stressful time like the postseason.
Pure PG
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If Billups goes down, the Knicks lose their only true point guard.
Six-man combo guard Toney Douglas has helmed the offense before and is highly capable. However, Douglas is most effective working off the ball as a spot-up shooter and slasher.
Veteran Anthony Carter also has the ability to orchestrate the team, but as a lifetime backup, you would rather not be forced to rely on him when it counts the most.
Despite having to learn a brand new offensive scheme that, by all accounts, is quite complex, Billups has been a full-time starter at the point guard position with three different teams over the course of a decade; he understands the game well enough to quickly adapt to any coach’s method of attack.
He may be getting up in years, but Billups is still a top 10 NBA point guard. Nobody else manning the Knicks backcourt is in his arena.
Ball Control
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In addition to having an excellent grasp on the offensive strategy, Billups serves as the facilitator. He spreads the floor, works the pick and roll and maintains the flow and balance.
Billups is a unique point guard, because he can create his own shot as well. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in brute strength, and he is able to post up or drive to the basket on weaker opponents.
When Billups heads to the bench for rest, his absence is immediately felt. Players become stagnant and often appear confused.
The ball distribution precipitated by Billups seems to vanish, and it’s not uncommon to see a player shoot after a single pass.
If Carmelo Anthony or Amar’e Stoudemire are on the court, you can expect a lot of isolation and one-on-one moves. That’s fine if either has the hot hand, but based on how poor New York’s offensive rebounding is, throwing up bricks can put them in a hole fast.
Mr. Big Shot
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This one is self-explanatory. You don’t earn a nickname like Mr. Big Shot unless you’re one of the most accomplished clutch shooters the game has ever witnessed.
Billups sunk countless daggers in critical moments as a member of the Detroit Pistons, and you can be sure before the Knicks’ first-round matchup against Boston is through, he’ll have a hand in some heroic feat.
Not only is Billups a serious threat in late-game situations from the field, he is equally masterful at the foul line. With the fifth highest free-throw percentage in NBA history, Billups is a critical asset. Big games are regularly decided at the charity stripe, and Billups is virtually automatic.
Experience
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It cannot be overstated. Familiarity with the postseason can do wonders for your confidence. When you’ve been there and done that, you know what to expect. Instead of contending with those nervous jitters, you can focus on executing your game plan.
Billups brings enough playoff experience with him for the whole team. He led the Pistons to an unbelievable six straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances, including back-to-back NBA Finals and a world championship in 2004.
After being acquired by Denver in 2008, Billups picked up right where he left off with a Western Conference Finals appearance alongside fellow former Nugget and current teammate Carmelo Anthony.
Taking into account Billups’ postseason track record with that of Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire (three Western Conference Finals appearances with Phoenix), you have the foundation of a championship-caliber team that shines when the lights are brightest.
