Billups averaged 17 points, 7.2 assists and two turnovers last season, finishing second in assist-to-turnover ratio and helping the Pistons have the best record in the Eastern Conference. He made the All-NBA third team along with Miami’s Dwyane Wade, Minnesota’s Kevin Garnett, Denver’s Carmelo Anthony and Orlando’s Dwight Howard.

His best season statically was two seasons ago, when he was on the All-NBA second team after averaging career highs in points (18.5), assists (8.6) and was named to the NBA All-Defensive second team for the second straight year.

The player known as Mr. Big Shot was off his game, though, in each of the past two conference finals as Detroit was eliminated. Against the Cavaliers, he averaged 15.3 points, 3.5 assists and 3.8 turnovers while uncharacteristically struggling in pressure-packed situations.

“I played as hard as I could, but I didn’t play that great,” he said when the season ended. “I’m sure some other guys in this locker room could say the same thing.”

But the Pistons wouldn’t have reached the NBA’s final four in each of the past five seasons without Billups, whose unique ability to run the team was underscored when he was sidelined with injuries last season.

Billups might have a chance to play in the conference finals for a sixth straight year.

Barring a major trade, he will be in one of the top backcourts with Richard Hamilton. The Pistons also feature three talented frontcourt players: Wallace, Tayshaun Prince and Antonio McDyess.

Detroit hopes to improve its depth and future by re-signing restricted free agent Amir Johnson, who has impressed the team despite playing just 11 NBA games since the 6-foot-9 forward was drafted out of high school in 2005.

Chris Webber, who ended the season as Detroit’s starting center, is an unrestricted free agent. It’s not clear if Webber wants to play again, or if the Pistons want him back. If Webber is not re-signed, center Nazr Mohammed likely will be retained unless the team can’t acquire a better center through trades.

Detroit drafted guards Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo last month in the first round, adding depth after dealing Carlos Delfino and expecting Lindsey Hunter to retire or play a limited role on the court.

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