Why Detroit Pistons great Chauncey Billups is a believer in former team’s rebuild

PORTLAND, Ore. — Chauncey Billups’ pregame availability on Tuesday doubled as a family reunion. He sat down at the podium, glanced to his right and immediately cracked a joke with Cletus Lewis, the Detroit Pistons’ vice president of public relations. Billups scanned the media members sitting in front of him and greeted George Blaha, the team’s longtime play-by-play voice, and Mark Champion, its longtime radio voice.

“Special K! What’s up, baby?,” Billups said after the conference, as he dapped Greg Kelser, the Pistons’ color commentator.

Billups, hired as the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers in June, needs little introduction for Pistons fans. He’s one of the greatest point guards in franchise history, earning NBA Finals MVP in 2004 after leading the Pistons to an upset win over the Los Angeles Lakers. He made five All-Star teams during his 17-year career, including three as a Pistons from 2006-08, when “Mr. Big Shot” was celebrated for his leadership and his clutchness. His jersey was retired at The Palace of Auburn Hills in 2016 and hangs in the rafters at Little Caesars Arena.

Tuesday was his first time coaching against his former team, though, as the Pistons faced the Blazers at Moda Center. It was a sweet moment for Billups, who has warm feelings toward the team that helped him become a star.

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“Every time I get an opportunity to play or coach or whatever it is, be in contact with the Pistons, it’s always special for me,” Billups said. “Everybody knows not only my history, but my feelings on the organization and the city, the fans there. So…