Pistons Set To Retire Two Numbers This Year

Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press reports that the Detroit Pistons have plans to have two number retiring ceremonies during this season. One for Chauncey Billups and another for Ben Wallace.

No dates have been released yet according to Ellis, but Billups and Wallace have been informed about the ceremonies to honor them.

Billups' #1 and Wallace's #3 are both currently in use on the team. Current PG Reggie Jackson wears #1 and rookie Stanley Johnson wears #3. Ellis also reports that those two are willing to change numbers. No information has come out about what numbers the two would switch to.

Billups was the leader on the floor at the height of Pistons basketball in the mid-2000's, ice water in the veins describes him well, either leading the plays or a the free throw line (career 89.4%, including two seasons over 91% with Detroit)

Wallace made opponents "fear the 'fro" with his defensive capabilities. A four-time NBA defensive player of the year in his career, all with Detroit. Wallace also averaged almost 10 rebounds a game and two blocks a game in his career.

Back when Dennis Rodman's #10 was retired in 2011, Greg Monroe was allowed to wear the number for the rest of his time as a Piston.

These two numbers would join eight others currently retired by the Pistons franchise.
#2 Chuck Daly
#4 Joe Dumars
#10 Dennis Rodman
#11 Isiah Thomas
#15 Vinnie Johnson
#16 Bob Lanier
#21 Dave Bing
#40 Bill Laimbeer

Congratulations are in order to two more Pistons legends to join the company already in the rafters.