I think I agree with that statement for the most part. Like many of you I've been disappointed with Billups (stupid) play, the injury affected him but not his mind. It always comes down to the playoffs and if he doesn't perform, I say that is evidence enough not to bring him back. We did the trade (says Walsh), in large part because of Billups, so if he doesn't perform, if he gets burned by quicker pg's in the playoffs, I say we buy him out. The only chance we have with Billups out there is if he guards the SG and that would mean Dougie being out there most likely (which might not be bad if Fields is still hitting the wall.
Title taken from this article: http://www.fromthebaseline.com/home-mainmenu-1/blogs/3669-enough-talk-knicks-need-billups-to-step-it-up
(Big C) As the season winds down and the Knicks get closer to the playoffs it is clear that that Knicks need to finish strong. They need to rest Amar’e and figure out what rotation to usefor going into the playoffs. One major concern right now is the performance of new Knicks’ point guard Chauncey Billups.
When the Knicks acquired Chauncey Billups in the trade for Carmelo Anthony many fans and basketball experts talked about how the Chauncey Billups was the second best player in the trade. We heard about Billups leadership, clutch shooting, defense, and the ability to control the team. Many of these attributes describe Billups on the Pistons but not the Billups of 2011. So far, Knicks fans have seen more of the contrary with Chauncey Billups running the point.
So far Billups has looked out of sync running the offense. At times it looks like he is just making up plays and is only looking for his own shot. Chauncey looks like he is trying to run a triangle offense by himself, with himself---maybe I should call it a “quadrilateral offense”. Now I understand it takes time for Billups to build chemistry with Amar’e and his teammates. However, it is very difficult build chemistry with your teammates if you are only interested in your own shot.
Now we all know Billups is not 100% after he was hurt bumping into Dwight Howard. However, that is no excuse for taking poor shots, trying score in crowd of defenders, or shooting 3 point shots when his shot is not falling. There are a few games the Knicks could have lost based on Billups taking ill advised 3 point shots on his on. Currently as a Knick, Chauncey Billups is shooting 39% from the field, and 31% from 3 point range. We need Billups to look to his teammates rather than his own shot.
Besides Billups offense, his defense looks shabby against quicker point guards. In recent weeks we have seen many point guards take Billups off the dribble to either score or dish for the assist. Billups is now a liability on the defensive end of the court.
With the playoffs right around the corner it is crucial for Billups to show his leadership, and bring his A game. When I say bring his A game I don't just mean having big scoring night. I would like to see Billups close out the season and the playoffs with him:
Taking timely shots. Not just taking 3’s but Billups using more of his midrange shot and drive when the lane is open.
Pushing the ball more.
Looking more to run the pick and roll with Amar’e
Bringing more of an effort on defensive end of the court. That includes one-on-one defense and help defense
Continuing to talk with his teammates when they are out of sync on defense and offense.
Overall, how Billups plays in the playoffs will determine if he will be back next season or not. The key for Billups is for him to play the way people remember him playing in the past.