Chauncey Billups's numbers look good enough if you just evaluate his full-season totals from a year ago: 16.2 points a game, 39 percent shooting on 3-pointers and 88 percent marksmanship from the line.

What those numbers don't show, however, is how Billups took over as the Pistons' main offensive weapon over the final two months. Billups came over from Minnesota as a free agent before last season, and during the opening weeks of the season, he was splitting time with Chucky Atkins. But once he secured a firm grip on the starting job and a consistent 35-40 minutes a night, his numbers were ridiculous. After March 1, he averaged 21.2 points a game, and his percentages were outstanding: 45 percent from the field and 40 percent from downtown. He also got to the line more than six times a game -- the mark of a true scorer -- and nailed game-winning 3-pointers on multiple occassions.

Not bad for a guy Rick Pitino gave up on halfway through his rookie season with Boston. Billups has led a nomadic existence since then, with stops in Toronto, Denver, Orlando and Minnesota before coming to the Pistons. But he came into his own in his fifth season, and proved it in the playoffs. He averaged 23 points a game in leading Detroit to a comeback win over Orlando and an opening game win over Philadelphia, but an ankle injury derailed him from there. That was why the Pistons struggled so much while being swept by New Jersey in the conference finals.

This year, the Pistons and Nets again seem headed on a collision course for the Eastern crown. And this time there's no question who the Pistons' go-to player is entering the season. While Detroit has a more egalitarian offense than most, when the shot clock runs down at the end of games, the Pistons will be counting on Billups to make the big shots. He doesn't pass like a typical point guard -- he averaged just four assists a game -- but he's no ball hog, either, and doesn't make turnovers. And aside from his stellar shooting, the 6-3 guard is quick enough to get to the rim and big enough to take contact and finish the shot.

Cynics would say that Billups only played so notably well for two months. He needs to prove he can keep it up over a full season, and do it for a new coach -- the demanding Larry Brown replaced Rick Carlisle in the offseason. Because the Pistons chances of winning the East depend on him delivering, the Central Division spotlight is on Billups.

-- By John Hollinger, SI.com