Chauncey Billups on Reggie Jackson wearing No. 1, via Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press:
"“I like it,”"
"“I told him it’s going to be tough.“There’s a few other guys that put that number on that are legends and didn’t make it in this town. I like his courage. I love what he’s all about and he’s doing it well right now.”"
There are always fans who freak when a new player gets the number of a departed star, and there were certainly a few who didn’t like seeing No. 1 on Jackson. Personally, until the number is retired, I’m cool with anyone wearing it. I don’t think it diminishes Billups’ legacy with the Pistons, and it’s nice to see he’s not being cranky about it.
Mostly, though, I just enjoy Billups pointing out how Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady couldn’t live up to the standard he set (though, to be fair, McGrady eclipsed all reasonable expectations for him once he signed with the Pistons).