Pistons might have multiple All-Stars
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-18 10:40

Unlike most top teams, they have extraordinary balance. That helps them win but cuts down on individual recognition. Billups and Hamilton are among the best players in the league without an All-Star appearance. This could be their year.

Billups is averaging career highs with 19 points and 8.6 assists. Hamilton is averaging a career-high 21.5 points and is having his best shooting year, 50 percent overall and 45.8 on 3-point shots.

"Nobody cares who gets the glory," Billups said. "We just care about winning and playing for each other, not anyone else."

Billups will be disappointed if only one Piston is an All-Star.

"I don't put any energy into it, but people do need to appreciate what we've got here," he said. "But that's not what we're focused on. We want to keep that five number (of losses) at five as long as we can."

Rasheed Wallace hopes coaches don't cast All-Star votes for him.

"Vote for them four, don't vote for me," he said. "I don't want no All-Star votes for two reasons. One, that's not my goal — I would rather win a championship. Plus, I want to be down on the beach having a couple cocktails with my wife at All-Star break."