I was looking at some NBA historical stats, and it occurred to me that Chauncey Billups might be as good as Isiah Thomas (that's the Pistons' IT).

It sounds a little crazy, but hear me out.

1/5

Regular season stats clearly go to CB:
WS/48: .176 (CB) to .109 (IT)
BPM: 3.2 to 2.6
PER: 18.8 to 18.1
ORtg: 118 to 106 (Both at 107 DRtg)

In 13 seasons, IT led Pistons in WS once.
In 6 seasons, CB led Pistons in WS 5 times. The other year, he was second but first in WS/48.
2/5

In the Playoffs, both Billups and Thomas improved, though Isiah improved a little more.

As a result, Playoff stats are closer:
WS/48: .186 (CB) to .143 (IT)
BPM: 4.3 to 6.0
PER: 19.1 to 19.8
ORtg: 118 to 110
DRtg: 106 to 105

3/5

Many people say that Isiah’s greatness was based on winning, not stats.

But was Isiah Thomas really more of a “winner” than Chauncey Billups?

4/5

In 13 years, IT in ECF 5 times.
In 6 years with Pistons, CB in ECF 6 times.
IT in 3 Finals. CB in 2.
IT won 2 Finals, beating Lakers w/o Magic & Scott, and Portland.
CB beat Lakers with Shaq, Kobe, K. Malone & Payton.
CB lost in 7 gms to Spurs with Duncan, Ginobili & Parker.
5/5