Teammates Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace have voiced their opinions in support of Richard Hamilton, add Chauncey Billups to the list of members of the 2004 NBA championship team to support Hamilton.

After the Nuggets defeated the Pistons, 109-100, Wednesday night Billups showed his support for Hamilton.

“He's Pistons royalty,” Billups said. “He's one of the greats, and his jersey is going up into those rafters, so he doesn't deserve to be disrespected like this.”

It appeared Billups and Hamilton might be reunited in New Jersey if the rumored three-team trade involving the Nets, Detroit and Denver went through, but that trade is currently dead.

Billups has kept in contact with Hamilton through all the rumors and Hamilton’s benching. Billups said he's just tried to encourage Hamilton.

“I just told him to be continue to be a professional and do what you do,” Billups said. “He’s dealing with blatant disrespect, and I don't think that guys like Rip, Tay and Ben should be treated like that, especially for this team where they did so much. I talk to Tay a lot too, but he’s playing. Nothing has really changed for him. He’s playing well, and his situation really hasn’t changed.”

Billups finally got to enjoy a win in his return trip to The Palace. Billups lost his first two trips back to Detroit, but scored 26 points in the Nuggets win at The Palace Wednesday.

“I love coming back here and feeling the love for all the blood and sweat I left in this building,” said Billups, who received a loud ovation during the pre-game introductions. “It’s fun, because I’m home. It’s fun. I love getting the ovations, and showing the people what they’ve missed. I never wanted to leave here. Everyone knows that. I wanted to retire here.”