"Every time I look out and don't see Ben (Wallace) there I get a strange feeling," Brown said. "Now not to see Chauncey and Dice, it's going to be different.

"But Allen is really special. If they want excitement in that building they're going to get it because every time he steps on the court he's going to try to win the game. And I don't think you would ever consider giving up Chauncey and Dice unless you were getting something you thought was pretty special."

Billups struggled in each of the past three conference finals as the Pistons were eliminated in Game 6 each year. He has averaged nearly 15 points and 5 1/2 assists for his career.

McDyess revived his career with the Pistons, playing 321 games over four seasons after serious knee operations. The former Olympian and All-Star has averaged 13.4 points and 7.7 rebounds for his career. Like Billups, the 34-year-old McDyess is one of the league's most popular players among peers.

Detroit acquired the 7-foot-1 Samb for Maurice Evans from the Lakers during the 2006 draft. The 24-year-old center played in just four NBA games last season, spending much of his year in the NBA Development League, where he led the league with four blocks a game.

"Two teams had one common problem, or challenge," Warkentien said. "I think the Pistons looked at (Rodney) Stuckey and saw him as the point guard of tomorrow, and you have an All-Star in Chauncey who was in his way.

"We're just thrilled with the way J.R. (Smith) is progressing and he had a Hall of Famer in front of him. You understand the motivation of both teams."

---

AP Sports Writer Arnie Stapleton in Denver and Mike Cranston in Charlotte, N.C., contributed to this report.