Billups signed some of the autographs "Chauncey Billups #1" — the new number on his Nuggets jersey next season. The superstar guard is letting go of No. 7, which was good to him last season in his return to Denver.
Billups chose No. 7 as a tribute to former Broncos quarterback John Elway, a man he idolized growing up in Denver. Elway introduced Billups to the Pepsi Center crowd on May 3, prior to a Nuggets-Mavericks playoff game.
"It was in the plan the whole time," Billups said. "I just felt like No. 7 was great for me. . . . But there's really just going to be just one No. 7 in this town, and that's going to be John forever. I just wanted to kind of try to make my own legacy."
Billups was able to get No. 1, which he wore in Detroit, without much trouble. J.R. Smith wore No. 1 the last few seasons, but Billups said he did not have to pay Smith off — as is a common practice — to get the jersey. No word yet on which number Smith will wear.
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_12737490
I would guess JR is taking #23, his number with the Hornets, now that Camby isn't wearing it in Denver.
