by Chris Dempsey The Denver Post , The Denver Post

"It's not something that I liked," Billups said. "I never liked playing two-guard. Especially if that's the position I'm playing the whole time."

This time around it's a bit different as the veteran has been asked to reprise the role. Billups has played shooting guard in portions of the Nuggets' first two games.

His assessment?

"It's cool," Billups said.

Nuggets coach George Karl has played speedy rookie Ty Lawson and the heady Billups together in order to get more playmakers on the court. And with five games left in shooting guard J.R. Smith's suspension, expect to see the duo together in the days ahead.

"I like more playmakers on the court," Karl said. "I think it makes you a better Basketball team. I always have. I think the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (position) system is a terminology. But, to me, it's just Basketball players - passers and scorers and shooters and bigs. Some games tell you that you need shooters, some games you need playmakers. But in general, I think playmaking is the key to a championship team."

Billups responded by playing more shooting guard-oriented Basketball when necessary. But turning off his point guard instincts is not an option, he says.

"I kind of play the same way," Billups said. "It's easier. It's definitely easier. But I think more mentally than anything. I don't have to read the pick- and-roll and stuff like that. But I'm just so in tune to doing it that even when I'm out there spotting at the two, I'm kind of thinking for everybody.

"I think it's an advantage when you have two point guards out there on the floor that can break down the 'D' and make plays in the paint and stuff. It's tough for an opposing team."

Billups has been tough on two big-time opponents, averaging 23.5 points and four assists on 41 percent shooting against Portland and Utah. His 22 points Thursday made him the only other Nugget besides Carmelo Anthony (41 points) in double figures that night against the Blazers.

His willingness to let Lawson handle the ball has contributed to a big start for the Nuggets' rookie and underscores the versatility Karl has in his backcourt. That versatility will be even greater when Smith returns Nov. 10 at Chicago.

The Nuggets start Billups at point and Anthony Carter at shooting guard. But Carter can slide over to the point, Billups can play the two, Smith can handle the ball for short stretches and Lawson can handle the point guard duties.

"I think the more passers you have that make good decisions and good plays, the better you are," Karl said. "Once you get above this level of talent, it's your brain, your chemistry and your team that's more important than spectacular one-on-one players. It's a Basketball game. It's not an athletic game."

Footnotes. Renaldo Balkman signed a three-year contract extension for a $1.67 million base salary with bonuses, according to an NBA source. Balkman doesn't play much now but is transitioning to the small forward position. He has played power forward since college. ? The Nuggets exercised the fourth-year option on guard Arron Afflalo's contract, team vice president of Basketball operations Mark Warkentien announced.

Benjamin Hochman contributed to this report.

Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com

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