Chauncey Billups has decided to retire after after 17 season's in the NBA. Someday the chizzled floor general will certainly be inducted in the Naismith Basketball Hall-of-Fame. His career has been a bit of an anomaly. Prior to joining the Detroit Pistons he was an NBA journeyman, including stops in Boston, Toronto, Minnesota and Denver. He would eventually prove all those teams gave up on him too soon.
Chauncey averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game during his career. However his numbers are not indicative of his true value. He was the ultimate leader, the type of player any coach, general manager or owner would love to have on their side. A consummate professional that came to work with the same intensity every day. Chauncey's work ethic was contagious amongst his teammates. When guys see one of the smallest guys on the team constantly in the weight room and gym trying to improve, they often follow in suit.
Chauncey played in the conference finals every year between 2003-2009, twice advancing to the NBA Finals in 2004 and 2005. His greatest accomplishment came in 2004. The 54-28 Detroit Pistons were heavy underdogs against a talent laden Los Angeles Lakers squad. The Pistons marched into the Staples Center and stole game one. If not for a miracle three from Kobe Bryant in game two, Detroit would have swept the Lakers. They ended up finishing off the Lakers in an easy five game series to claim the Larry O'Brian trophy. Chauncey was named finals MVP for his clutch shooting and impeccable leadership skills. This remains arguably one of the biggest upsets in NBA history. No one in their right mind expected Detroit to win it all that year.
Chauncey ' s true value came to light after he was traded to Denver for a second stint in his hometown. The addition of Billups transformed a talented Nuggets team into championship contenders overnight. Denver came within 2 wins of their first ever NBA Finals appearance.
Chris Paul is widely considered the best floor general in the NBA today. He credits much of his success early on to the tutelage of Chauncey. He showed Paul the ropes when he entered the league. Paul has returned the favor by mentoring other young guards such as Darren Collison and Eric Bledsoe.
Watching Chauncey play basketball all these years has been a real pleasure. He was one of the best at what he did for a good period of time. The NBA will definitely miss Chauncey.
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