After several seasons as a bridesmaid, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has at last a made it to the round of 14 finalists for a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player, per an NBA.com press statement.
“Being named a Finalist for the Class of 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a testament to the highest echelons of achievement in the sport,” Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Jerry Colangelo said in the statement. “It’s an honor that reflects not only individual greatness but also the long-lasting impact on the game itself. From the strategic brilliance of coaches to the unmatched abilities of players and the influential roles of a coach/broadcaster, an esteemed owner, and a dynasty-building executive, each Finalist embodies the pinnacle of basketball excellence. Their inclusion underscores the diverse contributions that have shaped and enriched the sport, making this recognition truly exceptional.”
As a player, the 6'3" point guard was named a five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA honoree, and two-time All-Defensive Teamer while with the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets. He was the Finals MVP on the Pistons club that stunned a star-studded Los Angeles Lakers squad in a non-competitive, five-game 2004 series en route to his lone NBA championship. The Pistons lost a seven-game NBA Finals series the subsequent season to the San Antonio Spurs.
Mr. Big Shot possesses career averages of 15.2 points on .415/.387/.894 shooting splits, 5.4 dimes, 2.9 rebounds and one steal across a 17-year pro career.
Across his three seasons with the Trail Blazers, he still is registering something of an incomplete grade as a head coach. Yes, he's made some questionable lineup decisions, but he's also been operating with some underwhelming rosters. The club has gone 75-143 (34.4%) thus far during his tenure, but in fairness Portland has punted on the year post-trade deadline in both 2022 and 2023. Now firmly in a rebuild throughout the 2023-24 season, it seems like Billups will be with Portland for quite some time, whether Blazers fans like it or not.
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