Career Timeline of Chauncey Billups: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Chauncey Billups built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Chauncey Billups, nicknamed "Mr. Big Shot," is a former NBA player and current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. Drafted third overall in 1997, Billups played for several teams during his 17-year career, most notably with the Detroit Pistons, where he earned the 2004 NBA Finals MVP award after leading the team to a championship victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his clutch performances, Billups was a five-time NBA All-Star, a three-time All-NBA selection, and a two-time NBA All-Defensive selection, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1985: NBA Conference Finals Since 1985

In 2009, Chauncey Billups led the Nuggets back to the NBA Conference Finals for the first time since 1985.

1997: Drafted by the Boston Celtics

In 1997, Chauncey Billups was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics. He recorded 15 points in his first game against the Bulls, and later posted a career-high 22 points against the Raptors. His time with the Celtics was challenging as he struggled to find his rhythm and the coaching staff was unsure of his best position.

February 18, 1998: Trade to the Toronto Raptors

On February 18, 1998, Chauncey Billups, along with Roy Rogers, Dee Brown, and John Thomas, was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Kenny Anderson, Žan Tabak, and Popeye Jones.

January 21, 1999: Traded to the Denver Nuggets

On January 21, 1999, Chauncey Billups was traded to his hometown team, the Denver Nuggets, in a three-way deal involving the Minnesota Timberwolves.

1999: Career Low Games Played

In the 2013-2014 season, Chauncey Billups appeared in his fewest games since the 1999-2000 season, due to knee problems.

February 1, 2000: Trade to the Orlando Magic

On February 1, 2000, Chauncey Billups, along with Ron Mercer and Johnny Taylor, was traded to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Chris Gatling, Tariq Abdul-Wahad, a future first-round pick, and cash.

November 11, 2000: Season High Points

On November 11, 2000, playing for the Timberwolves, Chauncey Billups recorded his season-high in points scored with 31 points, along with 5 rebounds and 9 assists, in a win against the Bucks.

2000: Career Low Games Played

In the 2013-2014 season, Chauncey Billups appeared in his fewest games since the 1999-2000 season, due to knee problems.

2001: Breakthrough Season

During the 2001 season, Chauncey Billups had a breakthrough season, stepping up after Brandon suffered a serious knee injury. Billups averaged 22 points per game in the playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks.

June 2002: Signs with Detroit Pistons

In June 2002, Chauncey Billups signed a 5-year, $35 million contract with the Detroit Pistons to be the team's new starting point guard. He quickly gained respect from fans and colleagues.

2002: Opted out of previous contract.

In 2002, Billups signed a contract with the Pistons which he later opted out of.

2002: Signs with the Pistons

In 2002, Chauncey Billups signed with the Detroit Pistons. He was assigned the number 1 because his usual number, 4, was already retired.

2003: "Mr. Big-Shot" Nickname and Playoff Performance

In 2003, Chauncey Billups earned the nickname "Mr. Big-Shot" for game-winning shots during the regular season. In the playoffs against the Orlando Magic, Billups scored 40 points in Game 6 and 37 points in Game 7 to help the Pistons win the series.

2004: Statistical Achievements in 2004

In 2004, Chauncey Billups averaged 16.9 points, 5.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game with the Pistons.

2004: NBA Finals Victory and MVP Award

In 2004, Chauncey Billups led the Detroit Pistons to victory in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, earning the NBA Finals MVP Award. He averaged 21 points, 5.2 assists, and shot with high efficiency.

2004: NBA Finals MVP

In 2004, Chauncey Billups won the NBA Finals MVP after helping the Detroit Pistons defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals.

2004: Knicks made the playoffs for the first time since 2004

The Knicks finished 42-40 and clinched the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference and made the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

2005: NBA All-Defensive Team Selection and Finals Appearance

In 2005, Chauncey Billups was named to the NBA Second All-Defensive Team. The Pistons reached the 2005 NBA Finals but lost to the San Antonio Spurs.

March 5, 2006: Selection to USA Men's Senior National Team

On March 5, 2006, Chauncey Billups was selected to be a part of the 2006–2008 USA Men's Senior National Team program, aimed at restoring Team USA to the top of the basketball world after disappointing performances in previous tournaments.

2006: Changed to Jersey Number 1

For the 2009-10 season, Chauncey Billups reverted to wearing #1, the same number he wore with the Pistons. Teammate J.R. Smith, who had previously worn #1 since being acquired by the Nuggets in 2006, changed to the #5 jersey.

July 11, 2007: Signs Contract with the Pistons

On July 11, 2007, Chauncey Billups signed a $46 million, four-year contract with the Detroit Pistons.

August 20, 2007: Selection to Team USA for FIBA Americas Championship

On August 20, 2007, Chauncey Billups was selected to join Team USA for the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship. His inclusion, along with other All-Stars like Kobe Bryant, helped the USA team go undefeated and qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

June 17, 2008: Billups Withdraws from Olympic Consideration

On June 17, 2008, Chauncey Billups announced that he would not compete for a spot on the Olympic squad, citing family reasons. Despite his absence, he expressed confidence in the team's success and felt he contributed to their potential gold medal win.

November 3, 2008: Traded Back to Denver Nuggets

On November 3, 2008, Chauncey Billups, along with Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb, was traded back to his hometown team, the Denver Nuggets, for Allen Iverson. The move was described as difficult by Pistons GM Joe Dumars.

November 7, 2008: First Game with the Nuggets

On November 7, 2008, Chauncey Billups played his first game of the 2008–09 season with the Denver Nuggets, recording 15 points in a win. He chose the #7 jersey to honor Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway.

2008: Hamstring Injury and Conference Finals Loss

In 2008, Chauncey Billups injured his right hamstring during the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Pistons lost the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.

2008: NBA All-Star Game Selection

In 2008, Chauncey Billups was selected to play as a reserve in the NBA All-Star Game.

November 27, 2009: Billups and Anthony Make NBA History

On November 27, 2009, in a 128–125 win over the New York Knicks, Chauncey Billups scored 32 points while teammate Carmelo Anthony scored 50, making them only the third duo in NBA history to score at least 30 and 50 points respectively.

2009: Accomplishments with the Nuggets

In 2009, Billups contributed to the Nuggets' success, which included matching a franchise record of 54–28, a franchise record for wins in the first half of a season with a 27-14 start, leading the Northwest division, gaining the number two seed in the Western Conference, defeating the New Orleans Hornets in 5 games in the first round (including a record-equaling 58-point margin-of-victory), and setting Nuggets franchise records for most three-pointers in a playoff game with 8 and most three-pointers in a playoff series with 19. Billups also led them back to the NBA Conference Finals for the first time since 1985. Billups finished the season sixth in voting for the 2009 NBA Most Valuable Player Award and was selected to his second All-NBA Third Team.

2009: All-Star Selection and Season Performance

In 2009, Chauncey Billups was selected to the NBA All-Star Game as a member of the Denver Nuggets. He finished the season averaging 17.7 points and 6.4 assists per game.

February 5, 2010: Billups Sets Career High in Points

On February 5, 2010, Chauncey Billups set a career high with a 39-point performance, including 27 points from 9 three-pointers, in a road win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 22, 2011: Billups Traded to the New York Knicks

On February 22, 2011, Chauncey Billups was traded to the New York Knicks as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal. This was a difficult moment for Billups and his family, as he had to explain to his daughters that he was leaving to play across the country.

December 12, 2011: Clippers Claim Billups off Waivers

On December 12, 2011, the Los Angeles Clippers claimed Chauncey Billups off waivers after his tenure with the Knicks ended. Billups initially indicated he would retire if picked up by a non-contending team, but later expressed happiness to be with the Clippers.

December 2011: Knicks Use Amnesty Clause on Billups

In December 2011, the Knicks used their amnesty clause on Chauncey Billups and put him on waivers, ending his tenure with the Knicks.

2011: Knee Injury Sidelines Billups in Playoffs

In 2011, Chauncey Billups suffered a knee injury while playing against the Celtics in Game 1 of the 2011 NBA Playoffs. This injury kept him sidelined for the remainder of the playoffs, after the Knicks clinched the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

February 7, 2012: Billups Suffers Season-Ending Achilles Tendon Tear

On February 7, 2012, an MRI revealed a tear in Chauncey Billups's Achilles tendon, ending his season after only 20 game appearances. He had been playing in a new position as a shooting guard after being a point guard.

July 13, 2012: Billups Re-Signs with Clippers

On July 13, 2012, Chauncey Billups re-signed with the Clippers on a one-year deal.

November 28, 2012: Billups Makes Season Debut

On November 28, 2012, Chauncey Billups made his season debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His playing time was limited to only 22 games due to various injuries.

2012: Averaged career high free-throw percentage

During the 2012–13 season, Billups averaged a new career high free-throw percentage.

July 16, 2013: Billups Returns to the Detroit Pistons

On July 16, 2013, Chauncey Billups signed a two-year contract to return to the Detroit Pistons.

June 30, 2014: Pistons Decline Team Option on Billups' Contract

On June 30, 2014, the Detroit Pistons announced they would not pick up their team option on Chauncey Billups' contract for the 2014–15 season.

September 9, 2014: Billups Announces Retirement from the NBA

On September 9, 2014, Chauncey Billups announced his retirement from the NBA after 17 years, citing health reasons, as he never appeared in more than 22 games in his last three seasons.