Chauncey Billups is a retired American basketball player and current head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. Drafted third overall in 1997, he is best known for his time with the Detroit Pistons, where he earned the nickname "Mr. Big Shot" for his clutch performances and led the team to the 2004 NBA championship, winning Finals MVP. A five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, Billups also played for several other teams during his 17-year career, including the Celtics, Raptors, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Knicks, and Clippers.
September 25, 1976: Birth of Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups was born on September 25, 1976.
1985: Nuggets Reach Conference Finals for First Time Since 1985
Billups led the Denver Nuggets back to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1985 in his first year with the team. The Nuggets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, making it Billups' seventh straight conference finals appearance.
1995: High School Graduation and Accolades
Chauncey Billups graduated from George Washington High School in 1995. He was a standout player, earning All-State honors four times, Colorado Mr. Basketball three times, and Colorado Player of the Year twice.
1996: College Basketball Success at the University of Colorado
In 1996, Chauncey Billups played a key role in leading the University of Colorado Buffaloes to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 28 years. He received recognition for his performance, being named to the All-Big 12 Conference First Team and earning All-American honors.
November 9, 1997: Billups Accused of Sexual Assault
Chauncey Billups, along with Ron Mercer, was accused of sexual assault by a woman after an incident at teammate Antoine Walker's home on November 9, 1997. While no criminal charges were filed, Billups and Mercer settled a civil suit in 2000.
1997: NBA Debut and Trade to the Toronto Raptors
Chauncey Billups made his NBA debut with the Boston Celtics in 1997. However, after struggling to find his place within the team, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors later that season.
1997: NBA Draft and Early Career
In 1997, Chauncey Billups was selected as the third overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the NBA draft.
February 18, 1998: Trade to the Toronto Raptors
On February 18, 1998, Chauncey Billups was traded to the Toronto Raptors along with other players in exchange for Kenny Anderson, Žan Tabak, and Popeye Jones.
January 21, 1999: Trade to the Denver Nuggets
Chauncey Billups was traded to his hometown team, the Denver Nuggets, as part of a three-way trade on January 21, 1999
February 1, 2000: Trade to the Orlando Magic
On February 1, 2000, Chauncey Billups was traded to the Orlando Magic along with Ron Mercer and Johnny Taylor in exchange for Chris Gatling, Tariq Abdul-Wahad, a future first-round pick, and cash.
November 11, 2000: Season-High Performance with the Minnesota Timberwolves
On November 11, 2000, while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chauncey Billups achieved his season-high score of 31 points, along with 5 rebounds and 9 assists, in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
2000: Billups Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Chauncey Billups and Ron Mercer settled a civil lawsuit in 2000 stemming from sexual assault allegations made in 1997.
2001: Breakthrough Season with the Minnesota Timberwolves
During the 2001-2002 season, Chauncey Billups had a breakout season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, stepping up to fill the starting point guard position due to an injury to teammate Brandon. He helped lead the team to 50 wins, showcasing his skills and potential.
June 2002: Signing with the Detroit Pistons
In June 2002, Chauncey Billups signed a five-year, $35 million contract with the Detroit Pistons. He embraced the opportunity to be the team's starting point guard and wore the number 1 jersey.
2002: Billups Signs with the Pistons
In 2002, Billups signed a contract with the Detroit Pistons, a move that would later be seen as a turning point in his career.
2002: Earning the Nickname "Mr. Big-Shot"
During the 2002-2003 season, Chauncey Billups earned the nickname "Mr. Big-Shot" while playing for the Detroit Pistons. He consistently made clutch shots in crucial moments, solidifying his reputation as a reliable player under pressure.
2003: Playoff Performance and Eastern Conference Finals Appearance
In the 2003 NBA Playoffs, Chauncey Billups played a vital role in the Detroit Pistons' playoff run, leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals. His scoring prowess and leadership were evident throughout the postseason.
2004: Impressive Regular Season Performance
During the 2003-2004 regular season, Chauncey Billups maintained a consistent performance, averaging 16.9 points, 5.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game for the Detroit Pistons. Despite their strong record of 54-28, the Pistons entered the playoffs as the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
2004: Detroit Pistons Win 2004 NBA Finals
In 2004, Billups and the Detroit Pistons won the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Billups was named the Finals MVP for his performance, averaging 21 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds during the series.
2004: NBA Finals MVP and Championship with the Detroit Pistons
In 2004, Chauncey Billups led the Detroit Pistons to an NBA championship victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP for his outstanding performance during the series.
2004: Knicks Clinch Playoff Berth for First Time Since 2004
The New York Knicks made the playoffs for the first time since 2004 in Billups' first season with the team.
2005: Billups and Pistons Reach 2005 NBA Finals
In 2005, Billups was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. The Pistons made it to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year, but lost to the San Antonio Spurs in seven games.
March 5, 2006: Billups Selected for USA Basketball Program
Chauncey Billups was chosen to be part of the USA Men's Senior National Team program starting in March 5, 2006, aiming to regain international basketball dominance.
2006: Billups Selected for 2006 NBA All-Star Game
Billups was selected to his first NBA All-Star game in 2006 as a reserve for the Eastern Conference. He also participated in the Three-point Shootout contest that year, where he was eliminated in the first round. The Pistons finished the season with a franchise-best 64-18 record but failed to reach the Finals.
2006: J.R. Smith Joins Denver Nuggets
J.R. Smith was acquired by the Denver Nuggets in 2006.
July 11, 2007: Billups Signs 4-Year Contract Extension With Pistons
On July 11, 2007, Billups signed a four-year, $46 million contract extension with the Pistons. The contract included a team option for a fifth year at $14 million.
August 20, 2007: Billups Helps USA Qualify for Olympics
Chauncey Billups played a key role in Team USA's undefeated run at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, securing their spot in the Beijing Olympics.
2007: Billups Selected as Reserve for 2007 NBA All-Star Game
Despite missing games early in the season due to injury, Billups was selected as a reserve for the Eastern Conference in the 2007 NBA All-Star Game. He also participated in the Shooting Stars Competition alongside former Piston Bill Laimbeer and won the competition.
June 16, 2008: Billups Attends Obama Rally
Chauncey Billups showed his support for Barack Obama by attending a rally at Joe Louis Arena on June 16, 2008.
June 17, 2008: Billups Withdraws from Olympic Consideration
Citing family reasons, Chauncey Billups decided to withdraw from competing for a spot on the Olympic team on June 17, 2008.
November 3, 2008: Billups Traded to Denver Nuggets
On November 3, 2008, the Pistons traded Billups to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Allen Iverson. Pistons GM Joe Dumars called the trade "the hardest and toughest" move he had made as general manager.
November 7, 2008: Billups Makes Nuggets Debut
On November 7, 2008, Billups played his first game for the Denver Nuggets. He scored 15 points, with four rebounds and three assists in a 108-105 Nuggets win.
2008: Billups Selected as a Reserve in 2008 NBA All-Star Game
Billups was selected to play as a reserve in the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, alongside his teammates Richard Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace.
2008: Billups Suffers Hamstring Injury in Playoffs
During the first round of the 2008 NBA playoffs, Billups suffered a hamstring injury in Game 3 against the Orlando Magic. He missed the rest of the series, but the Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics.
November 27, 2009: Billups and Anthony Make History With Scoring Performances
On November 27, 2009, in a game against the New York Knicks, Billups and teammate Carmelo Anthony became only the third duo in NBA history to score at least 30 and 50 points respectively in a single game.
2009: Billups Leads Nuggets to Franchise Milestones
In 2009, Billups led the Nuggets to a number of franchise milestones, including their first division title since 1988 and a franchise record for wins in the first half of a season. They also matched the franchise record for wins in a season, finishing with a 54-28 record. Billups finished sixth in MVP voting that season.
2009: Billups Selected to 2009 NBA All-Star Game
Billups was the only Denver Nugget selected for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. He averaged 17.7 points and 6.4 assists per game that season.
February 5, 2010: Billups Sets Career High in Points
Billups scored a career-high 39 points, including nine three-pointers, in a win against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 5, 2010.
February 22, 2011: Billups Traded to New York Knicks
On February 22, 2011, Billups was traded to the New York Knicks as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal. Billups expressed that the trade was difficult for him and his family.
December 12, 2011: Billups Joins the Clippers
After becoming a free agent, Chauncey Billups was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Clippers on December 12, 2011. Despite initially considering retirement if picked up by a non-contending team, Billups embraced the opportunity after the Clippers traded for Chris Paul.
December 2011: Billups Waived by Knicks
In December 2011, shortly after expressing his desire to stay with the Knicks, Chauncey Billups was placed on waivers by the team, ending his time in New York.
2011: Billups Suffers Knee Injury in Playoffs
Billups suffered a knee injury during Game 1 of the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics, sidelining him for the rest of the postseason.
February 7, 2012: Achilles Injury Sidelines Billups
On February 7, 2012, Chauncey Billups' season was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon after playing only 20 games with the Clippers.
July 13, 2012: Billups Re-Signs with Clippers
Chauncey Billups decided to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, signing a one-year deal on July 13, 2012.
November 28, 2012: Billups Returns to Action
Following his Achilles injury, Chauncey Billups returned to the court on November 28, 2012, in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2012: Billups Sets Career High in Free Throw Percentage
During the 2012 season, Chauncey Billups achieved a new career-best in free throw percentage.
June 10, 2013: Billups Earns Teammate of the Year Award
In recognition of his leadership and sportsmanship, Chauncey Billups received the inaugural Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award on June 10, 2013.
July 16, 2013: Billups Returns to Detroit
Chauncey Billups rejoined his former team, the Detroit Pistons, signing a two-year contract on July 16, 2013.
June 30, 2014: Pistons Decline Billups' Option
The Detroit Pistons chose not to exercise their team option on Chauncey Billups' contract for the 2014–15 season on June 30, 2014.
September 9, 2014: Billups Announces Retirement
Citing health reasons, Chauncey Billups officially retired from the NBA on September 9, 2014, concluding a 17-year career.
2014: Retirement from Playing Career
Chauncey Billups retired from playing professional basketball in 2014.
2014: Billups Begins Broadcasting Career
Chauncey Billups started his broadcasting career with ESPN as a studio analyst in 2014.
2015: Billups' Cousin Passes Away
Tragedy struck Chauncey Billups' family in 2015 when his second cousin, Amir Billups, died in a car accident.
February 10, 2016: Pistons Retire Billups' Jersey
In honor of his contributions to the franchise, the Detroit Pistons retired Chauncey Billups' No. 1 jersey on February 10, 2016.
2016: Rodney Billups Becomes Denver Pioneers Head Coach
Chauncey Billups' brother, Rodney, became the head coach of the University of Denver's basketball team, the Denver Pioneers, in 2016.
2016: Jersey Retirement by the Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons retired Chauncey Billups's number 1 jersey in 2016, honoring his significant contributions to the franchise.
2017: Billups Joins BIG3 League
Chauncey Billups joined the newly formed BIG3 basketball league in 2017 as a player for the Killer 3's.
August 16, 2019: Billups Joins Clippers Broadcast Team
Chauncey Billups joined the Los Angeles Clippers broadcast team as a game analyst on August 16, 2019.
November 16, 2020: Billups Becomes Clippers Assistant Coach
Chauncey Billups transitioned into coaching, joining the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant coach under Tyronn Lue on November 16, 2020.
2020: Start of Coaching Career with the Los Angeles Clippers
Chauncey Billups began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020.
June 27, 2021: Billups Named Trail Blazers Head Coach
Chauncey Billups was appointed as the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers on June 27, 2021.
2021: Appointment as Head Coach of the Portland Trail Blazers
In 2021, Chauncey Billups was appointed as the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.
2024: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Chauncey Billups is set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.