Chauncey Billups facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Chauncey Billups

Billups coaching the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021
Portland Trail Blazers
Head coach
Personal information
Born	(1976-09-25) September 25, 1976 (age 48) Denver, Colorado, U.S.
High school	George Washington (Denver, Colorado)
Listed height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight	210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
College	Colorado (1995–1997)
NBA Draft	1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
Selected by the Boston Celtics
Pro career	1997–2014
Coaching career	2020–present
League	NBA
Career history
As player:
1997–1998	Boston Celtics
1998–1999	Toronto Raptors
1999–2000	Denver Nuggets
2000–2002	Minnesota Timberwolves
2002–2008	Detroit Pistons
2008–2011	Denver Nuggets
2011	New York Knicks
2011–2013	Los Angeles Clippers
2013–2014	Detroit Pistons
As coach:
2020–2021	Los Angeles Clippers (assistant)
2021–present	Portland Trail Blazers
Career highlights and awards
NBA champion (2004) NBA Finals MVP (2004) 5× NBA All-Star (2006–2010) All-NBA Second Team (2006) 2× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2009) 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2006) No. 1 retired by Detroit Pistons Consensus second-team All-American (1997) First-team All-Big 12 (1997) No. 4 retired by Colorado Buffaloes McDonald's All-American (1995) Second-team Parade All-American (1995) Fourth-team Parade All-American (1994) 3× Mr. Colorado Basketball (1993–1995)
Career NBA statistics
Points	15,802 (15.2 ppg)
Rebounds	2,992 (2.9 rpg)
Assists	5,636 (5.4 apg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States FIBA Americas Championship Gold 2007 Las Vegas Team Competition FIBA World Championship Gold 2010 Turkey Team competition

Chauncey Ray Billups (born September 25, 1976) is an American professional basketball coach and former player. He is currently the head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

After playing college basketball for the Colorado Buffaloes, Billups was picked third overall in the 1997 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. He spent most of his 17-year playing career with the Detroit Pistons. There, he won the NBA Finals MVP award in 2004. He helped the Pistons defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals that year.

Billups earned the nickname "Mr. Big Shot" because he often made important shots late in games for Detroit. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and was chosen for the All-NBA Team three times. He also made the NBA All-Defensive Team twice. During his career, he played for the Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers. In 2024, he was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

After retiring as a player in 2014, Billups worked as a TV analyst. The Pistons retired his No. 1 jersey in 2016. He began his coaching career as an assistant for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2020–21 season. Billups became the head coach of the Trail Blazers in 2021.

High School Basketball Journey

Born in Denver, Colorado, Chauncey Billups graduated from George Washington High School in 1995. While there, he was chosen for the All-State first team four times. He was also named Colorado Mr. Basketball three times. As a sophomore and junior, he was the Colorado Player of the Year. He played on the varsity team starting in his freshman year. He was selected for the 1995 McDonald's All-American Team but could not play due to a shoulder injury.

College Basketball Experience

For college, Billups chose the University of Colorado Boulder. He picked it over other big schools like Kansas and Georgia Tech. In his two seasons with the Buffaloes, he averaged 18.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game.

In the 1996–97 season, he was named to the All-Big 12 Conference First Team. He also made the Basketball Times All-American First Team. Colorado finished second in the Big 12 conference that season with a 22–10 record. Billups then led the Buffaloes to their first NCAA tournament in 28 years. As a 9-seed, Billups and the Buffaloes upset the 8-seed Indiana Hoosiers 80–62. They later lost to the North Carolina Tar Heels 56–73. Billups averaged 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in the tournament.

College Awards and Honors

• Consensus second-team All-American (1997)
• All-Big 12 First Team (1997)
• AllBuffs.com All-Time Colorado Buffaloes Men's Basketball Team
• No. 4 retired by University of Colorado

Professional Basketball Career

Boston Celtics (1997–1998)

The 1997 NBA draft saw Billups picked third overall by the Boston Celtics. He did not get along well with the Celtics' new head coach, Rick Pitino. In his first game, Billups scored 15 points and had 4 assists. This was in a win against the Michael Jordan-led Bulls.

Billups later said his time in Boston was difficult. The Celtics coaching staff also struggled to decide if he should play as a point guard or shooting guard. After 51 games, Billups was traded to the Toronto Raptors.

Toronto Raptors (1998-1999)

On February 18, 1998, Billups was traded to the Toronto Raptors. This trade involved several players. In just his second game with the Raptors, Billups scored a career-high 27 points. This helped the Raptors win 113–105 against the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Denver Nuggets (1999–2000)

On January 21, 1999, Billups was traded to his hometown team, the Denver Nuggets. This was a three-team trade. Three months into his first time with the Nuggets, Billups showed his caring side by visiting a local hospital to support a young person.

A year later, on February 1, 2000, Billups was traded to the Orlando Magic. He was on the injured list for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. He never played a game for the Magic. At this point, some people in the NBA thought Billups might not live up to his draft potential.

Minnesota Timberwolves (2000–2002)

The Minnesota Timberwolves signed Billups to a three-year contract. He joined as a backup to point guard Terrell Brandon. Brandon, along with teammates like Kevin Garnett, helped Billups improve his game. They worked on his shooting, decision-making, and teamwork.

In his first game with the Timberwolves, Billups scored 15 points and had 5 assists. On November 11, 2000, he scored a season-high 31 points in a win against the Bucks.

During the 2001–02 season, Brandon got a serious knee injury. Billups stepped in as the starter and had a great season. The Timberwolves won 50 games. They were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. Billups averaged 22 points per game in that series.

Detroit Pistons (2002–2008)

First Year in Detroit (2002–2003)

Billups with the Detroit Pistons in 2005

After his strong season, Billups became a free agent. He wanted to stay with the Timberwolves, but they were waiting to see how Brandon's knee injury would heal.

In July 2002, Billups signed a six-year contract with the Detroit Pistons. He became the team's new starting point guard. He quickly earned respect from Pistons fans for his tough defense and clutch shots.

In 2002–03, Billups helped Detroit finish first in the Eastern Conference. They had a 50–32 record. Billups earned the nickname "Mr. Big-Shot" during this season. He made a game-winning three-pointer as time expired on March 9. This beat the Golden State Warriors 107–105. He also made another game-winning shot in overtime against the Atlanta Hawks on March 26.

In the 2003 Playoffs, the top-seed Pistons fell behind the 8-seed Orlando Magic 3–1. Billups helped the Pistons avoid elimination in Game 5. He then scored 40 points in Game 6 to force a seventh game. In the deciding Game 7, Billups scored 37 points to help win the series 4–3.

Detroit then beat the Philadelphia 76ers 4–2. They advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Detroit was swept by the New Jersey Nets 4–0. Rick Carlisle was replaced by Larry Brown as head coach.

Championship Season and Finals MVP (2003–2004)

In the 2004 season, Billups averaged 16.9 points and 5.7 assists per game. The Pistons improved their record to 54–28. This earned them the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Billups in 2008

In the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks, Billups led all scorers with 21 points in Game 3. He made key free throws in the final seconds to secure the win. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New Jersey Nets, Billups made a half-court three-pointer at the buzzer in Game 5. This sent the game into overtime. The Pistons eventually won that series 4–3.

In the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, the Pistons won a tough, defensive series 4–2.

Billups helped Detroit win the 2004 NBA Finals against the favored Los Angeles Lakers, 4–1. He averaged 21 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. He also shot very well, earning the NBA Finals MVP Award. Billups said everyone on the team deserved the award.

All-Defensive Honors (2004–2006)

The next season, Billups was named to the 2005 NBA Second All-Defensive Team. His teammate Ben Wallace won the Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Pistons reached the 2005 NBA Finals again. However, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in seven games.

In 2006, Billups was a co-captain of the team. He was chosen to play in the 2006 NBA All-Star Game as a reserve. Three of his teammates, Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace, also made the team. Pistons head coach Flip Saunders coached the Eastern Conference team. He put all four Pistons players in the game when the East was falling behind. They helped the team get back into the game. Billups called this moment a highlight of his career. The Pistons had a franchise-best 64–18 record that season. However, they did not make it to the NBA Finals for the first time in three years.

Final Seasons in Detroit (2006–2008)

In the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, Billups was again chosen as a reserve. He played alongside teammate Rip Hamilton. Billups also took part in the Shooting Stars Competition. Team Detroit won the competition. Billups made the final half-court shot.

Billups taking a shot in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, 2006

On July 11, 2007, Billups signed a new four-year contract with the Pistons. He was selected as a reserve for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game. Teammates Richard Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace also made the team.

In the first round of the 2008 NBA playoffs, Billups injured his right hamstring in Game 3 against the Orlando Magic. He missed the remaining three games of the series. Billups and the Pistons reached the Eastern Conference Finals again. They lost the series 4–2 to the Celtics, who went on to win the championship.

Return to Denver (2008–2011)

On November 3, 2008, Billups was traded back to his hometown team, the Denver Nuggets. This trade involved Allen Iverson. Billups chose the #7 jersey to honor Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway. His other favorite numbers, 1 and 4, were already taken.

Billups played his first game of the Nuggets' 2008–09 season on November 7, 2008. He scored 15 points in a home win. Billups was the only Nugget chosen for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. He finished the season averaging 17.7 points and 6.4 assists per game.

With Billups and Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets achieved many team milestones. Their 54–28 record matched a franchise record. They also had a record start to the season. This was the first time the team had 50 wins in back-to-back seasons. They won their division and earned the second seed in the Western Conference. In the first round, they defeated the New Orleans Hornets in 5 games. Billups set a Nuggets playoff record with 8 three-pointers in one game.

In his first year back, Billups led the Nuggets to the NBA Conference Finals for the first time since 1985. They played the Lakers, who had swept them the year before. The Nuggets lost the series 4–2. This was Billups' seventh straight conference finals appearance. He joined a small group of players to achieve this. He was also selected to his second All-NBA Third Team.

Billups with the Denver Nuggets in 2011

For the 2009–10 season, Billups wore #1 again, the same number he wore with the Pistons. On November 27, 2009, Billups scored 32 points in a win over the New York Knicks. His teammate Carmelo Anthony scored 50 points in the same game. This was a rare achievement in NBA history. On February 5, 2010, Billups set a career high with 39 points. He made 9 three-pointers in a road win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Billups was chosen as an All-Star replacement for injured point guard Chris Paul. During the 2010–11 season, he averaged 16.5 points and 5.3 assists per game. His .441 three-point percentage was a career high.

New York Knicks (2011)

Billups was traded to the New York Knicks on February 22, 2011. This was part of the Carmelo Anthony trade. Billups had wanted to finish his career in Denver. He said telling his daughters about the trade was very hard.

The Knicks finished 42–40 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Billups suffered a knee injury in Game 1 of the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Celtics. This injury kept him out for the rest of the playoffs.

After the Knicks were eliminated, Billups said he wanted to return to the team. In December 2011, the Knicks used their amnesty clause on Billups. This ended his time with the Knicks.

Los Angeles Clippers (2011–2013)

After leaving the Knicks, Billups became a free agent. Many thought he would join a top team like the Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers. However, on December 12, 2011, the Los Angeles Clippers claimed Billups. Billups initially said he would retire if he was picked up by a team not competing for a championship. The NBA warned him about this.

Two days later, the Clippers traded for superstar point guard Chris Paul. After this trade, Billups said he was happy to be with the Clippers. He felt they were ready to improve, and he could help.

Billups, a point guard, was moved to the shooting guard position. On February 7, 2012, an MRI showed a torn Achilles tendon. This ended his season after only 20 games. Billups helped the Clippers start the season 19–9.

On July 13, 2012, Billups re-signed with the Clippers for one year. He played only 22 games that season due to various injuries.

On June 10, 2013, Billups received the first Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award. He felt honored by the award. During the 2012–13 season, Billups had a new career high in free-throw percentage. He became a free agent after the season.

Return to Detroit (2013–2014)

On July 16, 2013, Billups signed a two-year contract to return to the Detroit Pistons. More knee problems caused him to miss most of the 2013–14 season. He played in his fewest games since the 1999–2000 season. He also averaged career lows in points, minutes, and shooting percentages. The Pistons finished the season 29–53 and missed the playoffs.

On June 30, 2014, the Pistons announced they would not keep Billups for the 2014–15 season.

On September 9, 2014, Billups announced his retirement from the NBA after 17 years. He said his health was the main reason. He had not played more than 22 games in his last three seasons.

On February 10, 2016, the Pistons retired Billups' No. 1 jersey.

BIG3 League

In 2017, the new 3-on-3 professional basketball league BIG3 was announced. Billups was set to be a player for the Killer 3's team.

Coaching Career

Billups as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, 2021

Los Angeles Clippers (2020–2021)

On November 16, 2020, Billups was hired as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers. He worked under head coach Tyronn Lue.

Portland Trail Blazers (2021–Present)

On June 27, 2021, Billups was hired as the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. On April 13, 2025, Billups and the Trail Blazers agreed to a multiyear contract extension.

Career Statistics

Regular Season

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1997–98	Boston	51	44	25.4	.390	.339	.817	2.2	4.3	1.5	.0	11.1
	Toronto	29	26	31.7	.349	.316	.919	2.7	3.3	1.0	.1	11.3
1998–99	Denver	45	41	33.1	.386	.362	.913	2.1	3.8	1.3	.3	13.9
1999–00	Denver	13	5	23.5	.337	.171	.841	2.6	3.0	.8	.2	8.6
2000–01	Minnesota	77	33	23.2	.422	.376	.842	2.1	3.4	.7	.1	9.3
2001–02	Minnesota	82	54	28.7	.423	.394	.885	2.8	5.5	.8	.2	12.5
2002–03	Detroit	74	74	31.4	.421	.392	.878	3.7	3.9	.9	.2	16.2
2003–04	Detroit	78	78	35.4	.394	.388	.878	3.5	5.7	1.1	.1	16.9
2004–05	Detroit	80	80	35.8	.442	.426	.898	3.4	5.8	1.0	.1	16.5
2005–06	Detroit	81	81	36.1	.418	.433	.894	3.1	8.6	.9	.1	18.5
2006–07	Detroit	70	70	36.2	.427	.345	.883	3.4	7.2	1.2	.2	17.0
2007–08	Detroit	78	78	32.3	.448	.401	.918	2.7	6.8	1.3	.2	17.0
2008–09	Detroit	2	2	35.0	.333	.286	.918	5.0	7.5	1.5	.5	12.5
	Denver	77	77	35.3	.420	.410	.900	3.0	6.4	1.2	.2	17.9
2009–10	Denver	73	73	34.1	.418	.386	.910	3.1	5.6	1.1	.1	19.5
2010–11	Denver	51	51	32.3	.438	.441	.923	2.5	5.3	1.0	.2	16.5
	New York	21	21	31.6	.403	.328	.902	3.1	5.5	.9	.1	17.5
2011–12	L.A. Clippers	20	20	30.4	.364	.384	.895	2.5	4.0	.5	.2	15.0
2012–13	L.A. Clippers	22	22	19.0	.402	.367	.938	1.5	2.2	.5	.0	8.4
2013–14	Detroit	19	7	16.3	.304	.292	.833	1.5	2.2	.4	.1	3.8
Career		1043	937	31.6	.415	.387	.894	2.9	5.4	1.0	.2	15.2
All-Star		5	0	19.0	.455	.320	.750	2.2	5.0	.4	.0	10.2

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2001	Minnesota	3	0	8.7	.167	.000	1.000	1.7	.7	.0	.0	1.0
2002	Minnesota	3	3	44.7	.451	.400	.700	5.0	5.7	1.0	.3	22.0
2003	Detroit	14	14	34.6	.374	.310	.933	3.4	4.7	.6	.1	18.0
2004	Detroit	23	23	38.3	.385	.346	.890	3.0	5.9	1.3	.1	16.4
2005	Detroit	25	25	39.4	.428	.349	.893	4.3	6.5	1.0	.2	18.7
2006	Detroit	18	18	39.2	.406	.340	.905	3.4	6.5	1.2	.1	17.9
2007	Detroit	16	16	40.6	.435	.389	.832	3.3	5.7	1.2	.1	18.6
2008	Detroit	15	15	32.0	.401	.375	.832	2.9	5.5	.8	.1	16.1
2009	Denver	16	16	38.7	.457	.468	.906	3.8	6.8	1.3	.3	20.6
2010	Denver	6	6	34.5	.446	.355	.881	2.3	6.3	1.0	.5	20.3
2011	New York	1	1	35.0	.273	.333	1.000	2.0	4.0	.0	.0	10.0
2013	L.A. Clippers	6	6	19.2	.306	.353	.818	2.0	1.0	.2	.2	6.2
Career		146	143	36.4	.411	.366	.880	3.4	5.7	1.0	.2	17.3

Head Coaching Record

National Team Career

Billups (left) and Lamar Odom holding the 2010 FIBA World Championship trophy

On March 5, 2006, Billups was chosen for the 2006–2008 USA Men's Senior National Team program. This program aimed to bring Team USA back to the top of the basketball world. Billups missed the 2006 FIBA World Championship for personal reasons.

On August 20, 2007, Billups was selected for Team USA to play in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship. This tournament was a qualifier for the Beijing Olympics. Coming off the bench, he and other new team members like All-Star Kobe Bryant helped USA win every game. They earned a spot in the Summer Olympics. On June 17, 2008, Billups announced he would not try for a spot on the Olympic team due to family reasons. Team USA went on to win the gold medal at the Olympics.

Television Career

Billups joined ESPN in the 2014–15 NBA season. He worked as a studio analyst on SportsCenter and other shows. The next season, Billups joined NBA Countdown as a studio analyst on Wednesdays. For the next three seasons, he split his time between the studio and working as a game analyst for selected broadcasts.

On August 16, 2019, Billups announced he was leaving NBA Countdown. He became the game analyst for Los Angeles Clippers telecasts. He also continued to call some NBA games for ESPN.

Personal Life

Billups and his wife have three daughters. His younger brother, Rodney, played point guard for the University of Denver. Rodney later played professionally in Europe and became a coach. He was the head coach of the Denver Pioneers in 2016.

Billups is the first cousin of running back LenDale White.

Billups wore the #4 jersey through high school and college. He also wore it at times during his professional career. He looked up to former Pistons guard Joe Dumars. Dumars was the Pistons' President of Basketball Operations when Billups played for Detroit. His favorite NFL team is the Denver Broncos.

Billups was featured on the cover of the video game NBA Ballers: Phenom. He was also the player's mentor in the game.

The Coors Events Center has a large mural of Billups. It is part of his "Chauncey's Kid Roundup" program.

Images for kids

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  Billups coaching the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021

• 

  Billups with the Detroit Pistons in 2005

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  Billups in 2008

• 

  Billups taking a shot in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, 2006

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  Billups with the Denver Nuggets in 2011

• 

  Billups (left) and Lamar Odom holding the 2010 FIBA World Championship trophy

• 

  Billups as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, 2021

See also

In Spanish: Chauncey Billups para niños