Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next weekend, a well-deserved honor for the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, who led the Detroit Pistons to a championship.
Billups, known for his leadership and clutch performances throughout his playing career, admitted he was in disbelief when he received the call notifying him of his induction – partly because of the timing.
“(When the Hall) actually called, they picked a (heck) of a day. It was April Fool’s. It was on April 1,” Billups recalled to The Denver Post’s Sean Keeler. “So when they called, I just kept saying, ‘If y’all are playing this sick joke on me, man, I’m never speaking to any of y’all again. That’s the worst.’”
Billups’ election to the Hall of Fame is a testament to his storied NBA career, which included five All-Star appearances and the reputation of being “Mr. Big Shot” for his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Now transitioning to his role as a coach in Portland, Billups’ induction not only recognizes his accomplishments as a player but also underscores his influence on the game, both on and off the court.
Western Notes: Lee, Billups, Wembanyama, Paul https://t.co/ridgeMeh4R pic.twitter.com/EUMbrKl08b
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 7, 2024
