A Career Defined by Clutch Moments

Chauncey Billups earned his nickname “Mr. Big Shot” through years of delivering in crucial moments across a 17-year NBA career. Drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in 1997, Billups’ early seasons were marked by instability and frequent team changes. His breakthrough came in 2002 when he joined the Detroit Pistons, where his leadership and poise made him one of the league’s top point guards.

Between 2006 and 2010, Billups earned five consecutive All-Star selections and became the face of a resilient Pistons team. His defining achievement came in 2004, when he led Detroit to a stunning NBA championship win over the Los Angeles Lakers, a team powered by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. The title marked Detroit’s first championship since 1990, and Billups captured the Finals MVP award.

Challenges and Controversy Early On

Billups’s career began with controversy during his rookie season in Boston. A woman accused him of sexual assault at the home of teammate Antoine Walker. While no criminal charges were filed, Billups reached an out-of-court settlement with the accuser in 2000.

Despite the early turmoil, Billups went on to build a respected career that also included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and New York Knicks. He retired in 2014 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Transition to Coaching

After retiring, Billups joined ESPN as an analyst before turning to coaching. He served one season as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers and was hired as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021. The hiring raised eyebrows due to his limited coaching background, but team executives cited his leadership and experience as major assets.

In his first four seasons, the Blazers struggled to rise above the bottom of the Western Conference. However, the 2024–25 campaign showed promise as Portland finished 36–46 and flirted with playoff contention. Expectations were high entering this season, Billups’s fifth as head coach.

Arrest and Uncertain Future

That optimism was cut short Thursday when Billups was arrested in connection with a federal gambling scheme. The NBA immediately placed him on administrative leave pending investigation. The league’s statement emphasized that the “integrity of the game remains our top priority.”

&nbsp