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Chauncey Billups enters the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame after a distinguished 17-year NBA career.
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• Complete coverage: 2024 Hall of Fame
This weekend’s enshrinement of the Class of 2024 at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum does not include a GOAT. None of the inductees are considered to be on the Mt. Rushmore of NBA legends, nor do they rank among the Top-15 or Top-20 players in history.
This observation highlights the tremendous depth of talent the NBA has seen throughout its history. The four inductees from the North American Committee, part of a total of 13 honorees to be celebrated during the ceremony in Springfield, Mass., represent a wealth of excellence and achievement.
One of the inductees, Chauncey Billups, distinguished himself through resilience and the leadership of an underdog championship squad. Vince Carter, another honoree, exemplified longevity, navigating through 22 seasons while adapting his game across two markedly different styles.
Michael Cooper has waited 34 years for this weekend, following his final NBA game, a lengthy period that likely allowed some voters to fully recognize the selfless and relentless defensive effort he offered to one of the most entertaining offensive teams in basketball history.
Walter Davis, meanwhile, found his career overshadowed by injuries, battles with substance abuse, and a downturn in the caliber of his Phoenix Suns teams. Yet, as a scorer and shooter, he made a notable entrance to the NBA with a level of success and consistency that was rarely matched.
The Hall of Fame embraces a wide range of contributors to the game—players, coaches, and others at the professional, college“`html
A point guard hailing from Colorado played for five different teams over his initial six seasons, representing a total of seven franchises throughout his career. He experienced five trades, signed as a free agent four times, and was waived once. Ultimately, he will have a permanent place in Springfield.
• Hall of Fame credentials: Statistics alone fail to capture the essence of Billups’ influence on the game. He is ranked 24th in all-time 3-pointers made, 25th in 3-point attempts, 51st in assists, and 63rd in free-throws made during his 17-year journey in the NBA. From his ninth season onward, he secured five All-Star selections and was named to the second or third All-NBA teams on three occasions. Additionally, he earned All-Defensive Second Team honors twice and finished among the top six in MVP voting twice. His playoff experience spans 146 games, including two trips to the Finals.
• Most memorable moment: Following Game 2 of the 2004 Finals, which was played under the old 2-3-2 home/road format, Billups is noted for having interrupted coach Larry Brown. With the series tied 1-1 after two games at Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena), Billups proclaimed to the Pistons’ bus: “We’re not returning to L.A.” True to his word, the Pistons swept the next three games in Detroit, triumphing over the heavily favored Lakers. Although the aging Lakers boasted several high-profile players, the Pistons shone as a cohesive unit featuring Richard “Rip” Hamilton, Ben Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace. Their defense was the true star of the series, and Billups earned Finals MVP honors after averaging 21 points and 5.2 assists, shooting 50.9% 47.1% from beyond the arc, and 92.9% at the free-throw line.
Vince Carter
On February 12, 2000, Vince Carter delivered an unforgettable performance in the dunk contest.
• Career summary: Known as “Half-man, half-amazing!” with a hint of a giant tortoise or Timex, Carter was the No. 5 pick in 1998. He was traded on Draft night for his North Carolina teammate Antawn Jamison and went on to play for an impressive 21 seasons—six seasons longer than Jamison. Only three players have achieved 20 seasons, with LeBron James poised to match Carter’s record during the 2024-25 season. Among Carter’s 1,541 games, 959 occurred after turning 30, surpassing the total career games of legends like Jerry West, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson. His remarkable career longevity came to a close on March 11, 2020, when it was ultimately cut short by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
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rim-rattling display in Oakland.
Michael Cooper
• Career summary: One could argue that Cooper executed his role more thoroughly (and certainly more effectively) than any other supporting player in the history of the NBA. Throughout his 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, he started just 94 out of 873 games played, averaging a mere 8.9 points — lower than any Hall inductee from the post-NBA/ABA merger aside from Dennis Rodman (7.3) and Ben Wallace (5.7). However, it was his defensive prowess that distinguished him, complementing the Lakers’ legendary “Showtime” era during the 1980s. Only he, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar participated in all five of L.A.’s championship-winning teams during that period.
• Hall of Fame credentials: Although Cooper never made an All-Star team, standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 170 pounds, with speed, toughness, and elongated arms, he was the quintessential defender who made life incredibly difficult for the opposing team’s top scorers. If one were to accumulate the points he neutralized from the most prolific scorers of his time, such as Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Alex English, George Gervin, Dominique Wilkins, and others, and credited them to Cooper in a plus/minus fashion, his career point total of 7,729 could effectively double. He was selected eight times for All-Defensive teams, won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1986-87, and finished among the top five in the balloting for that honor five different times.
• Most memorable moment: Bird clearly designated Cooper as the best defender he ever encountered, but it was a game where Cooper contributed offensively that stands out the most. During Game 2 of the 1987 Finals, Cooper made history by hitting six 3-pointers — a record at the time — and played a critical role in scoring or assisting all 20 points for the Lakers during a second-quarter run that led to a 141-122 victory. The Lakers clinched their fifth championship just four games later. In that match, Bird recorded 23 points with three turnovers in 36 minutes, shooting 9-of-17. In contrast, Cooper scored 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting with three steals in 26 minutes from the bench.
Walter Davis
• Career summary: Davis emerged onto the NBA scene as a smooth and talented wing player for the Suns, having been drafted as the No. 5 pick in 1977. His initial 11 seasons were spent with Phoenix, followed by four years with Denver, and concluded with a brief 32-game appearance in Portland. Unfortunately, Davis’ career was hindered in the mid-1980s by injuries and an off-court struggle with substance abuse, for which he sought help. The 6-foot-6 North Carolina alum never secured an NBA Championship or reached the Finals, yet he did compete in the Western Conference Finals three times. His total of 15,666 points remains the highest in Suns franchise history.
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-16 shooting. As stated by his Phoenix coach, John MacLeod, “He’s not just an ordinary shooter. He’s an artist. His jump shot is flawless. If you intend to show someone how to shoot the ball, you would tell them, ‘Do it like Walter does.’”
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Since 1980, Steve Aschburner has been covering the NBA. You can e-mail him here, access his archive here, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily represent those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
Celebrating Legends: Chauncey Billups and the Class of 2024 Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Chauncey Billups: A Career Overview
Chauncey Billups, known affectionately as “Mr. Big Shot,” is celebrated for his pivotal role in the Detroit Pistons’ 2004 NBA Championship victory. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024 represents not only personal achievement but also honors a transformative era in Pistons history. Billups is the second player from that championship team to be inducted, following in the footsteps of Ben Wallace.
Key Highlights of Billups’ Career
- NBA Championships: 1 (2004)
- NBA Finals MVP: 2004
- All-Star Appearances: 5 times
- All-NBA First Team: 3 times
- NBA All-Defensive Team: 3 times
Impact on the Game
Billups was renowned for his defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and leadership on the court. His ability to perform in clutch situations earned him the nickname ”Mr. Big Shot,” reflecting his tendency to deliver when it mattered most. His style of play combined toughness, intelligence, and skill, making him a fan favorite and a respected figure among players and coaches alike.
The Hall of Fame Class of 2024
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is a diverse group of players, coaches, and contributors who have made significant impacts on the game of basketball. Alongside Billups, other notable inductees include:
| Name | Known For | Induction Category |
|---|---|---|
| Chauncey Billups | NBA Champion, Finals MVP | Player |
| Ben Wallace | Four-time Defensive Player of the Year | Player |
| Greg Popovich | Legendary Spurs Coach | Coach |
| Manu Ginóbili | Two-time NBA Champion | Player |
| Paul Pierce | NBA Champion, Finals MVP | Player |
Legacy of the 2004 Detroit Pistons
The success of the 2004 Pistons team was defined by its defensive tenacity and teamwork. Billups, alongside players like Wallace, Rip Hamilton, and Tayshaun Prince, created a culture of resilience. This team’s collective effort led to their championship victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, which remains one of the biggest upsets in NBA history.
Celebrating Billups’ Induction
Billups’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a moment of reflection and celebration for basketball fans and former teammates. The event highlighted not only his individual achievements but also the camaraderie that defined the Pistons during their championship run.
Key Quotes from the Ceremony
- “It’s an honor to be recognized among the legends of the game, but this is as much about my teammates as it is about me.” – Chauncey Billups
- “Chauncey was the heart and soul of our championship team.” – Ben Wallace
Billups’ Influence Beyond the Court
Beyond his accolades on the court, Chauncey Billups has made significant contributions off the court. His work in community service and youth basketball programs has impacted countless lives, showcasing his commitment to giving back.
Community Engagement and Philanthropy
- Billups Family Foundation: Focused on youth education and development.
- Basketball Clinics: Annual camps aimed at helping young players develop skills and life lessons.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Players
Aspiring basketball players can learn from Chauncey Billups’ career. Here are some practical tips inspired by his journey:
- Work Ethic: Dedicate time daily for skill development and conditioning.
- Study the Game: Watch game footage to learn strategies and improve decision-making.
- Embrace Leadership: Be a vocal leader on your team, encouraging and supporting teammates.
Case Studies: Other Inductees’ Impact
Just like Billups, other inductees have left a mark in various ways:
Ben Wallace
A defensive stalwart, Wallace’s impact on the game is evident through his multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. His work ethic and dedication have inspired many players to prioritize defense.
Greg Popovich
As one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Popovich’s strategies have shaped modern basketball. His focus on team play over individual accolades has influenced generations of players and coaches.
First-Hand Experience with Chauncey Billups
Many young players who have interacted with Billups speak of his approachability and willingness to mentor. His ability to communicate effectively and share his experiences makes him not just a role model but also a friend to many in the basketball community.
Testimonials from Young Players
- “Chauncey taught me that it’s not just about scoring, but making your teammates better.” – Local Youth Player
- “His advice on handling pressure during games has changed how I approach basketball.” – High School Athlete
Conclusion
Chauncey Billups’ journey to the Hall of Fame exemplifies hard work, dedication, and a love for the game. His legacy, along with the 2024 Hall of Fame class, serves as an inspiration for future generations of basketball players. By celebrating their achievements, we not only honor their past but also pave the way for the future of the sport.
