DETROIT – Detroit Pistons legend Chauncey “Mr. Big Shot” Billups has been named a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2024.
The announcement took place on Friday (Feb. 16) during NBA All Star Weekend in Indianapolis.
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Other names alongside Billups in alphabetical order:
- Vince “Half Man Half Amazing” Carter
- Michael Cooper
- Walter Davis
- Bo Ryan
- Charles Smith
Women’s Committee Finalists:
- Seimone Augustus
- Marian Washington
Men’s Veteran Committee Finalist:
- Dick Barnett
Women’s Veteran Committee Finalist:
- Harley Redin
International Committee Finalist:
- Michele Timms
Contributors Committee Finalists:
- Doug Collins
- Herb Simon
- Jerry West
“Being named a Finalist for the Class of 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a testament to the highest echelons of achievement in the sport,” said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “It’s an honor that reflects not only individual greatness but also the longlasting impact on the game itself. From the strategic brilliance of coaches to the unmatched abilities of players and the influential roles of a coach/broadcaster, an esteemed owner, and a dynasty-building executive, each Finalist embodies the pinnacle of basketball excellence. Their inclusion underscores the diverse contributions that have shaped and enriched the sport, making this recognition truly exceptional.”
Billups received the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” because he delivered every time when the rubber needed to meet the road, no matter how crucial the plays were.
While spending 17 seasons in the association, Billups, who was drafted in 1997 by the Boston Celtics, made his name with the Pistons during the mid-2000s, where he helped the Detroit Bad Boys 2.0 achieve the ultimate prize by five-game sweeping the vaunted Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Finals.
Billups was a five-time NBA All-Star and the 2004 Finals MVP after leading the Detroit Pistons to their third NBA championship in franchise history.
For his accolades with the Pistons, Mr. Big Shot had his No. 1 jersey retired in 2016. During his 17-year career, Billups’ averaged 15.2 points and 5.4 assists per game, while his 89.4 free throw percentage is sixth best in NBA/ABA history.
You can catch Billups roaming the sidelines for the Portland Trail Blazers, where he has been the head coach since 2021.