Chauncey Billups Retires: Had Been Linked to Cleveland Cavaliers

Feb 7, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons shooting guard Chauncey Billups (1) moves the ball defended by Brooklyn Nets point guard Marquis Teague (12) in the second half at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Detroit won 111-95. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Last month, veteran point guard Chauncey Billups was said to be gearing up for another shot at the NBA, and reports had him in serious talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers.   LeBron James won’t get his hooks into this former star, though, as Billups retired today, as Tweeted by SLAM Magazine:

Billups, who played college ball at the University of Colorado Boulder, spent 17 seasons in the NBA, most famously with the Detroit Pistons from 2002-2009.  During his time in the Motor City, Billups established himself as one of the top PGs in The Association.  He helped lead the Pistons to the 2003-2004 NBA championship.

Just months after drinking the bubbly with his teammates, he joined them in fisticuffs during a brawl with the Indiana Pacers, dubbed the Malice in the Palace.   For his “efforts” there, Billups received a one-game suspension.

He continued to play well in subsequent seasons, though he was slowed by nagging injuries and age.   After blowing out his Achilles’ a couple years back, Billups was never quite the same.

Still, Billups is smart and knows the game inside and out, so he likely has a future as an announcer or coach, depending on his inclinations.  He could even still end up next to LeBron in Cleveland, either coaching up the King, or singing his praises on TV.