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Detroit Pistons legend Chauncey ’Mr. Big Shot’ Billups named 2024 Naismith Basketball HOF finalist

Billups was named 2004 NBA Finals MVP

FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2016, file photo, former Detroit Pistons player Chauncey Billups addresses the media in Auburn Hills, Mich. A person familiar with the negotiations says Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is meeting for the second straight day with former NBA star Chauncey Billups about a front office position. Gilbert could be close to offering a job to Billups, said the person who spoke Wednesday, June 21, 2017, to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File) (Carlos Osorio, Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

DETROITDetroit 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.

AUBURN HILLS, MI - JUNE 15: Chauncey Billups #1 of the Detroit Pistons holds up the most valuable player trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of the 2004 NBA Finals on June 15, 2004 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Pistons won 100-87. Billups was named MVP of the FInals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (2004 Getty Images)

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.

Chauncey Billups stands with his daughters Ciara, left, Cydney and Cenaiya and his wife, Piper, right, during a halftime ceremony during an NBA basketball game where his jersey was retired, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Associated Press)

About the Author
Brandon Carr headshot

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

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