PORTLAND, Ore. — Chauncey Billups, MVP of the 2004 NBA Finals for the champion Detroit Pistons, has been elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
The news was first reported Wednesday by Shams Charania of The Athletic. The official announcement of the Hall of Fame Class of 2024 happened Saturday.
"I am humbled to be part of this year’s class for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame," Billups said. "As an NBA Champion and as an NBA All-Star, I strived to play the game the right way. To have my place beside the all-time great players and individuals in the sport of basketball is truly a great honor."
Joining Billups in the 2024 class are Vince Carter, Michael Cooper, Walter Davis, Seimone Augustus, Doug Collins, Bo Ryan, Charles Smith, Herb Simon, Harley Redin, Dick Barnett and Michele Timms. Jerry West will also be inducted for the third time, as a "contributor to the game." West was previously inducted as a player in 1979 and as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team in 2010.
After Billups was named as a finalist for the Hall of Fame in February, he said that level of achievement wasn't something he allowed himself to dream about.
"I dreamed about making it to the NBA. Then I dreamed about being a champion. All-Star. I never even really dreamed about the Hall of Fame, which I call basketball heaven," he said. "It's awesome to be in it, to have a chance at it. I'll be waiting by my phone to see if I make it."
Billups played 17 seasons in the NBA, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 assists and 2.9 rebound over his 1,043-game career. He was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in 1997 but struggled through his first few seasons in the league. He was traded during his rookie season and played for four different teams in his first five seasons before landing in Detroit.
With the Pistons, Billups finally found his footing, becoming an All-Star and leading Detroit to an NBA championship in 2004. He was named Finals MVP after averaging 21 points, 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds in the Pistons' five-game series victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.
In eight seasons in Detroit, Billups averaged 16.5 points, 6.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds. In addition to his Finals MVP honor, Billups was named All-NBA three times and was a five-time All-Star. He also made the All-Defensive Team twice. The Pistons have retired Billups' jersey.
Billups was also part of the Team USA gold medal FIBA World Championship team in 2010 and helped Team USA win a bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championships. He was also recognized for his work in the community, receiving the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2008, which recognizes a player for outstanding service and dedication to his community.
In 2009, Billups was awarded the NBA Sportsmanship Award and the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award in 2013, given to the player who best exemplifies selfless play and commitment to his team.
Billups was hired as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers prior to the 2021-22 season and has amassed a coaching record of 81 wins and 160 losses with Portland.
"As a five-time All-Star and 2004 MVP, Chauncey is well deserving of this wonderful recognition," said Jody Allen, chair of the Portland Trail Blazers. "We are all proud of Chauncey's many accomplishments as a player and his impressive 17-year career on the court."
The induction ceremony will take place in Springfield, Illinois on Aug. 17.