There is a permanently planted chip on the shoulder of Chauncey Billups, and it only grows in size as time goes on.
Billups is a guy who always has something to prove. Initially it was showing Boston they were wrong for trading him in his rookie year. Then it was proving he was a natural point guard. Even when Billups reached the highest peak by winning a title in Detroit and a Finals MVP, he still wasn’t done. He had to set out to prove it wasn’t all a fluke.
When Billups finally earned the respect he so desperately craved and the moniker “Mr. Big Shot,” he looked to justify his reputation by shooting a ridiculous amount of potential game-winning shots. Never mind that he went 3-for-27 in those situations over the last five years — his name was his name. Fading away from taking a big shot would be an admittance that he didn’t deserve his reputation. Those three makes were drastically more important than the 24 misses. Billups has always drawn his motivation from his perceived worth, and it’s a sword that cuts both ways.
When New York kicked him to the curb for Tyson Chandler this offseason, making him the league’s most notable Amnesty Cut to date, you saw the pride of Billups unleashed. He made wild threats to any team that claimed him, saying that, “A leader can be as disruptive as he can be productive…This is about me now.”
Billups simply could not accept anyone but himself wielding the power that decided his fate. He had earned the right to choose exactly where he wanted to be, even if the rules said otherwise.
Maybe it was clever posturing to scare off the Sacramentos of the world, but it felt real. When the Clippers were awarded their $2,000,032 claim for Billups, many feared for the worst. Here was the league’s most notorious losing franchise, with the league’s most tarnished reputation, picking up a player on his last legs heavily invested in protecting his legacy.
Without Chris Paul, it’s likely a nightmare scenario. But once Paul became a Clipper, Billups backed off his harsh threats and changed his tune — sort of. Billups refers to Paul as “his little brother,” and routinely makes comments about how nice it is to have two great point guards on the roster. Billups’ comments almost seem to indicate that Paul is playing with him, and not the other way around.
And that leads us to the current situation. The chip on Billups shoulder has grown into a tumor. He has to prove New York wrong for closing the curtains on his career. He has to prove he’s worth more than just two million dollars — three million below the average NBA player’s salary. He has to show that he’s not washed up, that age hasn’t caught up to him. Perhaps most damning, he has to do all of that while playing in the shadow cast by the league’s greatest point guard.
When Billups takes the court, he’s not just fighting against players 10 years younger than him — he’s fighting the sun from setting on his career. That’s something that even Billups, as great as he was, can’t do.
But for better or worse, he’s trying. Even though he’s shooting just 33 percent from the field so far this season, Billups is firing up shots same as before. He’s regressed heavily by virtually every statistical measure this season, becoming more average than his name would believe to you be. His PER rating of 15.1 this season is barely above league average. His true shooting percentage, usually a category Billups is a league leader in, is at 52.1 percent, a hair below the league average of 52.2 percent.
This puts the Clippers in a peculiar situation. Billups has the market cornered on being the Clippers only “slasher” on the roster and is the only wing player really capable of drawing fouls. With that said, Mo Williams has proven himself the superior offensive player so far this season, and will likely look better with the rest of the starting unit at the end of games. And therein lies the issue. Can Del Negro bench “Mr. Big Shot” down the stretch of game with any sort of frequency and expect that to go over well? Can you directly make light of the fact that Billups last claim to stardom (his “clutch” shooting) is no longer worthy?
The value of Billups has changed. His playoff experience, ability to draw fouls, spot-up 3-point shooting, and typically safe decision-making is what the Clippers actually value. The pull-up jumpers early in the clock and the hero shots he was once renowned for hold very little value to this team.
Is Billups, in his 15th year, willing to accept his actual value and declining role? Or will the pride that once fueled him to greatness cloud his eyes from the truth?
93 Responses
Billups more and more is resembling Baron Davis. I’m still willing to give him a little time to see if his problems are just part of an adjustment period he’s going through. But likely they are not. Likely he’s simply over the hill.
My main concern is that the because the Clippers have Billups and they want to pretend he’d good when he’s obviously not (a recurring problem with the Clippers) they then will get rid of Bledsoe to thin out the ranks at point guard. That would be another in a long line of foolish Clipper moves.
Keep Bledsoe over Billups.
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:23 am
Billups is jacking up bad shots at time, but overall, he is a more cerebral player than Baron is. Billups’ basketball IQ is still a lot higher and he plays hard every night unlike Baron who played hard when the environment and crowd was good. We can’t trade Billups too because of the amnesty rules. We can waive him but that would not be worthwhile. In the playoffs, Billups’ experience will be a valuable commodity. Bledsoe is the only trade chip that the Clippers have right now to bring in an elite wing defender and a backup center with size and length. DeMote, have you read up stuff on the new CBA?
Posted on January 27th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
Nooo DJ!!!! This is supposed to be the elephant in the room we’re ignoring!
I think the best thing that could happen is Bledsoe comes back and Billups gets a minor injury like a sprained ankle. Let’s freeze him in carbonite and thaw him out for the playoffs when we’ll need his leadership and knowhow.
I suppose the actual best thing that could happen is that the team plays like they did in the preseason. Seriously, does anyone know why the hell the offense doesn’t resemble their preseason look at all?
D.J. Foster Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 2:11 am
Eh, mostly because it was preseason. Lakers were playing their first game with Mike Brown, etc.
I feel ya, though. Clips looked unstoppable in those games.
Posted on January 27th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Maybe DJ is privy to inside information,but so far Chauncy has won a game against the Mavs,has made numerous key shots & assists in other games,& has supplied his usual terrific leadership especially when Paul was injured. I’ve seen nothing to indicate that he’s unhappy & to get rid of him would be absurd.
D.J. Foster Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 1:56 am
Never suggested that they get rid of Chauncey — fact is, at 2 million dollars, he’s a steal. I’m just hoping he can accept it if VDN goes with Mo late in games. Based on his past and the things that he’s said, I’m not sure he will.
Jeff G. Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
I have to agree with crimelaw. What I seen at games belies the not so great stats. After last season having no steady vet leadership on the floor, I really like the “floor general” roll Billups played in CP3′s absence (during his 5 games out or when he’s getting a breather) and he did win the Mavs game. It might not be reflected in the stats, but he does always seem to make a key timed play to reverse bad momentum on the floor (something that the Clipps never had last year.) The rest of the team seems calmer with Billups…plus, Mo Will has been killing it off the bench. Until I hear Chauncey actually start to bitch, let’s keep this on the DL.
Posted on January 27th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
Awesome DJ, great post.
D.J. Foster Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 2:09 am
Thank you sir!
Posted on January 27th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Like Del Negro said, we’re going to need all of our guards, and use the of the strengths and weaknesses. CP3 is great, but said to be injury prone. Chauncey is great, but he’s 35, and currently in a bit of a slump. Mo is great, but tends to get a little out of control, and we all know he’s streaky at times. Randy is great, but sometimes tentative/passive, not aggressive enough, Bledsoe is awesome but coming back off of an injury, and he has so little experience. Its a team we have here, and Vinny has to manage this thing. So far so good. We need all of our guards to be productive until Olshey decides to do something for some more size on the wing. If not, we gotta find a way to make it work. I’d take this back court over, Jaric and Jeff McInnis, or Derrick Martin, Dan Dickau, I got names, stop dumping on Chauncey.
bongstradamus Reply:
January 27th, 2012 at 10:37 pm
I miss Earl Boykins
Al Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 12:56 am
Randy Woods lol
D.J. Foster Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 1:57 am
You leave Dan Dickau out of this you monster!
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:25 am
Well, I’d take Shaun Livingston over Chauncey before his knee exploded.
Tim Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 11:45 am
Lets run down the list in no particular order: Darnell Valentine, Larry Drew, Gary Grant, Sherman Douglas,Brent Barry, Doc Rivers, Pooh Richardson, Terry Dehere, Derrick Anderson (D-A),Troy Hudson,Tom Garrick, James Robinson, Dooling, McInnis, Eric Murdock, Smush Parker, Kittles, Mobley, Marko Jaric, Eddie House, Brevin Knight, Howard Eisley, Q-Ross, Q-Rich,Q-Dailey, Charles Smith, Sealey, Piatkowski, Garland,Norm Nixon, Shawn Livingston, Sam Cassell, Darrick Martin, Andre Miller, I know I left out a few, Dickau, but. You can take any of those names, I’ll take what we have right now, and go to work with that. Gotta say Cherokee Parks, and Keith Closs just cause I haven’t said those names in a long time, but I was really only talking guards. People say all the time, the Clippers let all of their good players get away, and I always, who? What good players? Bison Dele’, James Edwards? Who? Other than Ron Harper, and maybe Lamar, I can’t think of any. This group of Clippers right here is the greatest Clippers squad of all time!!!
Young Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
You forgot Jason Hart
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
and Cory Maggette, Quinton Ross, and Zjelko Rebracza
griffin Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 9:54 pm
I miss jason hart the forgotten clipper
Posted on January 27th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
+2
Posted on January 27th, 2012 at 10:34 pm
what an absolute joke this article is. this dj foster guy is THE definition of what a billups-hater is. if any of you ever look at the lob city ledger report, you will easily noticed how dj have certain preferences and bias opinions. in all the games that clippers have played thus far, cp3 have been rated on the report card even with four games that he wasn’t suited up for. and in those four games along with some of other games this season, billups have had a few good solid game performances. and despite of all that, dj foster refused to ever rate chauncey billups. not a single time he did, except the last game yesterday. of all the games, he decided to rate him an C- on a game he clearly didn’t shoot well. granted, billups have not been playing up to his level and to our expectations. but dj foster, if you going to even try to convince your readers with your perspective, you should really consider to be neutral and fair. again, i’m not defending everything about billups here and i’m not disagreeing with all the things you mentioned in the article here. i’m simply saying you are clearly being unfair to mr. billups and it is apparent that your intention is to hope chauncey gets his behind shadowed and consequently giving mo williams the chance to shine. LET’S JUST WAIT AND SEE HOW THIS “MOFO” PLAY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SEASON. REMEMBER, IT’S 66 GAMES SEASON LONG, YOU’RE JUDGING ALREADY??? REALLY?????? I WANT TO SEE WHO GETS THE LAST LAUGH AND I WANT TO SEE YOU EAT YOUR OWN WORDS RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY OWN EYES…… = )
billups629 Reply:
January 27th, 2012 at 11:57 pm
keep givin it a thumb down guys…. i ain’t surprised since billups haven’t prove nothin. i will be right here when billups gets his shootings back and want to see you guys eating the big pile of trash that dj foster couldn’t finish all by himself….. =P
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:29 am
Chauncey has an NBA championship, a Finals MVP trophy and a FIBA World Championship. What do you have, billups629??? Nothing, that’s right! Chauncey’s on this team for a reason and provides something the Clippers have never had: championship pedigree and experience with veteran leadership.
D.J. Foster Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 2:04 am
Couple things: I’m not a Billups hater. I think his major skills (3-point shooting and drawing fouls) are things this team desperately needs.
As for the Lob City Ledger thing: I don’t write that every time (the name of the grader is at the bottom), and it was an editorial decision to have Chris Paul be “graded” while he was out. I think I’ve done the Ledger about four or five times total, and the times I did it I found a third player to be more influential on the game than Chauncey.
I am absolutely not hoping Chauncey fails. What I’m hoping is that he recognizes he’s in his 15th season and that it’s okay for him not to be able to do all the things he used to be able to do.
billups629 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 4:40 am
how is chauncey showing that he’s not ok with the situation? how would you like him to tell you that it is ok that he just realized he can’t do the things that he was able to before?? YOU’RE ASSUMING DJ FOSTER… DON’T YOU GET IT????? you’re literally creating the drama here all by yourself!!! it’s article such as this to create such stir and topics for fans alike and even to create chaos within their locker room. if you are truly a Clippers fan and basketball expert, you should know it’s “analysis” such as this that creates more problem than what it really is. If today, chauncey steps up to the media and start whining about his minutes, if he’s even remotely showing any displeasure on the bench at all, then by all mean assume as such. NOT A TRACE OF THAT HAS BEEN DISPLAYED MR. FOSTER!! and what are you doing then??? you’re asking a veteran to be more discipline and recognize what you consider as the truth??? what do you know about the truth? what do you know how he really thinks and your so called “PRIDE” ???? ASK YOURSELF IF YOU REALLY KNOW HOW MUCH PRIDE IS BEING PLAY OUT HERE….. you clearly are mixing everything into one, and that ain’t right. chauncey had complained before he was shipped here, and rightfully so. for wat he went through and his caliber, he deserves to show a bit animosity towards a good majority of the teams in the league. that’s completely understandable. yet, don’t get it twisted foster. how his attitude before he joined and how he is now after two months into the season are two completely different issues. again, he has not yet complained about the situation now. if anything else, you seemed to be the one that have a fit about him being as a starter. in another word, this isn’t so much about chauncey and his pride. this is more about fans like you wanting chauncey to be as a backup and wants him to accept that role for those reasons. THAT AIN’T HIS PROBLEM, IT’S YOURS….. think about it.
JaySee Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 11:12 am
Exactly WHO is creating the drama here? Oh the irony…
Posted on January 27th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
cp3 dropped on just about all the categories this season from before. I DON’T SEE A WORD THIS JOKER IS SAYING ABOUT IT!!! HM…. I WONDER WHY…….
D.J. Foster Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 2:07 am
Paul’s field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, steals, points per game, and PER rating are all up from last year. If there was a heavy decline going on, we’d be talking about it.
The main problem I have with Paul is his decreased free throw rate — something we’ve addressed here before.
matt nespoli Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:51 am
DJ-
don’t argue with idiots. It’s not becoming of you. Keep your head above the frey.
Good article. I totally agree. I wish, badly, they could trade Chauncey, now, while he still has some percieved value. He is in fast decline, can’t guard anyone, isn’t much of a shooter anymore, and even his field goal percentage is starting to drop. Once that goes, you know his legs are gone and his career is headed south.
I really hope they do not trade Moe Williams or Eric Bledsoe. They need Moe now. They need Eric next year. To trade either, and keep Chauncey, will be a mistake
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 12:32 am
HEY D.J. FOSTER…. ARE YOU WRITING AN ARTICLE TOMORROW ABOUT CP3 AND HIS PRIDE TOO?????? HAHAHAHA
JaySee Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 11:13 am
Who is this guy? Demote’s little brother?
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 12:33 am
OH AND IF MO WILLIAMS NOT PLAYING WELL NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, I’LL BE HERE WAITING TO SEE AN ARTICLE ON HIS PRIDE AND MANHOOD FROM YOU OK???? DON’T FORGET….
Isaac Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 7:33 am
Actually, Mo’s unhappiness coming off the bench the first couple games was pretty well documented..
Is anybody else thinking that billups629 might actually be Chauncey?
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:31 am
or DeMote DeAndre having found someone new to hate on. HAAHHAHA
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 12:34 am
Chauncy. Be cool! Go drive your Bently around playa vista and check out all the hot babes ! We know you’ll deliver in the playoffs. Lol
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 1:02 am
You guys all need to stop hating on the article and read it again. Chauncey has not played well except for in a few games and Mo has looked very good offensively lately. Meaning that at the end of a game if I’m coach I would play Mo. Just like Vinny did and the point of the article is will Chauncey except not finishing games if this happens over a long stretch. I liked the article, keep up the good work.
griffin Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 5:06 am
I would let whoever finish games. Depending on who has the hot hand. Besides billups needs to be fresh on back to back becuz he is old. I’m glad mo can step in for billups during this harsh season. That way billups will be more effective. Billups plays terrible when he tired but give him 24 mins on a goodnite. Billups will score 18 pts in 24 mins just like preseason
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 2:35 am
Accept* not except. My bad
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 2:36 am
how is chauncey showing that he’s not ok with the situation? how would you like him to tell you that it is ok that he just realized he can’t do the things that he was able to before?? YOU’RE ASSUMING DJ FOSTER… DON’T YOU GET IT????? you’re literally creating the drama here all by yourself!!! it’s article such as this to create such stir and topics for fans alike and even to create chaos within their locker room. if you are truly a Clippers fan and basketball expert, you should know it’s “analysis” such as this that creates more problem than what it really is. If today, chauncey steps up to the media and start whining about his minutes, if he’s even remotely showing any displeasure on the bench at all, then by all mean assume as such. NOT A TRACE OF THAT HAS BEEN DISPLAYED MR. FOSTER!! and what are you doing then??? you’re asking a veteran to be more discipline and recognize what you consider as the truth??? what do you know about the truth? what do you know how he really thinks and your so called “PRIDE” ???? ASK YOURSELF IF YOU REALLY KNOW HOW MUCH PRIDE IS BEING PLAY OUT HERE….. you clearly are mixing everything into one, and that ain’t right. chauncey had complained before he was shipped here, and rightfully so. for wat he went through and his caliber, he deserves to show a bit animosity towards a good majority of the teams in the league. that’s completely understandable. yet, don’t get it twisted foster. how his attitude before he joined and how he is now after two months into the season are two completely different issues. again, he has not yet complained about the situation now. if anything else, you seemed to be the one that have a fit about him being as a starter. in another word, this isn’t so much about chauncey and his pride. this is more about fans like you wanting chauncey to be as a backup and wants him to accept that role for those reasons. THAT AIN’T HIS PROBLEM, IT’S YOURS….. think about it.
matt nespoli Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:53 am
My brother, Billups, before you start posting things on the internet, you need to take an English class.
My brain hurts after trying to interpret some kind of coherent thought out of that jumbled mess of a paragraph.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 4:40 am
we all can have our own opinion, preferences, and taste. that’s just how it is. but it’s one thing to express your own opinion, and its totally quite the opposite to make assumptions and consequently creates unnecessary dramas. it’s media writers like you that makes story out of nothing. i can not emphasize enough about laying out the reality here. and that is chauncey has not played well thus far overall, but he has not complained about his playing time. if we’re dealing with players like Counsins, Terrell Owens, or Meta World Peace and Rodman, then what you wrote here will be justifiable. i couldn’t even defend billups even for a huge fan like me. Del Negro made clear on his approach and his plan on how to utiltize his guards. some may agree some may not. but here you are saying things like how bad billups been regressing and how he’s aging, and from there you are saying therefore he shouldn’t “act” like he’s still the man. that’s all you assuming that thoughts in your brain. as if you have this photographic image illustrating how he’s still acting like a hard azz and giving no respect to others. that’s really just bs to be honest with you. if you know anything about chauncey, you will know he’s one of the classy player in this league. he hasn’t achieved much in his career, but he’s won best sportsmanship awards couple times. you don’t get that recognition for being arrogant, stuck up, and unfriendly and incorporative. he’s all about winning and he’s all about team effort. he knows more about that than all of us combined period. just think for a second to why he’s been struggling and how the team should react towards it appropriately. i can tell you right off the bat that him switching to SG position is the main reason. and if you concurred to that point, you should at least give him the benefit of doubt. rather than focus entirely on his age, his playing efforts and strategies. you don’t even have second guess yourself if he’s trying too hard to prove himself and others. he’s only trying to fit in to this position and situation in which he really didn’t plan to be in the first place. i guarantee all of you here that he’s handling this situation better than almost anyone can in his position. and that should speak volume.
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:33 am
Rodman and MWP have a few screws loose. Chauncey is a perfectly sane and capable player even in his 15th season.
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:36 am
Chauncey has won more than most people if you think about it. How many players can say they’ve even won ONE NBA ring, let a lone a Finals MVP award? Not very many. The average lifespan of an NBA player’s career is 5 years. Chauncey, in his 15th season has triple the average.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 4:57 am
1. just because chauncey is 35, doesn’t mean he’s downgrading….. the change of role is the main blame to the numbers that he’s producing.
2. just because he got picked up for 2 million, doesn’t mean he should be treated like one.
3. just because he was CHOSEN to be the starter, does not mean that he insisted on it and that he’s not ok with the playing minutes.
4. just because mo williams has been playing better than chauncey, does not mean that mo williams deserves to take over chauncey’s position in just few weeks of observance.
AND FINALLY……
5. just because dj foster says chauncey should be a backup, doesn’t mean that should and will happen.
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:37 am
I think Chauncey should be a backup at this stage in his career. If we swung Bledsoe for a 2/3 who has size and length and can slash a little (a Cory Maggette type player that actually plays defense), then Chauncey can help lead the second unit. A second unit with he and Mo would be deadly.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 5:11 am
last time i checked…..
1. mo williams has ONLY been to the all-stars game ONCE. (Chauncey 5 times all-stars)
2. mo williams has never been part of a championship team. (Chauncey went for it twice and got a ring; MVP for that series to be exact)
3. mo williams is playing better than billups in about 15 games into the season (it’s a 66 game season right?)
Yea, just checking…..
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 5:17 am
if all decisions and assessments are to be made for about 15 games, mo williams can be the runner up for MVP of the team. but i’m sorry, we’re not even at the half way mark. sorry mofo, you gonna have to keep it up and wait lil longer…..
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 5:19 am
oh by the way…. if mr foster wants to focus on the psychology side of sports athletes, then lets dig in deeper to it. you want to talk about attitude huh? i dare you to point out if you EVER during the course of this young season so far, if you ever ever see Mo Williams having a smile on his face???? This guy is playing the life of him just so he can prove to you and the rest of the world he ain’t a backup. to me that’s understandable too…. BUT HEY THAT IS HIS PRIDE AIN’T IT????? WHAT YOU THINK MR. FOSTER???????
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 5:23 am
i rather considered it as a typo….. i think you, dj foster, meant to write an article about “WILLIAMS AND HIS PRIDE” right? lol…… pure joke this is.
JaySee Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 11:16 am
WOW! This is ridiculous! Anyway to ban this idiot?
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
I agree. Ban billups 629 & DeMote DeAndre!
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 5:24 am
mo williams and chauncey billups in one sentence….. REALLY???????
AND NO I DON’T GIVE A RAT AZZ HOW WELL HE’S BEEN PLAYING… ARE YOU REALLY REALLY POSSIBLY EVEN CONSIDERING HIM AS THE BETTER PLAYER TO TAKE OVER THE STARTING ROLE SIMPLY BASED ON THE LAST TWO WEEKS?????
YOU HEARD OF STREAKY PLAYERS RIGHT??? MO = STREAKY. ENOUGH SAID….
allieoop808 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 12:56 pm
I think your caps lock may be broken, sir.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 5:27 am
D.J. FOSTER RESPONDED TO MY MESSAGE WITH: “Couple things: I’m not a Billups hater.”
REALLY???
And whens the last time you ever heard of a thief admitting that he is one???
for you to list the following just to backup your theory to why you believe he should be a backup, just proves that you are a billups hater:
1. 3-for-27 in those situations over the last five years
2. wild threats to any team that claimed him
3. His PER rating of 15.1 this season is barely above league average. His true shooting percentage, usually a category Billups is a league leader in, is at 52.1 percent, a hair below the league average of 52.2 percent.
make no mistake, those are true facts. but first of all, we can all carry out any facts that we can find that can benefit your argument. the way that you planted these facts into your claims is just indirectly suggesting that billups is INSUFFICIENT, INEFFECTIVE, UNCAPABLE, UNETHICAL, AND OVER-HYPED. now if that doesn’t spelled ” H A T E R ” i don’t know what does…..
nick Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
because he is saying that billups is struggling, and he is providing facts for that argument, means he is correct, not a hater
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 6:53 am
you are not what you say you are, but rather you are what others think you are…. that is my kind advise to you mr. foster.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 6:55 am
mr. foster: your views, your words, and your attitude all were reflected on this article that you so carefully put out. it speaks for itself. you can defend yourself as that is human nature and may be even part of your job. but i’m sure the wise readers can differentiate between what is an assumption and what is the real truth. and that is TRUTH are things that have been proven and based on real facts. Mr. Billups never complained since the start of the season. you are writing an article here as if that is the case. Don’t make up the truth, because simply that’s just a LIE.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 7:00 am
i ask all of you reading this board to think for few seconds…..
“Billups and Pride”
what does that really mean? ok, so billups have pride at himself. WHO DOESN’T??? DO YOU NOT MR. FOSTER??? DO YOU WRITE AS AN EDITOR WITH NO PRIDE???? DO YOU NOT BACKUP YOUR STATEMENTS WITH NO PRIDE EITHER????
WHICH NBA PLAYERS PLAY WITH NO PRIDE, FOR THAT MATTER????
” ________ AND PRIDE ” PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FILL IN THE BLANK THERE YOURSELF.
Stop being absurd and act like billups is being a cry baby. seriously ask yourself what would you do and think if you are billups today?? just shutup and put your head down??
don’t expect the impossible, especially when you can’t do it yourself first….
matt nespoli Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 10:56 am
Dude, get a hobby. Seriously, you’re depressing me. It’s sunny outside today. Go do something. Chauncey ain’t your lover. He wouldn’t spit on you if you were on fire. Chill the F out.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 7:04 am
This guy is maaaaaaaad.
Mo > Chauncey
griffin Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 11:00 am
I never seen I guy argue with himself before lol. But yeah he is mad
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 7:35 am
This is what I got from this piece…..chauncey is a prideful aging talented player that is playing with something to prove thatat times causes him to do things that he maybe shouldn’t be doing. How will he accept on certain nights less playing time…..no hate just truth…father time is undefeated……relax mrs billups
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 7:47 am
Billups629, we get it, Chauncey has not complained about anything since he was acquired after the CP3 deal went down. I realize that the article is fishing for a problem that has no real basis. I understand that Chauncey has played most of his career with a chip on his shoulder, but I am not one who forces someone to always be the person they once were. I understand that people can change their prospective, and outlooks on certain situations. Maybe Chauncey isn’t happy right now with his minutes or production, he probably isn’t, but there’s no evidence of his displeasure, so why question it, right? We get it. He’s been a pro from day one, as has Mo. We all know that both players want to play. The coach made the decision to start Chauncey and I have no problem with that. Give the coach credit for managing that situation. Maybe Vinny understood that Mo could handle coming off the bench a lot better than Chauncey on the out-set. At the end of the day, these are ground men. Chauncey is not going to continue to be the weak link, if Mo continues his outstanding play. Chauncey I believe will look at himself in the mirror, and understand that there are 13 or 14 other guys on the team that need to put groceries on the table, and feed their families, and that he can’t be jerkin’ with that, if he ain’t producing, especially if Mo keeps stepping up. Remember, both players have their pros and cons though. Both players aren’t what you would call defensive stoppers. Chauncey isn’t drawing fouls, and he’s missing shots, and generally being ineffective for large chunks during the game, and its turning into a problem. Mo, for all his outstanding play of late, still gets himself out of control, is turnover prone, and can be streaky as a shooter. The starters don’t tend to run at his pace either, and Mo does like the ball in his hands, and has on several occassions brought the ball down, dribbled for 12 to 15 seconds and then launched an ill-advised and well-defended shot. So Clipper fans be careful what you wish from. Mo’s tendencies are still better suited as a back-up scoring guard, but there’s no excuse for complete lack of production from Chauncey. If we continue to get nothing from Chauncey, we’ve got to make changes, guys gotta feed their families, and the team always comes first. No one gives Vinny any credit, but I do, let the man manage this situation. DJ, stop trying to create problems. Hey, this is so different, there’s pressure, every game counts, no excuses, our team has some weaknesses, that we have to overcome, because I don’t see the Calvery coming over the hill, I’m not sure Olshey is going to pull the trigger on anything else. We got to make it work, and it should. Dallas wasn’t a perfect team last year, everything just came together at the right time. Don’t tell me a 38 year old Jason Kidd is an ideal situation at the point, or the Matrix is your ideal starting small forward. The Lakers still won championships with Fisher at the point, and Rondo vs Fisher did not stop the Lakers from winning the title that one year. Great teams and players overcome glaring weaknesses, and play to their strengths to win championships. We have enough pieces to get the games to our closer, and we have the ultimate closer in Chris Paul. I like our chances. The Chauncey/Mo thing will work itself out, leave that to My Cousin.
NRM Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
I don’t think anybody is going to take the time to read your long ass post. I know I didn’t
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 9:16 am
I like the article, DJ. It reminds me of how Iverson refused to acknowledge that he was in decline and bow out gracefully to become a sparkplug off the bench as the 6th man. Chauncey is still trying to figure out his role on the team so I agree that it’ll take time.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 10:41 am
I am thinking of dropping Billups from my fantasy team, but if I do I will be forced to stay in my house with the blinds closed and the doors double locked until I hear that billups 629 has been captured and put away.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Eh, who is this guy? It’s an open secret that Mr Big Shot has been Mr Brick Shot lately,… but we all still love him. At least I do. You do your thing Chauncey, and bake me a gluten free cake too while you’re at it.. =]
RL Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
In case you guys are wondering about the gluten free cake joke:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/video-chauncey-billups-bake-cake-75-000-224707418.html
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Btw, good article DJ – a bit short, and yeah it’s a big rough on Chauncey, but I get it.
RL Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
err.. it should have said “a bit rough on Chauncey”. You guys need an edit button. =P
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
My concern is that the presence of Billups will cause the Clippers to get rid of Bledsoe, and that would be a huge mistake. I don’t mind them keeping Billups, as long as they keep Bledsoe too.
As I said before, it’s ok to give Billups a little more time to see if he’s going to snap out of it, but if he doesn’t, he should go to the bench. His shooting is atrocious, and is partially responsible for some of the Clippers recent losses. That can’t continue.
It makes no difference what his past accomplishments were, if he’s over the hill now, he’s over the hill. No way around it.
I don’t want to start Mo Williams because I think he’s best in his current Jason Terry role.
If Bledsoe is fully recovered and still has his speed, he should get a lot of time, even if Billups starts.
nick Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
this is actually a pretty decent comment from demote
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
DeMote, I think this will be the first time that I actually agree with you… I agree that Mo is best served in the 6th man role. Although, I do not agree with you on keeping Bledsoe. Bledsoe’s value is at an all time high because of his upside with the role he has served on this team. I say swing Bledsoe in a trade for size and length that is an elite defender at shooting guard and a solid rim protector at center.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
I have an idea… The Lakers need a PG (and cap relief) and the Clippers need a wing defender. Trade Bledsoe and either Foye or Gomees for Devin Ebanks or Matt Barnes (I prefer Ebanks because he has youth and athleticism on his side) and sign DJ Mbenga. DJ Mbenga was a solid backup when he played for the Lakers in limited spots and is extremely tough minded and can block shots. Having a roster like this will be scary for the rest of the league. Also, since so many ex-Clippers become Lakers via free agency or trades (Josh Powell, Steve Blake, Lamar Odom). Let’s take ex-Lakers and make them into Clippers and start winning. We already have Caron Butler and Brian Cook (still don’t know why).
1. Chris Paul
2. Caron Butler
3. Devin Ebanks
4. Blake Griffin
5. DeAndre Jordan
6. Mo Williams
7. Chauncey Billups
8. Reggie Evans
9. DJ Mbenga
10. Randy Foye or Ryan Gomes
11. Trey Thompkins
12. Travis Lesley
13. Brian Cook
JaySee Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 5:16 pm
I said this 2 months ago and got a ton of thumbs downs. Don’t agree on Mbenga.
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
I posed this idea to the Kamenetsky brothers on Twitter a month ago and they thought I was crazy because why would both teams want to help each other out. I like Mbenga because he’s an energy player. The Clippers need more energy players off the bench because it’ll keep them in the game. If not Mbenga, then maybe someone from the NBDL that has length at the center spot.
Tim Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Never make a deal with the evil empire. If they need a point guard, just make sure you aren’t the one to provide them with what they need. Imagine Bledsoe getting loose on the Clippers for 40 in a Laker uniform. Never, ever make that deal.
Clips4 Reply:
January 29th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Well, it’s a business deal that can help improve the team. At this point, I don’t see Bledsoe doing more than what Chalmers is doing in Miami on this Clipper team and I think Ty Lawson is probably his ceiling so I’m not worried.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
I like Trey Thompkins, but he should be sent to the NBDL so he’s not wasting away on the bench not getting playing time to develop. I say move him down for the year and then bring him back up eventually. I also say the same for Travis Lesley.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 5:36 pm
this board is just as ridiculous as the article here. it’s as if anyone post a remark and comment that isn’t favor by most, it’ll be get a thumb down. and with enough thumb downs, the comments gets hidden?? that’s not being very liberal and clearly just shows how bias you all are.
The frozen one Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
It’s a democracy and this democracy says you’re a nutter.
Mingus Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 8:05 pm
It’s actually a fairly effective and elegant way of controlling trolls. Much better than relying on mods to delete the ravings of a half-crazed lunatic, don’t you think?
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
chauncey is as competitive of a player as you can find. he’s right up there with rose and kobe. while he’s nowhere near as talented as they are, not even at his prime, he is the kind of player that plays with a swagger and plays with a winning attitude. and it is the ATTITUDE that determines a lot of things in life. you have to go out to represent yourself as much as it is to represent the team that you are playing for. i don’t see how that is at all a problem. and just because he’s been off and not shooting well, his attitude towards the game should not be discounted. his past achievements is indeed of the past, but at the same token, it should be noted that there are reasons why he’s always been able to prove himself to the success that he’s always been able to achieved. it’s no coincidence that nearly all teams that he joined that he’s been able to make the teams better. he’s always been underrated and overshadowed. this year is no exception and he isn’t doing anything that’s drastically different either. he’s only adjusting to his role as that’s what’s been called upon. again, i don’t feel he should deserve this much of criticisms as he isn’t really doing anything that he shouldn’t be doing. and he certainly isn’t causing any unnecessary chaos to the team by himself. if today he’s starting to hit his shots, none of you guys here would be saying a word about his shot selection and how he’s making the team worse and what not. that’s all it comes down to. even the great ray allen had his share of frustration couple years ago in which there was a good period of time during the season in which he couldn’t make any shots. so as great of a shooter a player may be, there can be slumps and goin thru that turmoil. all of these should not be magnified beyond just what that is.
Clips4 Reply:
January 28th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
You cannot put Chauncey and Kobe even in the same sentence. That’s just like comparing Chauncey to Michael Jordan. Kobe is the closest thing we have to Jordan because both of them are so competitive that they have a screw loose in their head to where they are unwilling to loose anything even if it alienates them from society. Jordan lost his family and Kobe is in the midst of losing his. What does that tell you? Chauncey isn’t so competitive that he has lost his family and semblance of a social life.
As for whether or not he is doing something drastically different this year than previous years, Chauncey is jacking up shots that he has no business of taking. He has never been a good shooter off the dribble and is better spotting up. His best shot is the trailing 3 at the top of the arc in transition. If anything, Chauncey is overrated. He has never been a top 10 player let alone a top 15 player. We’re just saying that Chauncey has a role that he needs to play and his pride is making him play outside of the role that he needs to serve and it has been detrimental to the team.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 7:07 pm
to some of you hypocrites here saying how i should find a new hobby and how i’m just debating with myself, please look at yourself in the mirror. if i’m the looser here, then you are just as well. only thing that separates me from you is i’m posting 20 plus comments, and for good reasons to. chauncey is my favorite player and to see an article as such, to hear some of the feedbacks from some of you, obviously disturbed me. i’m giving good reasonings to my defense and my perspective. yet, some of you just don’t take it any of this seriously enough that you simply hit the thumbs down mark all because i think differently from all of you. that’s not right, is it?
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Clippers waive Folston…hopefully making way for Bledsoe.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
I actually think a starting backcourt of CP3 and Mo can’t work for long stretches. They are both on the small side and would get torched by a bigger SG. I suppose they could play some zone but I haven’t seen the Clips do it too much.
Two points on Chauncey:
1. How much is his back nagging him? I actually like Billups and Mo sharing their minutes because it gives Chauncey some more time this shortened season to get his back and general health in order.
2. I think a lot of Chauncey’s turnovers and weird shot selection is a product of a nascent offense. Billups said in an interview at the start of the season that it was the countermoves in the offense where you break down defenses. I think the general frustration is that it seems like Chauncey is taking these countermoves and breaks down the flow of the offense when the Clips offensive sets are still a fragile thing.
I’m not too worried about Billups and I don’t think DJ or anyone else on this board is. It will all sort itself out with more time (I think Nick suggested we shouldn’t expect much gelling for at least 2 months). What we are nervous about? That the unique circumstances of this season won’t let the Clips be as good as we all think they can be.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 8:07 pm
It looks like the Lakers will be in a fight for their lives just to make the playoffs. I am still pretty wounded and hurt about that loss to the Lakers the other day, but I’ll take a regular season loss to them any day if it means they’re gonna come out flat for their next few games as they did today. I think they will lose to Minnesota tomorrow too.
But enough about them. It doesn’t matter how they’re playing. We gotta focus on us. It looks like Kenyon Martin to the Clips is pretty much a done deal. I think Chauncey talked him into it. I hope Chauncey is able to recruit Rasheed Wallace too.
The thought of Rasheed and Kenyon backing up Deandre and Blake has me drooling right now. Plus we have Reggie Evans? We are gonna be the toughest, grittiest, most hard-nosed thugged out team in the entire NBA.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Yes, Chauncey is old. But you can’t put a price on experience and leadership. As this season progresses and we enter the playoffs, that is when Chauncey’s true value will come to show. And the fact that Chauncey is going to help bring Rasheed Wallace and Kenyon Martin to the Clippers is already a HUGE contribution, if you ask me.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Sorry lil homie, I didn’t read any of your posts. I just scrolled to the bottom and replied to whatever the latest post was. It just so happened to be yours. So don’t take it so personal.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
1.billups629, get some help man. 2.no excuses. the billups at shooting guard thing has run its course.we desperately need a 6’5 athletic wing who’s quick and can defend. and as far as the artist formerly known as mr. big shot, we have a place for em” and its called the second unit. look man, billups was a helluva player once,but the clippers cant live off former glories or past accomplishments. your girlfriends 35 and on the way out. DEAL WITH IT!
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Alright — that’s enough of that.
Posted on January 28th, 2012 at 11:35 pm
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