The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced its 13 inductees for the Class of 2024, and among them is the legendary Chauncey Billups. Nicknamed “Mr. Big Shot” for his ability to deliver crucial plays in pivotal moments, Billups has left an indelible mark on the game of basketball.
As the countdown to the Hall of Fame induction began, Billups revealed a surprising detail: he skipped his usual pre-induction nap. Known for his calm demeanor on the court, this departure from routine showcased the nervous anticipation he felt before joining the ranks of basketball immortality.
“I am not a very nervous guy…I usually still take my naps on gameday and obviously on this day I couldn’t take my nap.”
“I’m not a very nervous guy…I usually still take my naps on gameday and obviously on this day I couldn’t take my nap.”
Chauncey Billups on waiting to hear whether he’d be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame! #24HoopClass pic.twitter.com/vZHGiZiNes
— NBA (@NBA) April 6, 2024
Billups’ career spanned 17 years in the NBA, during which he earned five All-Star selections and led the Detroit Pistons to their third NBA championship in 2004. His clutch performances, leadership, and ability to rise to the occasion earned him the Finals MVP title that year. His free throw percentage of 89.4% ranks sixth best in NBA/ABA history.
Joining Billups in the Hall of Fame are other luminaries such as Vince Carter, Michael Cooper, Walter Davis, and Bo Ryan. The enshrinement festivities will take place in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Birthplace of Basketball, as well as at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, on August 16-17, 2024.
