Chauncey Billups, the New York Knicks and the NBA Lockout
As the lockout continues and the prospects of a regular NBA season dwindling by the day, players are coming out with mixed reactions. While many are utilizing this time as a much needed period of rest; others have considered making
international moves, with the likes of Deron Williams already suited up.
However, most young guns and old veterans have had a similar outlook on the issue. The young guns such as Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose, who took the league by storm lasts season, want to eagerly get back on the court and play.
On the other hand, a veteran and a true point guard of the game, Chauncey Billups, also wants to make use of whatever time is left in his career.
The New York Knicks point guard will be celebrating his 35th birthday in a few weeks time. “I have played most of my career out,’’ he said. “I don’t have that many more years to play. I’m just looking forward to getting
back out there.’’
The lockout situation is not unfamiliar territory for Billups. He had just ended his rookie season when he experienced the first ever lockout in the NBA in 1998. Back then, the season got shortened by 32 games.
However, this time it carries greater importance for Chauncey. He realizes that time is precious and he does not have too much gas left in the tank. Although Billups has earned enough to last a lifetime, his major concern would
be in professional terms.
Last season, Billups and his Knicks were swept away by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. Chauncey only featured in the first game, as he picked up a knee injury in the last quarter while driving to the rim.
It was a close affair though and Boston just squeaked past .
He missed the remainder of the series and saw his team get pummelled by the men in green. Although Carmelo Anthony put up a great fight, Boston eventually edged past in all the first four games. The absence of Billups played a
crucial role in the Knick’s defeat. Not only did they miss a true point guard, they also missed an all round leader on the court.
The Knicks hope to be a much better side this time around, with Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Billups leading the team and for that they needed time to build chemistry. Now with the lockout, they cannot do so and this has made
the things complicated for the Madison Square Garden franchise. What makes it worse is that no solution to the conflict over the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) seems to be in the pipeline.
Billups admitted that although the future seems uncertain, he will be ready for whatever lies in store.
“It is tough, the uncertainty of not knowing what’s going to happen,’’ said Billups. “But I’ve been through it before, and as a veteran and as a professional, I’m just going to stay ready.“Whenever we can make a deal or whatever
might happen, I’ll be ready to go.’’
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