Chauncey Billups looking to end career with the Denver Nuggets
Five-time All-Star Chauncey Billups would like to end his career with the Denver Nuggets. Billups, who played for the University of Colorado, also said that he wants to work in the team's
front office after he retires from the league.
"I never want to leave here again," Billups told the Denver Post. "I'm not a me-me guy, but I know the position of the state of the franchise before I got here. I hope that doesn't go
unappreciated."
In an interview with ESPN, he added, "I know the business of basketball. Nothing really surprises me in this game. People talk about Carmelo (Anthony), the possibility of me being moved,
the J.R. Smith situation, there are a lot of uncertainties around here. I don't like being part of the uncertainty. But that's what it is, that's the nature of the beast. I've been down the road. I know how this business goes. I respect the process. At the
same time, I know what I've done to change the culture around here."
Possibility of a buyout
Billups will receive $14.2 million next season. However, only $3.7 million is protected in his contract if he is released before the 2011-2012 season.
Billups may be bought out for the remainder of his contract. The Nuggets have reportedly received trade inquiries for the 6ft 3in point guard. Nonetheless, he said that he would welcome an
extension from Denver.
Billups is averaging 13.8 points in the Nuggets' first 13 games. The scoring average would be his worst since the 2002-03 season, his first with the Detroit Pistons. Billups, who won a championship
as a member of the Pistons, has seen the most significant drop in his field goal percentage. The 2003-04 NBA Finals MVP is shooting just 34.4 per cent from field goal range, which would be his worst clip since the 1999-00 season.
The Denver Nuggets currently have an 8-6 record.
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