Denver Nuggets: We Want Chauncey!
By Sam Mast
Denver Nuggets have been outdone by the Chicago Bulls in their quest for Dwyane Wade, but in light of that,they can now turn their attention to legend Chauncey Billups.
2016 NBA free agency has been full of twists and turns, with the landscape of the NBA greatly changing over the last week. The Denver Nuggets attempted to make a big splash with Dwayne Wade, but they were ultimately unable to lure him to the Mile-High city (even with their $26 million a year offer). Although the Nuggets were unable to sign a big name free agent, there is still one name floating out there who can drastically change the organization in 2016…….Chauncey Billups.
The Denver native, CU Boulder star, 2004 Finals MVP, and 5-time NBA All-Star has expressed interest in obtaining a front office position in the NBA. As a former player in the front office, Chauncey would bring a player recruiting strength, while also being able to serve as a mentor for our younger players. Denver currently lacks veteran presence and championship culture. Having someone in the organization who has traveled to road to NBA finals champion will be extremely valuable.
Chauncey has also been creating a great relationship with current Nuggets point guard, Emmanuel Mudiay. In a recent interview, Mudiay states, “He’s like my big brother now. I’ve talked to him, go to him for advice too. I’ve talked to a lot of people, but me and Chauncey really have good a chemistry-type thing, a relationship-type thing, little brother big brother…” Ideally, some of Billups’ basketball IQ, leadership, and professional attitude can be transferred to Mudiay, and in turn to the Nuggets young core. You would be hard pressed to find a better veteran mentor in the NBA than Billups.
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The main issue is finding a role for Chauncey within the organization. Tim Connelly has done a fine job at obtaining young talent since taking over GM duties in 2013, and it is safe to assume his job is safe for now. Billups would bring multiple aspects to the general manager position that Connelly cannot match, and may be in line for a future position if the situation changes. Until a position becomes available, Billups could fill in as an assistant to Connelly while finding his position within the organization.
In June 2016, Chauncey was offered an Assistant Coaching role with the Orlando Magic, but decided to decline and continue his current analyst role with ESPN. As an ESPN Analyst Chauncey has consistently proven his ability to evaluate talent and analyze games. These skills can be easily transferred to any NBA front office.
Although it was not mentioned, there is hope in Colorado that Chauncey declined the Orlando position due to his desire to eventually come back home and work with the Nuggets. Billups has mentioned his desire to build a winning team, and will be a hot commodity when he decides to make the leap into an NBA organization (while fans can only hope that it is with the Nuggets).
Most importantly, Chauncey gives Denver a “hometown hero” of sorts. In an era where star players (such as Lebron James, and now Dwayne Wade) are returning to their home states, Colorado does not have many current NBA options. Aside from current Colorado-raised Detroit Piston Reggie Jackson, Chauncey would be the best Colorado Native that the Nuggets could bring in to increase hometown pride.
Next: Dwyane Wade Saga: 3 Reasons The Nuggets Don’t Want Wade
Denver Nuggets fans can only hope that we get Chauncey Billups into the organization as soon as possible.