You have to believe that the representatives of the Hall of Fame have a certain sense of timing. “ They chose a funny day to call me. It was April 1st “, date Chauncey Billups. So the Blazers coach naturally thought of the hoax.
“ When they called, I kept saying, 'If you play that bad joke on me, I'll never speak to any of you again. It's the worst thing “, he reports to the Denver Post. The worst thing imagined, but ultimately the best news: he was going to join the basketball Pantheon.
With him in this 2024 vintage, some big names in his sport – Vince Carter, Jerry West, Seimone Augustus, Michael Cooper, Walter Davis, Michele Timms, Doug Collins, Charles Smith, Harley Redin, Bo Ryan and Herb Simon – highlighted honor in a few days.
Lots of people to thank
Although the officialization dates back to April, Chauncey Billups took a long time to realize. “ Many people have asked me to add, after my autograph, 'HOF 24'. That's when I understood. I was like, 'Damn, that's it. That's really it.' So, yeah, yeah, it's kind of crazy, man. It's starting to come in », he says.
He still took the time to think about his speech. “ There are so many people on your journey who have helped you get to where you are. My parents obviously who are my biggest mentors, my biggest influencers. I saw them working very hard every day. […] Lots of people will be there who I'm sure if I can't thank them during my speech… »
The 2004 NBA champion with the Pistons will try, like the others, not to forget anyone. At his side will be two of his main adventure companions in Detroit, Larry Brown and Ben Wallace, as well as former WNBA player Tina Thompson.
“ I may have more! There were supposed to be two, but I'm blowing that. This is my moment. I do my thing », says Chauncey Billups, who is far from being the only one in this vintage to have invited more than two sponsors.
