What about Chauncey Billups?

[Drucci]

We all know that the offseason moves can go in two very opposite directions, either go in "rebuild" mode or try to improve the current roster and make it competitive enough for next season.

So, obviously, this proposition would be moot if Danny chose the first option, but shouldn't we take a look at Chauncey Billups?

I know he is old and clearly doesn't have any upside but he would be a perfect backup for Rondo, who could produce with very limited minutes (around 15 per game), would bring shooting, leadership and could serve as a model to the younger players.

Chauncey is an unrestricted free-agent. We would have to sign him with the minimum or a little exception (I think it's possible). I know he is close friends with Chris Paul so he could obviously choose to stay in L.A but he is also very close to KG, and I think both would enjoy the idea of playing together at the end of their careers.

[celtics2]

gag reflex.

[j804]

I would have liked him pre injury looks pretty cooked from what I saw of him last year.

[CelticConcourse]

I feel like he'd give us the same output as JET. They're pretty similar players. And by that I mean they're nearly identical.

[crimson_stallion]

I feel like he'd give us the same output as JET. They're pretty similar players. And by that I mean they're nearly identical.

How's that?

Terry is a pure combo guard.  He's primarilly an undersized SG, however he has the handle and IQ to be effective as a decent backup PG.  When you have terry on your team you know he's there to shoot first, and everything else second.

Billups is the opposite. He is more of a natural PG in that he has spent the majority of his significant career as a starting PG on playoff calibre teams.  He's an unselfish player who will usually look to past first, but he's also a capable scorer who can fill that role when asked. He has a 'Jason Kidd' type impact in that he tends to make those around him better, and he's known for being one of the NBA's greatest leaders.

While they are similar players in some ways, they are IMO on opposite sides of the fence.  I really think of Jason Terry as a natural SG who's lack of size (and solid ball handling) squeezes him into the PG spot at times.   I think of Billups as a true PG who's size (for a PG) and proficient scoring ability have seen him slide over to the SG spot at times.

I actually think Billups and Terry would be a very nice combo off the bench.  Both are solid ball handlers and passers who can create for each other, and both can spread the floor with their shooting.  At the endof the day though Billups would naturally slide into the backup PG role, while Terry would tend to backup Bradley/Pierce at SG.

If Pierce goes then I can see Rondo+Terry starting with Billups+AB coming in off the bench.  The presence of Chaunce would ensure AB never needs to bring the ball up as a PG and would ensure there is always a shooter on the floor.  AB could also help cover for Chauncey's lack of defensive footspeed.

I've been thiking about Billups as a great fit since as far back as last season.  Yet another veteran leader who knows how to play, has championship experience, and is a  proven performer under playoff pressure.

At the same time he's not the type of guy who would whinge and complain about roles, and he'd probably love to be reunited with KG. I think he'd fit the culture very well.

Rondo may even learn a thing or two from him.  Since Cassel I don't think Rondo has ever had a legit veteran PG actually play alongside him who he could really learn from.  All the other guys who have played behind Rondo so far have been combo guard.  Doc was a PG  but the relationship with a coach and a fellow player is different. 

Chauncey won a finals MVP playing for a championship team that happened to look a LOT like the current Celtics - a defensive oriented team with lots of depth but no real superstars.  He is a proper PG with the type of resume that Rondo would have to respect, and he has the type of skills as a shooter, leader and PG that Rondo could probably learn from.

Outside from Jason Kidd I think Billups might be the only other PG in the NBA right now that Rondo might actually look up to and be able to learn from.

[Who]

No interest in Chauncey. He looked cooked this past year with the Clippers. Total liability on defense. Not enough offense to make up for his negative play defensively. Yet another guard who struggles to create dribble penetration anymore also.

Billups would be a fine third string guard and locker room presence if he was interested in that role but I doubt he is ready to relinquish his minutes just yet.

[scaryjerry]

I feel like he'd give us the same output as JET. They're pretty similar players. And by that I mean they're nearly identical.

Not much interest in chauncey at this point but you're dead wrong in your comparisons and makes it seem as though you don't really know what you're talking about

[CapnDunks]

We're a couple years too late for this one. I would jump at the chance to get the Billups the Knicks got a couple seasons ago. But yeah, what others have said: since injury he looks pretty done.

[pearljammer10]

I feel like he'd give us the same output as JET. They're pretty similar players. And by that I mean they're nearly identical.

Not much interest in chauncey at this point but you're dead wrong in your comparisons and makes it seem as though you don't really know what you're talking about

Yeah JET and Billups are identical in almost zero ways.

I would love to have Billups as a vet min 3rd string PG back up. Similar to the role Dooling played only Billups is still better at this stage of his career. Billups is a smart veteran who is going to be a coach soon enough. He also has a winners mentality and could help Rondo in the transition to taking the team over. Definitely the type of guy I would love to have coming off the bench.

[PhoSita]

Billups is a couple years past being an NBA player.  He should just get an assistant coaching gig somewhere and work his way towards being a head coach.

[thirstyboots18]

I have no idea what kind of shape Billips is in. 

I have always really, really liked CB and in my alternate universe he has always been a Celtic.

[eugen]

If he is healthy, I will sign him immediately