Chauncey Billups rumors: Guard ‘interested’ in playing for Cavaliers
Earlier today, it was revealed that the Cleveland Cavaliers were interested in free agent guard Chauncey Billups. The capacity of the interest wasn’t clear–Billups has shown interest in front office work and coaching the last few years–but it looks like Billups has his eye on returning to the court as the point guard is reportedly interested in playing for the Cavs.
Free agent guard Chauncey Billups also worked out for the Cavaliers today & is interested in playing there,a source said. No offer was made.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 7, 2014
Chauncey Billups shot the ball very well in workout with Cavs & looked like he could still be a productive despite some rust, sources said.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 7, 2014
More from Cleveland Cavaliers
- NBA insider: Cavaliers should consider trading Donovan Mitchell
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- NBA Rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid
- NBA rumors: How Donovan Mitchell could wind up on the trading block
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
This, folks, is the clear impact that LeBron James makes on teams. While Billups is far from being a top talent, it’s fair to say that without James’ return to the Cavaliers, Billups wouldn’t be interested. In fact, this would be the third time in the last few years, Billups has attempted to join forces with LeBron James as the guard wanted to join the Miami Heat in 2011 and 2013
At this stage in his career, it’s difficult to make a case for the Cavaliers wasting a roster spot on Billups. Last season with the Detroit Pistons, Billups was shellacked with injury. The same occurred during his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers. Yes, Billups can knock down shots, but the Clippers have plenty of players who can do that in Mike Miller, Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and James Jones. What the Cavaliers need is a player that can A) defend or 2) protect the paint. Last I checked, Billups can’t do either of those things. Instead of wasting a roster spot on Billups, they could give a player such as Emeka Okafor or Ekpe Udoh a shot–two players whose strengths are on the defensive end.
It’ll be interesting to see how David Griffin, the Cavs general manager, handles this situation.