Fansided

Picking the best NBA player from each state

By Brad Rowland

Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the American Flag being displayed prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the American Flag being displayed prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 10, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chauncey Billups (right) shakes hands Isiah Thomas during the halftime retirement ceremony in the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chauncey Billups (right) shakes hands Isiah Thomas during the halftime retirement ceremony in the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado – Chauncey Billups

Colorado is not exactly a hotbed for NBA talent, but the state does boast a likely Hall of Fame inductee in long-time sharpshooting stalwart Chauncey Billups.

While Billups’ candidacy for inclusion in Springfield is up for debate, the talented point guard certainly had a wildly productive NBA career. “Mr. Big Shot” is best known for captaining the 2004 Detroit Pistons to an unlikely NBA title, and while he wasn’t necessarily the best player on a team that included Ben Wallace in his prime and Rasheed Wallace, Billups was the guy with the ball in his hands during the biggest moments.

Across a 17-year career, Billups compiled more than 15,800 points and 5,600 assists — to go along being a physical, top-flight defender during his prime years. These aren’t necessarily numbers that scream “Springfield,”  but the championship ring helps, as do Billups’ longevity and relevance.

More than anything, Chauncey Billups is aided here by a lack of contenders for the honor. The runner-up for this choice is probably Chuck Williams or Charles Williams (two different people, mind you), but no one approaches Billups in terms of profile. Playing more than 33,000 minutes of above-average basketball isn’t too bad, after all, and it might one day be enough to help push Billups over the Hall of Fame threshold.

Next: Connecticut

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