Billups giving Smith an assist
Chauncey Billups isn’t worried about his Denver Nuggets not picking up any big-name players this offseason. But he is worried about a teammate who hasn’t exactly been helping his name lately.
With that in mind, Billups will fly Sunday to Las Vegas, where embattled guard JR Smith has relocated. Billups will spent the final three weeks of August working out with and mentoring Smith.
“We’ve got some talking to do,’’ Billups said in an interview with HoopsHype.com.
Smith last month spent 24 days in jail after pleading guilty to reckless driving in connection with a 2007 automobile accident in which a friend, Andre Bell, died.
More controversy surfaced after his release. The Denver Post reported there were posts on Smith’s Twitter page written in a way commonly associated with the Bloods street gang. It was reported that Smith, who since has shut down his Twitter page, wrote words with a “C’’ that were replaced with a “K’’ and, if the word contained both those letters, the “C’’ was removed.
“JR’s a work in progress,’’ Billups said. “I’m happy and proud of the progress that he’s made. But the latest thing with the Twitter. That’s immaturity. It’s immature. Those are mistakes that we’ve got to stop him from making. We’ve got to spend some time.’’
Billups, Denver’s point guard, figures to start in the backcourt next season alongside Smith. That is, unless Nuggets coach George Karl, who said at the end of last season Smith was in line to replace the since-departed Dahntay Jones as the starting shooting guard, deems Smith still not mature enough for that role.
Billups can help knock some sense into Smith, 23, who has had numerous issues on and off the court since entering the NBA in 2004.
“I hope so,’’ Billups said of Smith becoming his starting backcourt mate. “I hope that he can make the right progressions and be more consistent and be more reliable at all times on the court. If he does, he’s one of the most talented guys I’ve ever played with. So he’s on his way to being an All-Star, if he does.’’
If Smith, who averaged 15.2 points last season and was runner-up to Dallas guard Jason Terry for the NBA Sixth Man Award, can take another step, Denver also can. While other teams in the Western Conference have been beefing up this offseason, the Nuggets mostly have been on the sideline.
The Nuggets, who fell 4-2 to the Los Angeles Lakers in a hard-fought West final, have watched as the Lakers picked up Ron Artest. They’ve looked on as San Antonio added Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess, Portland got Andre Miller and Dallas added Shawn Marion.
In addition to the re-signing of center Chris Andersen, what have been the Nuggets’ moves this offseason? They picked up rookie point guard Ty Lawson on draft night and have acquired guard Arron Afflalo and forward Malik Allen, who had NBA scoring averages last season of 4.9 and 3.2 points, respectively.
“A lot of teams obviously got better before we even jump the ball up,’’ Billups said. “I think that our situation stays the same. But the way we get better is, just with the exception of myself, (Anthony Carter) and Kenyon (Martin), we’ve got a young basketball team. I think just the experience we got as a young team, being elite, having some success, if we can be a little more focused mentally, I think we get better.
“It’s not always about names and pickups. You still got to allow those teams to mesh. We’ve meshed. I don’t put much stock in it, although there are a lot of teams that got better… With us, it’s being a year smarter, a year better.’’
Billups believes the Nuggets “definitely’’ have what it takes now to be a championship contender. He’ll get no argument from Martin, who also isn’t too concerned about the Nuggets not having made a marquee move this offseason.
“I still feel like we have the best team,” Martin said. “We didn’t win (the title), but in my heart (the Nuggets are the NBA’s best team)… The only thing that we could use is a drop-dead shooter. Just a drop-dead shooter. Other than that, we’ve got a great team.’’
The Nuggets really will need another outside shooter if restricted free-agent forward Linas Kleiza bolts. Kleiza has received a $2.7 million qualifying offer from Denver, which would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. But indications are Kleiza wants more money, and he might have to travel far to get it.
Kleiza, who told the since-shuttered Rocky Mountain News last October that playing overseas in 2009-10 was a realistic possibility, might go through with that. He’s being courted by teams in Greece and Spain, much to the chagrin of Billups.
“We need LK,’’ Billups said. “But, at the same time, if he has offers, I’m never going to tell somebody what’s best for them and their own situation. But we need LK back.’’
Billups also wants back his backup point guard. Billups said it’s “huge’’ that Carter returns, calling him “one of the keys to our team.’’
But Carter, an unrestricted free agent who has been offered a one-year, $1.3 million minimum contract by the Nuggets, is seeking a multi-year deal. So far, though, there hasn’t been a lot of interest.
“I hope so,’’ Carter said of whether he will return to Denver.
Asked to comment specifically on his contract negotiations, Carter said he’s “not talking about that.’’ But Carter, sounding optimistic about a return, did say he’s hopeful of getting a deal done by mid-August.
“We’ve got the whole core back,’’ said Carter, apparently counting himself. “We’ve just got to pick up where we left off last year. Last year was a great learning experience for us because K-Mart and Chauncey were the only two who had ever been that far (a conference final).’’
Speaking of learning, how much of that will Smith do once Billups has three weeks with him? That could be end up being more important for the Nuggets than bringing in a big-name player.
Stephen Janetzki Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 7:31 am
The best of luck to Chauncey on helping J.R. Smith. I’m a huge fan of Smith’s talent and am glad that he has someone as personally gifted and skilled as Mr. Billups to help the kid mature into the type of person who is as admired for his standing off the court as for his dazzling skills upon it.
I wish them both the best.
John Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 8:00 am
Now that’s someone who really CARES about his team! Very classy and says a lot about what kind of leader Billups is for his team. NBA cant have enough of guys like Billups.
brofmfa Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 9:11 am
Seconded to upstairs. C’mon JR you’re the man please don’t make us disappointed.
DS Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 9:42 am
I’m amazed that his twitter page kaused so much Kontroversy.
robjr Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 10:41 am
Kenyon martin and smith always thinking there the best even. After big bad la whooped em. They may act harder at the expense of playing w smarts. That don’t make you best if u lose in 6 and making pick up ball type turnovers in final. Minute twice in. Nba series shows u got big mental hurdles ahead. Win a title and then your the best for that year. Win four and your the best 3 players in nba. Like duncan. Shaq and mr kobe. Aha lakers are the best,shhhhhhh
T-DOT Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
robjr, I actually believe that they are a better team it’s just that their players need to grow up a bit. LA, SA, BOS, DAL, CLE, PHO, (Lebron may stay but this team is a wreck have 2 more years of dominance and then the age factor will really start to show. Then teams like POR, TOR(if they can keep Bosh), ORL, DEN, PHI, CHI and some others will take over. I mean with Melo, Smith and Nene as the core, you’re looking pretty good for the future. I also believe that aside from Kobe and Artest, the Lakers will rest on their laurels and slack their way to a game 7 Western Finals loss
noirdo Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Are you saying that the Billups will conduct some kind of maturity workshop for Smith? This article lacks substance. Great, they’re going to spend time together. But that’s not saying much of anything. I’m sure a lot of teammates spend time together.
Boi Boi Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
If nuggs can get ac n linas bak, with nene n k mart healthy, n smith gets his stufff 2getha…deyll b fine nex year….2 me dere styl da second best team in da west…Afta da Lakers
VNOHosting » HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Chris Tomasson » Billups giving Smith an … Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
[...] here to read the rest: HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Chris Tomasson » Billups giving Smith an … This entry is filed under Best Help Blogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the [...]
Jacky Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
About ten years or so ago, wasn’t Billups involved in some type of immature situation involving a few of his Celtics teammates. He would be the right one to talk to J.R. because he knows how fragile a NBA basketball career is.
DEN チャウンシー・ビラップス「リーナス・クレイザが必要」 | NBA Data Center Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
[...] Reported by HoopsHype [...]
BallerBlogger.com Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
The Fundamentals…
Steve Aschburner of SI.com: “Allocating the minutes will be Saunders’ job, same as navigating the irrepressible Arenas. The Wizards guard’s strong personality and, some would say, spotty discipline could make him a potential problem….
Billups: We Need Linas Kleiza Back :HoopsGround.com – NBA News – Games Replay, Download Links and Community Forum Said,
August 8, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
[...] Source: HoopsWorld.com [...]
Anthony Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 12:13 am
Great players know who they need around them!
Lets go Nuggets!
Brian Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 9:11 am
The nuggets CAN contend if JR gets his head correct!
The Spurs added a 20 minute player, way past his prime, in Mcdyess and Jefferson is one of the most overated players in the NBA.
I’m not convinced the Lakers got better by signing artest and letting Ariza go. Remember the conference finals, Ariza was pretty damn good. Odom fresh off a championship, teamed up with his homie Ron, both of them playing with new contracts. Sounds like trouble to me!
jeffrey Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
I’m sorry but, did i read correctly. Jr plead guilty to reckless driving that resulted in the death of someone and only got 24days in jail??? What do people think about that!! I mean i don’t know the whole story but still he plead guilty to an infraction that caused the death of another man.
Kevin Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
Wow, this seems like a terrible idea.
First of all, JR Smith is a grown man. I doubt he likes to hear Chauncey Billups talking like he’s his daddy.
Smith has a lot of pride.
It was probably partly this “I’m your big brother, let me take you under my wing,” condescending crap that got Shaq and Kobe in so much trouble.
Also, we don’t actually know if Smith is affiliated with a gang. Sometimes he spelled his tweets with a “k”, sometimes he didn’t, and either way, we don’t know if the “k” even signifies anything here.
But whether Smith needs “fixing” or not, Billups’ comments and his condescending, holier than thou attitude probably aren’t going to sit well with Smith.
Chauncey is certainly good, but I’m not sure he’s in that rare stratosphere of players where they can pull this kind of crap. I would think Smith sees him more as a peer than an authority figure, since they are doing the same job, and Smith is very close to doing it as well or better.
T Diggs Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Jacky, what incident are you referring to with Billups and the Celts? I’m not recalling it…
Billups: A True Leader | Life On Dumars | A Detroit Pistons Blog Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
[...] Chris Tomasson at HoopsHype: “JR’s a work in progress,’’ Billups said. “I’m happy and proud of the progress that [...]
Eric Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
Kevin,
I’m highly doubting that Chauncey is showing up at JR’s doorstep unannounced. If he’s going it’s because JR agreed. And what stratosphere does Chauncey need to attain to be able to do this? I think he’s there dude… wherever “there” is.
maz1lo Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 8:07 pm
I really like Billups, but he’s been a little delusional about his teams ever since the Pistons beat the Lakers in the finals.
He has unreasonable expectations!
Trey Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 11:20 pm
Kevin get a clue. How can this unselfish, pro-team move by Billups be anything but positive. Chauncey has a mentor/coach friendship with JR.
Jacky don’t try to sling mud the “boston” incident was accusations and money extortion.
Thank you Billups for being the real class, brains, coach and leader this team badly needs. Just as George said, thank the basketball gods for Chauncey!!!
Esteban Said,
August 10, 2009 @ 5:49 pm
Kevin is spot on here. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Smith resents that kind of discussion about him. The only right way to deal with the “mistakes” is out of the public eye. For Billups to promulgate his opinion that Smith is “immature” on and off the court is a potential recipe for disaster. Why would Billups expect someone he thinks is immature to have the requisite fortitude to take such criticism the right way? Sure, maybe he’ll help, but maybe it’ll create an irremediable problem. The last thing any team needs is some form of antipathy between teammates.
And why is everybody saying that Smith’s behavior needs to change for the Nuggets to contend for a title? It’s not like they were wholly outmatched by the Lakers this year. They were only a couple of late-game plays (made by a player no longer with the Lakers) away from being ahead in the series.
I’m not advocating the kind of behaviour Smith has unfortunately become associated with; I’m just saying what I, an admitted outsider, would expect to happen, given the information available about what seems to be the circumstances of the Nuggets this past year.
don spider Said,
August 10, 2009 @ 11:41 pm
I refer all those questioning this move to this espn column. Pull your britches up.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups
GQ Said,
August 11, 2009 @ 2:07 am
you can take the hommie out the hood but you can’t take the hood out the hommie. Doesn’t matter how much money they make.
Rocky Mountain Independent » RMI Archive » Billups lends hand to Nuggets teammate | News about Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Said,
August 11, 2009 @ 11:38 am
[...] will spend the next three weeks working out with and mentoring the embattled Nuggets guard. From Chris Tomasson at HoopsHype.com: “JR’s a work in progress,’’ Billups said. “I’m happy and proud of the progress that [...]