Chris Paul is the best point guard in the NBA, and he took some time to honor a former teammate who was never considered the best point guard during his playing days, but was one of the most underrated to ever play the position.
I'm talking, of course, about Chauncey Billups. Paul and Billups were teammates for two years in Los Angeles after the Clippers claimed a freshly amnestied Billups from New York. It seems Billups made quite an impact on Paul, first in a mentorship role and then as a teammate.
When the announcement of Billups' decision to retire after 17 years was filtering through the NBA world, Paul took to Instagram to post a moving tribute to his former teammate.
Welllll, let me start by saying that I usually don't get too emotional when it comes to former opponents or even teammates, but this one is a lil different! I was blessed and fortunate to be born with an amazing big brother who everyone knows already. But early in my career when I began to have what they call "NBA family", I was blessed with another big brother! In a league that's filled with fierce competition and unfortunately at times jealousy, a veteran guard took me under his wing and told me and showed me what it means to be a professional and to ALWAYS help the next guy coming up behind you. One of the highlights of my career was the night that I found out I would get to play along side of Chaunce! I could go on and on talkin about this guy but I'll end by saying THANK YOU BIG SHOT!!! And I would love to be there whenever the Hall of Fame Ceremony is! #MrBigShot #1 #ParkHill #Bbbbbbillups #MuchLove