5 Free Agents the Golden State Warriors Must Avoid

Chauncey Billups

Apr 22, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chauncey Billups (1) passes off to a teammate between Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) and shooting guard Tony Allen (9) during game two in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re not a Chauncey Billups fan, you should be. The 16-year veteran is one of the league’s class acts and played a key role in crafting Chris Paul’s leadership style while playing off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers. Throw in a championship pedigree with his 2004 Finals MVP Award, and Billups undoubtedly has a long career ahead of him as an analyst or coach.

Just so long it’s not as a Golden State Warrior.

Billups has played in only 42 games over the last two years as a member of the Clippers, where he’s been used primarily as a three-point threat on the wing, something the Warriors already have in abundance with Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes and a returning Brandon Rush. At 37 years old, Billups lacks the mobility to create his own shot, a skill that the Warriors relied upon with Jack, and there’s no telling how effective he would be on defense against quicker, faster guards.

Billups would have an immeasurable effect on Curry’s ongoing development as a player, leader and future NBA All-Star, but the salary he would command wouldn’t be worth his recent injury history. If anything, Golden State may be better off arranging some sort of deal with Billups’ teammate (and former Warrior) Matt Barnes.