Chauncey Billups Hired by ESPN to Become NBA Studio Analyst

Chauncey Billups didn't remain on the unemployment line long. The 17-year NBA veteran will join ESPN as part of the network's basketball coverage, per Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated.

"With my experience and passion for the game, I think I can spark interest with viewers," Billups said. "I think I have a unique perspective."      

Deitsch added, "Billups will start in the studio but said he has interest long-term in learning how to be an analyst on game broadcasts. He is based in Denver and will travel to Bristol throughout the season."

In early September, Billups announced he was retiring from the game after a disappointing season with the Detroit Pistons. He appeared in 19 games in 2013-14, averaging 3.8 points and 2.2 assists over 16.3 minutes a night.

"It's just time. I know when it's time," he said, per Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears. "My mind and my desire is still strong. I just can't ignore the fact that I haven't been healthy for three years."

Mark Duncan/Associated Press

Billups played on seven different teams during his career and was named to the All-Star team on five occasions. Nearly the majority of his career was spent with the Pistons, with whom he appeared in 482 contests and averaged 16.5 points and 6.2 assists a game.

He helped the franchise win an NBA title in 2004, during which he won Finals MVP.

Many expected Billups to stick around the NBA after his playing career was over. In June, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders might consider the veteran point guard for his staff:

Around that time, Billups also told Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy that becoming a general manager intrigued him, in addition to possibly working an NBA analyst:

Billups talked about his future with Deitsch.

"I’m the kind of guy who has to be two feet in if I am going to give my best effort so broadcasting is something I looking at long-term," he said. "This is what I want to do and the avenue I want to take. At the moment, I’m not thinking about working in an NBA front office or coaching or anything else. I’m thinking about being the best I can be at ESPN in the studio."

Mark Jackson and Steve Kerr are two of the more recent examples of former players who turned broadcasting roles into head-coaching and/or front-office gigs with NBA teams.

Billups could be the next to make the jump.