DETROIT-Chauncey Billups is still eyeing the chance to run an NBA team.
The former Pistons standout was back in the Detroit area Friday night as part of the BIG3-entertainer Ice Cube's 3-on-3 league of former NBA players, which made a stop at Little Caesars Arena.
Billups had talks with the Cavaliers last year but did not join their front office. When Detroit overhauled its organization this year, he seemed like a potential fit, but that didn't happen either.
"My desire is to one day run a team, be in a front office and try to build a champion," Billups said. "I know that I will and I know I'm going to do a good job. When that opportunity presents itself, and it's a good opportunity, I'll be ready to go."
The Pistons were run by Stan Van Gundy-their coach and president of basketball operations-for the past four seasons, but they moved in a different direction this offseason. Dwane Casey was hired as Detroit's new coach, and Ed Stefanski came on board as a senior executive.
"I thought Stan did a good job. Stan is a very good coach, but sometimes you just need a new voice," Billups said. "Coach Casey obviously has been a very good coach the last few years, he's really ascended to the top of the ranks in the league. Whatever happened in Toronto presented an opportunity for him to come here."
In one offseason, Casey has been fired by the Toronto Raptors, got hired by the Pistons and was named NBA Coach of the Year.
Billups is still viewed fondly in Detroit after leading the Pistons to the NBA title in 2004. The team played at The Palace of Auburn Hills back then. The Pistons played their first season at downtown Little Caesars Arena in 2017-18.