Chauncey Billups, Celtics
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29 Dec 1997: Guard Chauncey Billups of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California.
Former Boston Celtics draft pick Chauncey Billups — whose NBA career began in Boston in 1997 — is set to appear in federal court this week as he faces serious gambling-related charges that could carry decades in prison if convicted.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Billups has been charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money-laundering conspiracy. Each count carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
Billups has pleaded not guilty, Shelburne previously reported, and was released on a $5 million bond secured by his Colorado home. He was arrested in Oregon and later placed on administrative leave by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Federal Indictment Details Alleged Rigged Poker Operation
Chauncey Billups
GettySuspended Portland Trail Blazers Coach and former Boston Celtics lottery pick Chauncey Billups walks out of the court in Brooklyn.
In a federal indictment reviewed by Heavy Sports, prosecutors allege Billups participated in Mafia-linked, high-stakes private poker games that were secretly rigged to defraud wealthy participants.
Authorities claim players were cheated using marked cards, manipulated shuffling devices, hidden cameras and specialized lenses. Prosecutors allege the operation generated millions in illicit profits and that Billups received tens of thousands of dollars in payouts.
The indictment further alleges Billups used his NBA celebrity status to help attract affluent players to the exclusive games, unaware they were allegedly controlled by individuals connected to the Gambino and Genovese crime families.
Prosecutors told the court they possess approximately one terabyte of evidence, including surveillance recordings, financial records and digital communications, according to ESPN’s reporting.
In a separate indictment reviewed by Heavy Sports, authorities allege that a coach matching Billups’ description provided non-public lineup information about the Trail Blazers ahead of a March 2023 game against the Chicago Bulls, potentially giving gamblers an unfair betting advantage.
Billups’ NBA Career Began in Boston
While Billups is most associated with the Detroit Pistons — where he won the 2004 NBA championship and earned Finals MVP honors — his NBA journey began with the Celtics.
Boston selected Billups third overall in the 1997 NBA Draft. However, he was traded just 51 games into his rookie season.
Former Celtics coach Rick Pitino has publicly acknowledged regret over the decision in later years, as Billups eventually developed into one of the league’s premier point guards.
Among Celtics fans, Billups has often been described as “the one that got away,” particularly given how his career flourished after departing Boston. His emergence as a five-time All-Star and championship leader amplified scrutiny of the franchise’s late-1990s roster decisions.
Administrative Leave and Legal Defense
After his arrest in November, Billups was placed on administrative leave by Portland.
According to The Athletic, Billups retained prominent white-collar defense attorney Marc Mukasey following his arrest. Mukasey is a former federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York and has represented several high-profile clients.
The Trail Blazers have not publicly commented in detail on the legal proceedings beyond confirming Billups’ leave status.
Celtics Legacy Now Overshadowed by Legal Uncertainty
For Boston, Billups’ early departure remains a significant what-if chapter in franchise history. What once symbolized a premature trade decision now carries a far different weight as legal proceedings unfold.
Billups’ upcoming court appearance marks another step in a case that has drawn national attention due to his stature as a Hall of Famer and former top draft pick.
If convicted on both federal conspiracy counts, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
The case remains ongoing, and no trial date has been publicly announced.