Former Timberwolves Guard Facing Decades in Prison
The Minnesota Timberwolves tipped off their 2026 NBA season back in October against the Portland Trail Blazers. Immediately following that contest, Blazers head coach — and former Timberwolves starting point guard — Chauncey Billups was arrested on shocking illegal gambling and conspiracy charges tied to the mafia.
Back in November Billups posted $5 million bail, and he’s been staying in the Denver area ever since. Tomorrow afternoon, however, Billups and 30 other defendants in the case are due in a Brooklyn, New York courtroom for a status hearing.
Chauncey Billups facing up to two decades in prison
According to Ramona Shelburne (ESPN), court proceedings could start as soon as September, but the process could drag out years. If Billups is convicted and receives a maximum sentence, Shelburne reports that the one time Minnesota Timberwolf would pay 20 years of hard time.
He’s facing money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges, both of which carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years…It will be a long time before anyone fully knows how Billups allegedly became involved in this scandal and the extent to which he was. It’s a process that could take years.
ESPN
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Only Billups and Anthony Schnayderman, considered the primary money launderer, were released on bond. Shelburne notes that Billups put up his Colorado home as collateral, and his lenient conditions could be a reflection of his financial means and fame.
Former NBA player Tiago Splitter has coached all but one of the Trailblazers games this season. He has them sitting at 29-32, 10th in the Western Conference. The only game he wasn’t in charge — a 118-114 opening night defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Into the Minnesota Timberwolves’ history books
Billups, 49, spent 17 years as an NBA player, two of which came in a Wolves uniform (2000-2002) — where he averaged 10.9 points, 4.5 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game.
Although not quite as disgraced as the Minnesota Vikings criminal history, the Minnesota Timberwolves have had their fair share of criminal run-ins. Michael Beasley, Malik Beasley, and Isaiah Rider are just some names that come to mind.
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