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15 stars you forgot played for the New York Knicks

By Orestis Rantis

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 26: Jason Kidd #5 of the New York Knicks during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 26, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Knicks defeated the Suns 99-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 26: Jason Kidd #5 of the New York Knicks during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 26, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Knicks defeated the Suns 99-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images /

8. Chauncey Billups

Selected third overall in the 1997 NBA Draft, just one spot after Keith Van Horn, fans of the Boston Celtics instantly viewed Chauncey Billups as their franchise point guard for the future. Unfortunately for them, head coach/executive Rick Pitino just didn’t care for him and traded him away during his rookie season.

In exchange, Pitino and the Celtics received basically scraps of pure nothing. Billups would go ahead and become a five-time All-Star and be awarded the 2004 Bill Russell Finals MVP award as he led the Pistons to their third championship in franchise history.

So how exactly did the Knicks end up with Billups on their roster? Billups was included in the Carmelo Anthony trade, a huge deal that involved 3 teams, 12 players and 6 draft picks.

Related Story. Most clutch player in the history of each NBA franchise. light

Arriving in New York, Billups was 34 years old and a few years away from retiring. Instead of a washed-up veteran, the Knicks got a quality starting point guard in Billups. The veteran averaged 17.5 points and 5.5 assists per game for the remainder of the 2010-11 NBA season.

See the date on that tweet? A few months later, the New York Knicks would waive Chauncey without ever playing him for the –at the time– ongoing season. Yup, here are your New York Knicks ladies and gentlemen.

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