Chauncey Billups: "I Loved Being a Knick"

Even though the new and improved New York Knicks were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, Knicks newcomer Chauncey Billups says that he would like to continue playing for the Knicks.

"We'll all know shortly but I'm hoping to be back. I want to be back. I loved being a Knick this year -- it was a great time. I would love to be a part of bringing championship-caliber basketball back to the city. Hopefully I'll have that opportunity," said the 34-year-old veteran point guard.

Billups is set to make $14.2 million next season in the final year of his contract. But only $3.7 million of that amount is guaranteed, so the Knicks could buy him out and make him a free agent. According to a report from ESPN.com, the team has five days to reach a decision.

Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, the two other Knicks newcomers, say that they would like for Billups to stay with the team.

"He's a guy that. Everybody knows what he brings to the table when he's healthy when he's playing: a winner, a leader, a veteran, a guy that a lot of people on this team look up to," said Anthony.

"I've enjoyed playing with him this year. If Chauncey's back, that would be great for us," said Stoudemire. "He brings great leadership to the team so I look forward to it."

(Sources: ESPN.com)

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