Suspended Portland Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups is going to have his day in court right about the time the Blazers take the floor for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Billups, under indictment for federal gambling charges, is facing trial with proceedings to commence on November 2nd, 2026. Federal prosecutors pushed for a postponement to January, 2027, citing a large volume of evidence in the case, but this week Judge Raymon E. Reyes, Jr. upheld the original date of November 2nd set for the case.
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Office Sports reporter Alex Schiffer posted the news about the impending date on X:
At a status hearing today in the federal gambling trial, Chauncey Billups attorney said he and his client “love” the judge’s push for a Nov. 2 trial date. Doesn’t sound like he is taking a plea agreement. Billups is part of the rigged poker game case.
Billups was arrested, and summarily suspended from NBA duties, last October, following Portland’s first game of the 2025-26 season. Technically he has not been dismissed, pending results of these legal actions. The conclusion of the case may provide clarity on the terms of Billups’ departure and contract standing.
30 other defendants stand alongside Billups in the sweeping indictments. One former NBA player and coach, Damon Jones, has already pled guilty to the charges against him. Billups’ attorneys maintain their client’s innocence.
Billups has been free on a $5 million bail bond since October, pending the trial.
