Watch CBS News

Chauncey Billups On Ty Lawson: 'You Just Worry About The Kid'

DENVER (CBS4) - Ty Lawson was never going to play for the Denver Nuggets this year and he's now property of the Houston Rockets.

Lawson was traded on Sunday for four Rockets players and a first round draft pick. CBS4's Vic Lombardi caught up with former Nugget Chauncey Billups at his Porter-Billups Charity Golf Tournament at the Cherry Creek Country Club on Monday and talked about the trade.

Billups knows the Nuggets didn't get very much in return for Lawson, but he also knew that Lawson had to go. He's also happy Lawson is getting a fresh start following all his recent troubles.

Ty Lawson
Ty Lawson (credit: CBS)

"I'm just happy that Ty is getting some help in that therapy program for those 30 days. He needs it whether he knows it or not," Billups said. "I'm just happy for the kid. More than anything, more than sports, more than my team, more than that team; you just worry about the kid."

Emmanuel Mudiay
Emmanuel Mudiay at practice (credit: CBS)

Billups acknowledged that they had to trade Lawson, not only because of his troubles, but also because of the arrival of first round draft pick Emmanuel Mudiay, who is now the Nuggets' point guard of the future. But don't look for immediate results.

"They are in a rebuilding phase, so don't expect this kid to lead the team to the playoffs just yet. They have some good pieces in place," Billups said. "I think they did right … by getting Ty out of the way so to speak and letting (Mudiay) kind of develop as best and as fast as he can."

LINK: Porter-Billups Leadership Academy

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.