Say what you want about Chauncey Billups, but do not question the man’s dedication. The Clippers guard immediately got word out after his devastating Achilles injury that he would not be retiring. He’s kept that word up the entire way. He’s vowed to return this season. And at media day for the Clippers Friday, Billups revealed that while he’s not going to be around for the Clippers’ opener this season, he won’t be gone too long, and will be back on the floor before the calendar says “13.” Read more after the jump.
From Sporting News:
If he had his way, Clippers guard Chauncey Billups would be back in uniform when the season tips off on October 31. He is not going to be irrational, though. Billups tore his Achilles tendon on February 15, and for many, that’s an injury that takes a year to heal. That rules out Opening Night, but for Billups, his return won’t take as long as some have suggested.
“I wish I could play opening night, to be honest with you,” Billups said. “I wish I could but I know that is really not going to happen. I don’t really have a target, I am just going to listen to my body. I heard people saying January or February but that is way out of the question. That is definitely not going to happen.”
via NBA media days: Chauncey Billups not rushing return from Achilles’ injury – NBA – Sporting News.
Billups’ intensity about this says something. He was traded to New York as a hang-on with Carmelo Anthony, amnestied to make room for Tyson Chandler, picked up against his wishes by the Clippers. He could have mailed it in at any point but the minute he went down, he started working towards getting back. He’s expressed a desire to stay with the Clippers and re-signed with them this summer. Whatever is going on in Clipperland, he believes in it, despite having the opportunity to hang out a few months then join a contender.
Billups provides a lot of what the Clippers needed last year, but with Jamal Crawford on board, and with Eric Bledsoe‘s development, there’s not a burning need. He’ll be useful when he gets back. But they can make it without him.
Billups is 36 and entering his 16th season. There wouldn’t be a lot of miles on him left without the injury. But he’s kept himself in good enough condition to be helpful, even if his primary skill, shot-making, has eroded.
