Chauncey Billups does contact drills with team, looks to October return – NBA News
The Los Angeles Clippers reserve point guard Chauncey Billups received some good news on Thursday when he took part in contact drills with the team for the first time since undergoing a season ending surgery in February to repair
a torn left Achilles tendon. Billups had initially anticipated returning to the court sometime in November, but the recent progress in his recovery schedule made it possible for him to undergo some drills with the team.
“Chauncey practiced a little bit more today, which was good. He actually went through a couple of contact drills that we had. Not long, but more than in the past,” said Clippers Head Coach Vinny Del Negro after the practice session.
Billups had initially planned to return to the team for their season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies, but that looks highly unlikely under the current circumstances. However, he is hopeful to re-join the team soon after, and
is planning to make a comeback sometime in October.
“He feels good. He's moving good. You can be in condition but the body contact and the up and down things, he's got to get in shape, but he's got plenty of time. As long as he keeps on, not having any setbacks and keeps on working,
as he's been doing, he's going to be in good shape,” added Del Negro.
After Billups tore his Achilles tendon, many anticipated him to retire from the game as it is a very serious injury to go through at this stage of the career. However, Billups has been motivated by his time with the Clippers and
feels that the team is on to something great. The possibility of making a deep playoff push, particularly after the roster improvements the Clippers made in the offseason, have given Billups the motivation to work hard on his rehab and return strong and fast.
Billups has shown great spirit and heart to fight his injury, and has been working with Chris Paul, who himself underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb on August 21st.
“It makes it a lot easier because we both can't do any live action. We do 5-on-0 and all that different type stuff,” said Chris Paul about training with Billups.
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