Chauncey Billups looks to return from injury for start of next season – NBA News
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups is looking to return to action when the NBA season commences in October this year.
The veteran guard suffered torn left Achilles tendon last season which forced him to sit out the rest of the season after playing only 20 games. But, he is eyeing a return to the basketball court in October when the Clippers open
their 2012-2013 campaign.
"I plan on playing all 82 games this year. I'm on pace to be back sometime in October so that's what I'm shooting for. I do plan on being ready to go,” said Billups.
Billups took to the Clippers court on Monday to address the media for the first time since re-signing with them last week.
“I’m grinding. I'm working really hard. There was a report that I wouldn't be back until January but I'll be back far before that,” said Billups.
The veteran point guard was a valuable addition to the Clippers roster before the 2011-2012 season commenced. He was picked up off waivers by the Clippers after being amnestied by the New York Knicks. Billups initially did not
want to join the Clippers as he wanted to be on a championship contending team and thought that the Clippers were not that yet, but had no option but to move to Los Angeles.
However, once he got there, Billups did what he has been famous for throughout his NBA career, and that is creating plays and spreading the floor. He averaged 14.9 points and 4 assists in 20 starts before being sidelined with the
injury. The one guard also formed a great backcourt combination alongside newly acquired point guard Chris Paul.
When he returns next season, Billups will be joining the same starting five as last season, but they will be more confident about this abilities after finishing 5th in the Western Conference last season and making it
to the Western Conference Semi Finals. In addition to that, the Clippers have upgraded their roster in free agency by signing Lamar Odom and Jamal Crawford - two players who give depth to the Clippers bench.
Billups believes that the upgraded roster had a realistic chance of competing for the title this year, and says it is one of the primary reasons he decided to re-sign with the Clippers.
Point guard Chris Paul spent the summer convincing Billups to return next year, as he feels that Billups and him form a great backcourt duo.
With his rehab process going well and him eyeing a return in October, Billups is looking forward to next season, with the single aim of winning one more championship ring.
“I just want to win a championship. I don't have another 10 years to play in the league, I want to win now and that's what I'm shooting for and I think that I can do it here and that's the reason why I made the choice,” said Billups.
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