Chauncey Billups won't be ready for Clippers' opening night

Chauncey Billups returned to the Clippers during the offseason, but it's still uncertain when he'll make his return to the court. After going down with a torn left Achilles tendon early last season, Billups is recovering well but still says he won't be available on opening night.

Chauncey Billups returned to the Clippers during the offseason, but it's still uncertain when he'll make his return to the court.

After going down with a torn left Achilles' tendon early last season, Billups is recovering well but still says he won't be available on opening night.

"I wish I could play opening night," Billups told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "I wish I could, but I know that's not really going to happen, I'm sure. I don't really have a target. I'm just going to listen to my body. I remember people were saying January or February, and that's way out of the question. That's definitely not going to happen. I'll be back way before that."

There's a good chance the Clippers might choose to be extremely cautious and patient with Billups, especially after bringing in Jamal Crawford this offseason. They have a capable replacement to play shooting guard while Billups gets in shape and prepares to resume the role.

Which means while Billups is a sure thing to miss opening night, he might even sit the first month of the season and target a December return. Billups was a steadying force for the Clippers last season as they made their transition from laughingstock to contender, so his presence will be valued with or without him on the court.

And with the Clippers obviously thinking more about the postseason than anything else, there's no big hurry to get Billups back in November. Not the traditional line of thinking for the Clips.