Chauncey Billups injury: Clippers guard stays cautious in rehab

Veteran Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups is taking it slow as he recovers from left Achilles' tendon surgery, according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.

Billups is excited to join Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and a slew of new teammates as the Clippers start camp, but the 36-year-old knows it's a long road back from such a serious injury. Via the Los Angeles Times:

"...I'm not fighting myself off at all because I know how severe this injury really was. And I'm not going to compromise all the hard work that I've put in all summer ... to get back a week earlier."

The improved depth of this year's Clippers squad is making it a little easier for the 15th-year pro to keep from rushing back on the floor, as the addition of Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Willie Green and Matt Barnes shows that the team isn't strapped for veteran players. Billups told the Times:

"That just gives me the opportunity to really take my time and be patient," Billups said. "I can come back when I feel good."

Billups is taking part in limited team drills, but not taking part in any scrimmaging or physical drills at this time.