Chauncey Billups of the Los Angeles Clippers, who tore his left Achilles tendon February 6 against the Magic, underwent successful surgery today. The surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas Clanton at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. They know a lot about fixing up legs in Vail, what with all the skiing and all. The Clippers' press release is here.

Billups will remain in Colorado to recover for about four weeks, after which he'll return to LA to start his rehab.

Watching Caron Butler get his championship ring in Dallas on Monday night (in a very touching ceremony, I thought) I couldn't help thinking about Billups possibly being this year's Butler. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle had many flattering things to say about Butler's presence on the team even after his injury last year -- about how he encouraged his teammates, how he set a good example working hard on his rehab, about his positive attitude. I can certainly envision a similarly positive role for Chauncey in the Clippers' locker, on the bench, and at the practice facility.

Here's hoping that Chauncey has a smooth recovery and rehab, and fulfills his promise to play NBA basketball again. I'm looking forward to seeing Billups back with the team, even in a suit.