Despite Chauncey Billups’ deep thigh bruise that could keep him out two-to-three games, Knicks president Donnie Walsh is not concerned about his durability and acknowledged he could even extend the veteran’s contract this summer.
When asked about Chris Paul’s 2012 free agency, Walsh said he’s not thinking about it and wouldn’t rule out the 34-year-old Billups, who is under contract for next season, for the long-term.
“From day one, I said everybody is underestimated Chauncey in this deal,” Walsh said. “We have the beginning of a team we can build into a championship team. We have two super players and Chauncey is as good as anybody [we’ve] played against.”
Walsh compared Billups’ potential longevity to Jason Kidd’s.
“I think the way he’s playing, I think it’s going to be longer than you guys think. I do,” Walsh said. “I’ll point to Jason Kidd. He’s 39.”
Billups wasn’t even able to watch last night’s 107-88 romp from the Knicks bench. His suits haven’t arrived from Denver, and NBA rules prohibit players from sitting on the bench without at least a sports jacket.
Billups didn’t have enough time to purchase a jacket because he spent six hours getting treatment at the team’s Westchester practice facility for his bruised quadriceps muscle. “What’s more important?” Billups said, referring to treatment.
The newly arranged Big Apple 3 was pared to two last night with Billups out for two to three games because of Dwight Howard’s knee to his thigh.
The Knicks didn’t miss a beat without Billups last night, with Toney Douglas running the show just fine.
Billups did not sound like he’d be ready tomorrow against Cleveland. Mike D’Antoni said he feels Billups more likely will be back Sunday in Atlanta or Monday vs. Utah. The Knicks are amidst a major transformation, with a virtually new team, with a whole basketball nation watching their every step.
“It makes it tougher,” D’Antoni said. “It delays some things, but it gives other guys opportunities. I hate to lose him. Every game is important. We’re trying to make the playoffs.”
Billups said the six hours of treatment allowed him to feel “much better” than late Tuesday night.
There is concern, however, that Billups may not heal as fast as he used to at this stage of his career. The younger Raymond Felton, traded in the Anthony blockbuster, didn’t miss a game heading into the All-Star break despite playing seven weeks with a bruised knuckle.