Billups ruled out of Olympics

All-Star ruled out of the London Olympics

NBA star Chauncey Billups has been ruled out of this year’s London Olympics after tearing his Achilles tendon.

The injury struck the five-time All-Star in the final quarter of the Los Angeles Clippers’ win against Orlando Magic when he tried to change direction after missing a three-pointer.

The starting guard, who has only been at the Clippers since December, will also inevitably miss the rest of the NBA season.

Billups was devastated to be ruled out of the 2012 Olympics, after he had been named in the 20-player squad, saying: “It was tough. It was deflating.

“The team is coming together and what we have going on is exciting. To know this season is over, it hurt.”

The 35-year-old was averaging 15 points and four assists in 20 starts for Pacific division-leading Clippers this season.