Chauncey Billups Injury: 5 Replacements for LA Clippers Veteran

With word that Chauncey Billups will miss the rest of the season due to a torn left Achilles' tendon, the Los Angeles Clippers need to find a replacement to keep them atop the Pacific division and positioned for a run in the playoffs.

While Billups was averaging 14.9 points for the season as the Clippers shooting guard alongside Chris Paul, he was shooting 36 percent from the floor. However, his veteran leadership, defense and three-point shooting ability will be missed.

For the meantime, guards Mo Williams, Randy Foye and Eric Bledsoe will receive more playing time.

Here's a look at some players the Clippers could add down the line to make up for the loss of Billups.

5. Allen Iverson

Yes, Allen Iverson is still interested in playing in the NBA.

Iverson began going downhill in the 2008-2009 season when he played for the Detroit Pistons. After it didn't work out there, he played three games with the Memphis Grizzlies. When it didn't work there, he reunited with the Philadelphia 76ers. When it didn't work there, he went to Turkey.

Well, it hasn't worked out overseas either, and Iverson has reportedly been in "exploratory talks" with Puerto Rico's professional basketball league.

Iverson would obviously be a gamble given his age, declining skills and character concerns, but he was an All-Star as recently as 2010, so you wonder if he's still got some left in the tank.

4. Jonny Flynn

I don't advise this move, as I wrote earlier on Tuesday, but if it comes down to it the Clippers may have to gamble on Jonny Flynn.

Flynn, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season, has reportedly drawn interest from the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.

He's a shoot-first guard who works better as an undersized off-guard. As a former number six overall pick, there could still be some potential there. I'm not seeing it, but hey—it could happen.

3. Gilbert Arenas

The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a look at Gilbert Arenas lately, but apparently aren't interested.

He comes with a lot of baggage obviously, including the infamous locker-room incident in 2010 with Javaris Crittenton, but he has shown the ability to score and distribute the ball in the past. And he's not ancient at 30 years of age.

Arenas also has the bulk to defend shooting guards. Of course, his desire needs to be there first.

2. Ramon Sessions

Ramon Sessions can opt out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers after this season and the Cavaliers are reportedly interested in shopping him, given they now have sensational rookie Kyrie Irving at the point.

The only problem is, as the Los Angeles Lakers have recently discovered, that the Cavaliers are reportedly asking for a first-round pick for the 25-year-old.

That's certainly a high price to pay, but Sessions has shown he can play and is a fairly efficient scorer and distributor. On top of that, he could grow with the young Clippers.

Given the Clippers probably won't have a lottery pick after this year, it may be worth coughing up a first-rounder to bolster themselves at guard.

1. J.R. Smith

Given J.R. Smith was already being linked to the Clippers before Billups went down, this would make a lot of sense.

Smith, who's known as a dangerous three-point shooter and explosive leaper, is free to return to the NBA after he finishes his season in China.

The 26 year old would be a good fit with the Clippers offensively, with the ability to stretch the floor while Chis Paul drives and Blake Griffin mans the interior. His athleticism would also fit on the Clippers' fast break. There are some issues with Smith's defense, but he appears to be the best option available for the Clippers right now.

The only problem is the Clippers already used their $2.5 million mini mid-level exception on Kenyon Martin, and the New York Knicks are "aggressively" pursuing Smith, per the New York Post.

FYI: The Knicks still have their mini mid-level exception.

Thus, Smith would probably have to accept a discounted rate with the Clippers for the team to land him over the Knicks.