Paul George Wants to Play in 2014-15
By Evan Massey
May 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) reacts after game five against the Miami Heat of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Miami 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Indiana Pacers’ season changed drastically when superstar forward Paul George’s leg snapped in Team USA’s scrimmage game on August 1st. They were expecting George to take another step towards proving his title of superstar, and he was receiving glowing comments from other NBA stars that were playing against him in practice for Team USA. Unfortunately, both the Pacers and the NBA have agreed that George is likely to miss the entire 2014-15 season.
George, on the other hand, appears to have other ideas and is still holding out hope that he can return this season.
Paul George said sitting out whole 2014-15 season is a "possibility" but "I’m holding out a little hope."
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) August 15, 2014
At this point in time, it’s good to see George having that type of confidence and the will to return to the game that gave him such a gruesome injury. There is a very slim chance that he could return this season, but it would be very late in the year or even the playoffs before he gets back on the court. If the Pacers do make the playoffs, it likely still wouldn’t be a smart decision to allow George back on the court.
It will be very intriguing to keep an eye on George’s progress in his return, but it’s going to take some time. His doctors are confident that he will return to full strength and be 100% the same player that he was prior to the injury. He had a big season last year with the Pacers, averaging 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Not only is he one of the NBA’s best young players offensively, he also averaged 1.9 steals per game and is considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the game.
Overall, today’s press conference was a very good thing for both the Pacers and George. It was great to hear from him and that he is confident and is hoping to return quickly and fully. He has a lot of people supporting him, and the Pacers will be more than happy to have him back whenever he is capable of returning to the court.