In his own words, Paul George’s major leg injury suffered late last month at a U.S. national team scrimmage was nothing more than a “freak accident.” Still, the fact remains that George, who has improved in each of his years in the NBA and is considered one of the top young players in professional basketball, is highly likely to miss the entire 2014-15 NBA season as a result of that injury. That isn’t daunting him, as he said in a recent press conference that he remains hopeful of playing for the Indiana Pacers in the upcoming season.
”All I can do at this point is sleep, watch TV and lay down, so it’s tough for me. I’m used to being active, lifting weights, being in the gym,” said George. ”At the same time, I want to be part of this team. The last thing I want to do is feel like I’m not part of (the Pacers) because I’m out. I’m holding out hope, just personally, because I want to be back.” George was drafted tenth overall in the 2010 NBA draft, despite flying under the radar as a California prepster, and later on a top player for Fresno State in college.
Despite the gravity of George’s injury, doctors believe that the 24-year-old wingman can make a full recovery, even if it takes one whole year. The Pacers have also stated that they are preparing for a season without George on the active lineup. Nonetheless, George believes there’s a chance he may come back sooner than expected, and that his injury isn’t necessarily something negative at this point in his young career. “ It’s something I can overcome and it will be a great opportunity to sit back and watch and learn the game,” he added.