After initial rumors that he would return this season, Indiana Pacer star Paul George's return seems to point to an unlikely scenario. George, who is currently recuperating from a broken leg he suffered during a Team USA scrimmage in August last year, will most likely forego the season and rejoin the Pacers next season.
While George has been up and about ever since that horrifying incident, it remains that rushing his recovery period may not necessarily be a wise decision. George has been practicing for the last couple of weeks but as most who have seen the former Fresno State standout, he is far from 100%.
Despite some who believe that he could return to the hardwood as early as this week, chemistry concerns are coming out and rightfully so.
To date, the Pacers have managed to climb up to seventh place in the Eastern Conference and a late insertion of George could disrupt all that. He could return on a limited capacity but questions of risking his leg come into play. And George knows all too well the risks involved as well as potentially spoiling the groove of his team with the NBA regular season nearing its homestretch.
With regards to his immediate return, Indiana could make an official announcement this coming Monday.
The Pacers are not putting a timetable for George's return and sources said that if ever he would return, it would be to acclimatize him and prep him for the next season. Then again, why risk it all when you can do so in the offseason and the pre-season NBA games?
George may do well to learn from the fate of Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. Rose has never made a decent recovery nor did he complete an entire season after suffering an ACL tear in the 2011-12 season in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Rose missed the entire 2012-13 season but return abruptly in 2013-2014. His season was cut short by a torn meniscus which sidelined him yet again. Just recently, Rose had been doing great until another knee injury sidelined him for the season once again.
The severity of George's injury could follow the same scenario if not worse. Hence, it may be for the best interest of George and the Pacers to freeze him until he is cleared 100%. At 25 years of age, George certainly has a future so sitting out for the time being should be advisable.
