Paul George injury: Indiana Pacers can sign a player with the disabled player exception
The Indiana Pacers and their best player, swingman Paul George, realized one of their worst nightmares on Friday night.
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During a Team USA scrimmage, George suffered a lower right leg fracture, which has since been diagnosed as an open tibia-fibula fracture. He has already had surgery on the leg and he will now likely miss the entire 2014-2015 season. Although this is a tough blow for both George and the Pacers, the CBA does allow the Pacers to find a replacement.
Jeff Zillgit of The USA Today explains the Pacers can sign a player with the disabled player exception.
"According to the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, the Pacers can sign a player to a one-year deal for “an amount equal to the non-taxpayer mid-level salary exception,” which is $5.305 million for 2014-15 season.The Pacers could also acquire a player for the same amount plus $100,000, but that player must have just one year left on his contract, according the CBA."
Then, they would have 45 days to acquire a replacement.
"According to CBA expert Larry Coon’s comprehensive FAQ, the Pacers would have 45 days to acquire a replacement player.Last season, the NBA approved a disabled player exception for the Brooklyn Nets, who lost center Brook Lopez to a season-ending injury, and Atlanta Hawks, who lost forward-center Al Horford to a season-ending injury.The New Orleans Pelicans also were granted a disabled player exception for forward Ryan Anderson, who sustained a back injury in January last season."
George averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 steals per while shooting 42.4% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc and 86.4% from the charity stripe. In the postseason, he put up 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the field, 40.3% from three and 78.9% from the free throw line.