The Indiana Pacers lost Paul George for the season — most likely, at least — when he nearly snapped his ankle off in a Team USA scrimmage, but the Pacers aren’t the only team losing in this situation.
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While George’s association with Team USA isn’t as contractual as it is with the Pacers, he still won’t be able to help out in the World Cup and that’s something that is going to hurt the team in the long run. Even further into the future is the 2016 Rio Olympics, something that George may or may not be ready for.
According to Michael Pointer of the Indianapolis Star, George wants to play in the 2016 Rio Olympics which could be the light at the end of the tunnel that he’s striving for as he starts his long recovery from his injury.
"“The reality is that people that have played the game, coached the game and been in the game know that it’s part of the game. Injuries can happen at any place at any time. We appreciate the attitude Paul has about it and the comments that (Pacers president) Larry Bird made after the incident were great in terms of support.“"
George will no doubt get an invite and he deserves a locked up roster spot no matter what given what he had to endure in the name of playing for his country. Team USA owes him at least that, but the bottom line is George is sounding more and more determined and that’s something that benefits both Team USA and the Indiana Pacers at the end of the day.
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