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Paul George on Pacers return: ‘It’s like being drafted again’

By Evan Massey

Jan 5, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) reacts from the bench area during the second half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Indiana won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) reacts from the bench area during the second half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Indiana won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indiana Pacers superstar Paul George is making his long-awaited return to game action after breaking his leg on August 1st last year, and can’t contain his excitement.

Paul George is one of the hottest names in sports that is trending right now, and rightfully so. He is finally going to make his debut on the court in-game action since he broke his leg playing for Team USA in a scrimmage game last summer on August 1st.

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Needless to say, there is a lot of excitement from the fans surrounding his return and they have been waiting for this moment since the injury occurred. George has been aggressively attacking his rehab, and has been cleared to play without a minute restriction by the Pacers’ medical staff. That being said, he will likely only play around 10-15 minutes unless he comes out and plays better than expected.

All the excitement surrounding George’s return has been surreal for him, and he compared it to when he was first drafted when talking to the media.

“It’s almost (like) being drafted again,” George said. “Getting thrown back out there for the first time and fans getting a glimpse of their newest player, it’s that same feel.”

He also mentioned that this is more of a test to see where he is at than hoping that he can come in and dominate. The superstar version of George isn’t expected to come out this evening against the Miami Heat, but he does think he can help Indiana as they look to make one last push to make the playoffs.

“That’s exactly what it is, just seeing where I’m at and getting ready for more rehab this summer and getting ready to build off these last couple games of the season,” George said. “I wanted to go that route as far as knowing what I need to work on going into the summer. Really, that’s what it’s about. I wouldn’t have known what I (would) need to do heading into the summer if I hadn’t played any games.”

During the 2013-14 season, George really showed what type of potential he was beginning to work his way into. There was no denying that he has the capability of being a franchise player and one of the best in the league following last season. He was already drawing major praise from both Kevin Durant and James Harden, who played with him this past offseason for Team USA.

George averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season.

That being said, tonight’s game is going to be a very exciting time for both George and Pacers’ fans. He has battled back strong from a very tough injury, but he hasn’t let it affect him.

H/T Indianapolis Star

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