Paul George is projected to miss the entire 2014-15 NBA season after suffering from a horrific leg injury last summer, but the All-Star forward hinted that he might return to action for the Indiana Pacers earlier than expected.
George, who averaged 21.7 points to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season, underwent surgery after sustaining compound fracture in his right leg during a USA Basketball scrimmage in August.
While most fans and experts expect him to take the entire season to recover from the surgery, George posted a cryptic tweet, where he allegedly gave clue about a possible return date. See the Twitter post below.
March?!
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) February 3, 2015
The puzzling Twitter post came after Pacers' president of basketball operations Larry Bird told reporters on Tuesday that they are still hoping George will be able to return this season. Bird also revealed George's condition is improving, which is a good sign for the team and the 24-year-old superstar.
"Hopefully, down the road, we'll see where Paul's at," Bird said via USA Today. "We still have no idea whether he's coming back or not, but it seems like every week he's getting better and better. If we do have an opportunity to get into the playoffs and he can get some games under his belt and get ready to go next year."
George, who is expected to talk to the media on Thursday about his condition, has reportedly started participating in team activities, but coach Frank Vogel declined to reveal details about their superstar's condition.
Vogel said, though, that being cleared to return might not be enough for George because he needs to be in perfect shape before making his return. But for Bird, as long as George is ready to play, the team will not prevent the former Fresno State standout from returning to action.
"I always say if the player is ready to play, he's got to play," Bird said. "We're not going to hold him back if he's able to go out there and play. I think it's important because when you're out like that, you lose something. He's going to get beat up, he's going to get knocked around, he's not going to look good but I still think it's important."
The Pacers are currently in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings with their 17-32 record, but are just 4.5 games behind the Miami Heat (21-27) for the eighth spot in the playoff race.
