One month after the debut of the video series ‘The Road Back,’ which documents Pacers star Paul George’s journey back to the court after suffering a compound fracture on August 1, Bleacher Report has published episode 2.
VIDEO: Paul George — ‘The Road Back’ Pt. 1
This episode begins with the other core players — David West, Roy Hibbert, and George Hill — along with coach Frank Vogel and team President Larry Bird sharing where they were when the gruesome injury occurred in Las Vegas.
Then, it moves on and focuses on George’s impact on the team and a target return date.
“I know how much he was looking forward to this year, and him growing into just one of these sort’ve overall basketball behemoth,” said West, the backbone of the team.
“To lose a guy like that, especially a guy who we build everything around, and a guy that we’re so close with as far as our core team, it was deflating,” Hill added.
Over All-Star weekend in New York, on Feb. 14th, George had the chance to reconnect with Team USA (and Brooklyn Nets) physician Dr. Riley J. Williams.
@rileywilliamsMD couldn't thank you enough doc!!
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) February 14, 2015
George told local reporters at the beginning of February that his goal was to go through entire practices, and be ‘full-go,’ by March 1st.
Paul George’s journey back continues…
A few weeks later, while speaking at a New Era event to promote three new Pacers hats he designed, George took it a step further with reporters — saying he’d like about two weeks to get in shape and then, possibly suit up for the first time this season.
“I gave [the media] a date, like March 1st, as when I want to officially be able to, like, practice with no limitations or nothing like that; the media ran with it,” George told Dr. Williams in regards to his goals. “I told them I want two weeks to try and get in shape; the media ran with it.
“I mean I don’t want to rush it, but if the opportunity presents itself, I’m feeling good, I’m thinking some positives and will try to get some games under my feet.”
George is scheduled to talk with reporters Thursday afternoon at Bankers Life Fieldhouse so we should learn much more about what he’s been able to do, how his conditioning is coming along, and whether those goals remain realistic.
Watch George play 2-on-2 back on Feb. 4.