Paul George was made available for his weekly media hit Saturday afternoon and nothing substantial has changed. He’s still a full participant on the practice floor, including 5-on-5 work. One of the biggest tasks George, an elite athlete, is faced with is getting his timing and conditioning back.
There was hope that he might make his triumphant return Sunday against Dallas Mavericks, and in the FloJos, but the team has already ruled him out. With the season winding down and George having just nine more chances to get game action in before the summer — which has long been his goal — he doesn’t feel like time is running out.
“I’m taking it one day at a time. Whenever it is, I know I’ll be ready,” he said, obviously very eager to suit up for a game. “… I thought I could give something in the boot. I was ready to play then. I feel good. But it’s not just me that has to feel good, everyone has to feel great about it. That’s what we’re waiting on.”
Four people affiliated with Nike came through practice on Saturday. Two of them arrived with shoe boxes and the other two had cameras. While they couldn’t comment on what they were up to, it’s highly likely that they were getting prepared and gathering what they needed for George’s return — with photos, a social media blast, and outfitting George with a special pair of shoes. Remember the inspiring ad back in August?
Nike framed it like this: “Without the setbacks, the comebacks aren’t as sweet.”
Now, George confirmed he had passed all of the tests and said the final step before the team clears him to play in game action is for them to see him move better consistently over longer periods of time. Essentially, it’s the eye test.
“I feel like I’m having great practices by me making shots and making playing,” he said, “but they’re like ‘We need to see you move better and look good on the court moving. It’s not about the plays.’ That’s the last step.”
Wednesday (Apr. 1 — and April Fools Day) will be eight months since George was rushed to a Las Vegas hospital to repair a compound fracture in his right leg suffered in a USA Basketball scrimmage.
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[…] Paul George's last step before game action: Improving his movement Paul George was made available for his weekly media hit Saturday afternoon and nothing substantial has changed. He's still a full participant on the practice floor, including 5-on-5 work. One of the biggest tasks George, an elite athlete, is faced with … Read more on Vigilant Sports […]
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Paul Georges last step before game action: Improving his movement | Vigilant Sports