Paul George Injury Latest News Update: NBA Return Date Still Up in the Air
Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George was playing for Team USA when he suffered a terrible leg injury during USA's scrimmage match Friday. The accident occurred during the fourth quarter when George attempted to block a shot and landed against the backboard stanchion.
Immediately George was taken to the hospital and is undergoing surgery. Team USA's Coach Mike Krzyzewski called the game afterwards out of respect for George's parents, who were present in the arena when the accident happened.
Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today Sports had asked NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on whether Paul George's injury will alter the league's position on its players participating in international events.
"First, our hearts go out to Paul George, his family and the Pacers," Silver responded.
"Second, basketball has unquestionably taken incredible strides since 1992 when NBA players began playing in the Olympics, not to mention, the jump many of our players have made in terms of ability, leadership and passion for the game by playing for their home countries," he continued.
Silver explained that injuries can happen anytime and anywhere and George's was an example of that statement.
"Third, our goal is to make basketball the number one sport in the world. This is not going to happen unless governments around the world continue to back basketball as a healthy way for their youth to become physically fit and to learn important values like discipline and team work," Silver explained.
It is uncertain when George will come back to the NBA scene, though concern is not when he would come back but whether George will be able to come back after suffering such a terrible injury. The league and the Pacers are confident, however, that he will be able to come back eventually.