For the first time since his injury, Pacers forward Paul George addressed the media about his recovery and future basketball career. While playing in a basketball scrimmage for Team USA in Las Vegas, George severely injured his right leg suffering from an open tibia-fibula fracture. Moments after the horrific injury, medial personnel were rushed to the sideline immediately to check the state of his condition.
George said he was in shock the moment he was injured.
āI couldnāt believe it was me. I was doubting myself because I didnāt know what I did wrong or what happened at that moment,ā he said. āAfter the training staff came over and told me to stay calm and not look at my leg, it helped me to not panic. When I looked down and saw my bone sticking out, I knew it was bad. Iāve felt pain before and this was pain Iāve never felt before.ā
He gave a special thanks to his Pacers family, fans, family and his USA scrimmage team and coach.
After speaking with the Pacers and training staff, he isnāt sure about his recovery time line but he doesnāt feel as if the injury will impact him negatively. It is said he will not play for the 2014-2015 season.
āWe donāt want to put a date or time frame on it but I expect a strong left leg long term (after recovery) and itās something I can overcome. The story I can tell and the testimony Iāll have will make me stronger,ā he said.
George said over the last few weeks, things have been tough but they get better each day. With an abundance of time on his hands he has been catching up on family time, TV and video games.
Pacers center, Roy Hibbert visited George in the hospital in Las Vegas with plenty of gifts to lift his spirits. C.J Watson, a Pacers guard, paid a visit before surgery had begun. Many of his other teammates left their vacation destinations to support George.
His leg was broken in two places and was repaired during surgery. A rod was placed down his right leg and pegs down his right leg, knees and ankles to keep it in place.
Many fans are upset about the situation because they are worried about the state of the Pacers for the 2014-2015 season and feel as if players and owners shouldnāt take a risk playing in non-NBA exhibition games.
āNo oneās really been seriously injured the whole time USA basketball has been here. Freak accidents happen but (Team USA) doesnāt deserve any criticism for this,ā said George. āI would love to still be apart of Team USA in 2016. At the end of the day itās all about representing our country.ā
He said he has confidence in his team and knows they will continue to compete as always.
āThis team is still competitive and I donāt want fans to lose hope or lose sight,ā said George. āI look forward to them having the same drive and same commitment.ā