Paul George takes part in 1st full practice with Pacers
Injured Indiana Pacers star Paul George had said he wanted to practice in full with the team by March 1, and on Thursday, he kept his word.
"It felt good. I'm still hopeful (for a return), but I'm a long ways away," George said after practice, according to Candace Buckner of the Indianapolis Star.
The two-time All-Star has been out all season after breaking his leg in a horrific injury suffered during a Team USA scrimmage last summer. The swingman has made no secret of his desire to play this year if he is able, going so far as to tell Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports that his goal is to play in mid-March.
"I do feel stronger on the court," Paul George.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 26, 2015
Pacers coach Frank Vogel also tried to keep expectations in check after Thursday's practice.
Vogel: "No timetable for his return. He's got a long way to go before he gets cleared to play."
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 26, 2015
The Pacers have been kind of wandering no-man's land without their best player. As of Thursday, they are only a game out of a playoff spot in the weak Eastern Conference, their defense keeping them in the conversation.
Yet a healthy George would be a boon to an offensively-challenged squad – only the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers have fewer points per 100 possessions than Indiana.