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Indiana Pacers: Paul George To Return For Playoffs?

By Marcus Bass

May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) reacts to a call during the second half of game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse against the Atlanta Hawks. Indiana Pacers beat Atlanta Hawks 92 to 80. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) reacts to a call during the second half of game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse against the Atlanta Hawks. Indiana Pacers beat Atlanta Hawks 92 to 80. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Everyone in Bankers Life Fieldhouse was surprised to see Indiana Pacers guard Paul George walking around without crutches during Media Day for the Indiana Pacers. No one would expect days later to hear a rumor that George might be able to suit up for the 2015 NBA playoffs, let alone from George himself. Despite a nasty injury suffered during a Team USA exhibition in Las Vegas, George told Mark Monteith of NBA.com there’s a possibility of seeing him on the Pacers’ postseason roster.

"“It’s very possible that I can play (this season), I’ve talked to all the guys and said, ‘Man, you guys have to get in the playoffs. That’s the best chance I’ve got of coming back and playing this year.’ I’ve already got it in mind that I could miss this whole year. I’ve come to peace with that, but I’d love to be able to come back and play again.”"

Very noble of Paul George to inspire teammates to elevate their games just enough to make the playoffs, with PG-13 back in uniform as a reward. And while the power in the East has certainly shifted to the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, there haven’t been many other teams that’ve gotten better. For the most part, the Pacers won’t have to elevate their game that high.

Despite George doing what a team captain should do which is motivate the team, it’s in his and the Pacers’ best interest if he forgoes this season in its entirety. A hasty return to the court always seems to lead to a higher degree of subsequent injuries. If anything, George should take a page out of Derrick Rose‘s book.

Last season, George averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, earning All-Defensive First Team and All-NBA Third Team honors in addition to his second consecutive All-Star appearance. With him out of the lineup, the Pacers will miss his production, but in a weak Eastern Conference, they’ll ride David West and Roy Hibbert to slide in somewhere between the fourth and eighth seed. Not much of a tall feat and even less motivation needed to get there.

After a 56-26 season, George and the Pacers earned the No. 1 seed, before eventually falling to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. They’ll look to replicate similar results, but even with George in the lineup, the loss of Lance Stephenson in addition to how well the Bulls and Cavaliers have re-tooled there’s no way the Pacers could acquire that No. 1 seed again.

Take a seat, PG-13. It’s going to take you in full health and a more talented roster to win it all. No need to potentially waste your health for a portion of the 2014-15 season. Be smart.

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