Indiana Pacers superstar Paul George is making progress in his recovery just two months after sustaining a horrific leg injury during Team USA's training camp for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
ESPN reported that George, who underwent surgery to repair broken bones in his right leg, has been cleared to put weight on his surgically-repaired leg and perform upper-body exercises.
"He's down to one crutch or no crutches," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. "For the past three or four weeks, he's been doing core work, upper body work in the weight room, and they want him to put weight on it."
George, who averaged 21.7 points to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season, is expected to miss the rest of the 2014-15 season, but the All-Star forward is still holding hope that he could return to action.
"He's doing great," Pacers guard CJ Miles said of George. "He's in there every day lifting. It just shows his character and who he is, a guy who will do whatever he can to help his team win."
While recovering from the injury, Vogel is hoping that George will provide inspiration to his teammates, while also adding that the 24-year-old will have a task every game, which could make him a better player when he returns to action.
"I've given him a clipboard to chart deflections and contested shots. We can't just let him sit around," Vogel said. "Anytime you have an opportunity to observe the game or your team or your system, I think it helps you grow your understanding of everything."
The Pacers, who made the Eastern Conference Finals over the past two seasons, is not expected to make a deep playoff run without George, but Vogel is still confident that his team will be up to the challenge.
"I think this has been my approach every year, whether you're a front-runner or an underdog," Vogel said. "We have everything we need to compete at the highest level."
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