Paul George Injury Update: Pacers Star Reportedly Targeting Mid-March Return

Indiana Pacers star Paul George's rehab from the broken leg he suffered during a scrimmage for USA Basketball in August is progressing to the point he's looking at a return to the court soon. 

According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports, George's 2015 debut could come as soon as March 14 against Boston:

This news comes less than two weeks after Larry Bird, who is the Pacers' president of basketball operations, told The Associated Press (via Fox Sports) George wouldn't be held back if doctors cleared the former All-Star to play:

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I always say if the player is ready to play, he's got to play. We're not going to hold him back if he's able to go out there and play. I think it's important because when you're out like that, you lose something. He's going to get beat up, he's going to get knocked around, he's not going to look good, but I still think it's important, if he's able to play, he should be out there.

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A George return this season seems odd, at least on first thought. Given the gruesome nature of his injury, there's no telling how his body will respond to game activity seven months after the fact. There's also the matter of Indiana being 21-33 at the All-Star break. 

Granted, despite the bad record, the Eastern Conference is so weak, the Pacers are only two games out of a playoff spot. George can be the piece that pushes them into the postseason. But what are the realistic expectations if the Pacers make it in?

Regardless of what happens when George returns, it's just nice to see that he's nearing a point where he's talking about playing this season. It seemed like a given he would miss the entire campaign because of how awful the leg injury was. 

Being able to play in any games this season will allow George to get his timing back, get ready to go full tilt in the offseason and prepare for the 2015-16 campaign.