Paul George Injury Update: Pacers Star Practices for 1st Time Since Breaking Leg

Indiana Pacers star Paul George returned to practice on Thursday, marking the first time the All-Star forward has fully worked out with his teammates since suffering a horrific leg injury playing with Team USA last summer.

George, 24, suffered a compound to the tibia and fibula of his right leg on Aug. 1 when his leg got caught on the basket stanchion while trying to block a shot. While an initial prognosis of "at least" six months was given, most expected him to sit out the entire 2014-15 NBA season. With his recovery going better than even the most optimistic guessers, George has begun targeting mid-March as his return date.

"I'm still optimistic on my return and I'm hopeful to be practicing by March 1st and hopeful to be playing by mid March," George said in a statement.    

Pacers coach Frank Vogel said there is currently no timetable for George's return. Vogel said he is a "long way" before doctors clear him to play.

George, a 2010 first-round pick, averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season. He was named an All-Star and a third-team All-NBA selection for the second straight campaign, emerging as one of the best two-way forwards in basketball.

The Pacers, who have dealt with myriad injuries and the loss of guard Lance Stephenson, are currently 23-34, two games behind Brooklyn in the loss column for the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed. While a return from George could spark a playoff run, the impetus for his return to practice is more about the long-term outlook.

George won't instantly return to superstar status when he gets back on the floor. It will take time to not only get him back in a basketball rhythm but also simply getting comfortable cutting on his leg and making athletic plays near the stanchion. 

That said, it's undoubtedly a good sign George is getting back on the floor within the early part of his initial timeline. With any luck he'll be back to re-establishing himself among the game's greats in no time.

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