Paul George Reportedly Excused from Remainder of Team USA Minicamp

A year after Paul George suffered a compound leg fracture in USA Basketball's 2014 intrasquad scrimmage, the Indiana Pacers swingman has been excused from minicamp obligations following a Monday night meeting with head coach Mike Krzyzewski, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein. 

USA Today's Sam Amick reported the meeting was viewed "as ample representation" by George. That's key because for invited players to be eligible to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, they had to report to camp in some capacity. 

However, just because George is leaving Las Vegas a couple of days early doesn't mean he's any less committed to the defending world champions. 

"Of course," George said of his desire to compete in the 2016 Olympics on July 12, according to the Indianapolis Star's David Woods. "I've had a dream of lifting that gold medal. That's definitely motivation."

George missed almost the entire 2014-15 season as he rehabilitated his fractured leg, but the two-time All-Star returned in time to appear in six regular-season games before suffering a left calf injury during Indiana's regular-season finale on April 15. 

But nearly four months removed from that minor setback, George sounds determined to eventually carve out a spot on the 12-man 2016 squad, according to Woods:

"

[Pacers president] Larry [Bird], of all people, knows how important it is to play and represent for your country. So regardless of the situation, I know he's got my back on that one. And it's a personal goal.

I won't let injury ... injury is a part of the game. The last thing I'll do is let that keep me from making the dream happen. No hard feelings towards none of the situation.

"

George won't be able to flash his expansive repertoire Thursday night at the intrasquad exhibition, but some superlative efforts during the 2015-16 season could help cement his place on the Team USA roster. 

Back at full strength with more playing time coming as a small-ball power forward, George will be able to flaunt his valuable perimeter and mid-post tools on a revitalized Pacers squad when the upcoming campaign kicks off.