Pacers’ Paul chooses not to rush his return

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS

Paul George might be close to playing shape.

He’s still not there yet.

The Pacers’ two-time All-Star told reporters Monday that although he’s eager to clear the final hurdle in his 71/2-month recovery from a broken right leg by returning to game action, he’s not going to push himself to go too soon.

“We want to make sure I’m as close to 100 [percent] as possible,” George said. “It’s not coming down to you know, ‘Paul’s feeling good, let’s get him out there.’ It’s about making sure everything’s where I’m comfortable, where the medical staff is comfortable, where the front office is comfortable.”

The temptation, of course, is to make it back now.

Indiana (30-39) has lost five straight and has slid from the No. 6 spot in the East into a tie for ninth, which would keep them out of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, George has been looking and sounding more comfortable since returning to full practice in late February. He said he’s moving better, feeling more confident and has become a more regular part of pregame warmups and post-practice shooting drills.

But it’s unclear when fans should expect to see him suit up in his new No. 13 jersey.