Two years ago, Paul George suffered one of the most gruesome injuries the basketball world has seen. In a scrimmage for Team USA, ahead of the Basketball World Cup, George broke his leg on a drive to the rim. The shocking injury led George to missing almost the entire next season.
George came back last season in a big way, however. The Indiana Pacers forward had a tremendous year in leading his team to the playoffs. Now, he’s ready to replicate that again on the international stage.
Even after the injury that would give anyone doubts, George feels like he owes it to himself to return. He told reporters just that after Team USA practice on Tuesday (via Brian Mahoney of the AP):
“I did it for the inner Paul George, the kid Paul George who always dreamed of winning a gold medal,” George said. “I wasn’t worried about no injuries. I wasn’t worried about getting back on the court and how would I fare out there. It’s about fulfilling that childhood dream and representing that country.”
Did George have any doubts creep into his head?
“No, there was no doubt,” George said Tuesday after practice. “Winning the gold medal is a lot bigger than any other concerns. It’s been a childhood dream, so for myself it’s just fulfilling it.”
It’s obviously great to see Paul George at peace and ready to bring his talents to Team USA. He will be one of the featured players on the roster, contributing effectively on offense and defense. George’s on-court success will be a huge indicator of the team’s success as a whole.
Fortunately, he is ready for the challenge.
