Paul George's return: 'Almost like being drafted again'

After spending months in rigorous rehabilitation, undergoing two surgeries on his fractured right leg and vacillating between states of doubt and hope, Paul George will finally return to the court.

As the Indiana Pacers host the Miami Heat on Sunday night, George will play 10-15 minutes off the bench in the latest step in the recovery process.

"It's almost (like) being drafted again," George said, "and getting thrown back out there for the first time and fans getting a glimpse of their newest player, it's that same feel."

On Aug. 1 during a Team USA scrimmage, George sustained a compound fracture of his tibia and fibula. Eight months have passed since the injury and now with his leg fully healed, the Pacers plan to use the remaining six regular-season games as a test drive for George's titanium-secured leg.

"That's exactly what it is, just seeing where I'm at and getting ready for more rehab this summer and getting ready to build off these last couple games of the season," George said. "I wanted to go that route as far as knowing what I need to work on going into the summer. Really, that's what it's about. I wouldn't have known what I (would) need to do heading into the summer if I hadn't played any games."

Saturday had the feel of a victory lap for the inhabitants of Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

"Obviously, it's going to give us a lift," coach Frank Vogel said. "Hopefully, a boost in emotions and in play. It's just exciting for Paul to have come this far and to see him after what he's been through to get back on the basketball court is very exciting for all of us."

In the morning, George announced his comeback in a tweet by posting a photo of the white Nikes he planned to wear against the Heat – the initials PG inscribed on the tongue of the shoes. Later in the day, the team unfurled a super-sized banner of George in the arena lobby. Then after practice, Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird spoke of his happiness for George while Vogel described his star player's upcoming appearance as a "home run." George, now finally freed from discussing his comeback with restraint, predicted that the anticipation would cause for a restless night before game time.

"It's like a big burden that's been lifted," George said.

"There were days I told myself I wanted to shut it down and get ready for the summer," George recalled, "but it's great having the staff that we have to push me through and keep me going. Again, I've had days where I'm sure they hated me and I hated them but we got through it. They did a great job being in my corner."

In spite of the positive progress, the team and even George caution that his activity on the court should not be met with bloated expectations.

"I don't want (fans) to think they're going to get a 40-50 point Paul George," George said about himself, "but still showing flashes and glimpses of what Paul George was and building towards being to what I'll be in my future which is hopefully a way better Paul George that they came to love. It's just about taking this baby step and going forward from here."

The Pacers (33-43) are in a tight race for the final seed of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and George's comeback is merely for his benefit – not as the missing piece of Indiana's roster.

"It's all about Paul. We would do it for any of our players," Bird said. "It's all about rehab."

"Everybody thinks Paul George is coming back, he's 100 percent – (but) he's not 100 percent," Bird continued. "He's in no condition to go out and play a 30-minute game. He's still got a ways to go but we know where he's at, our medical staff knows where he's at and Paul knows where he's at and that's all that matters."

Bird said that on Friday morning George made his pitch to play. Bird, who had the final word in when George would play, said no but "we'll talk about it and see about Sunday." Since returning to practice in late February, George has shown moments when he has limped, according to Bird. However, Bird has seen enough progress to OK the next step of George's recovery and since a practice cannot simulate the intensity of the game, he now returns to the lineup.

"I'm not sure if he's 100 percent sure when he stops sometimes but he's been out a long time and he's had a serious injury but Paul's going to be fine," Bird said. "He's not going to run as smooth as he used to but over time he'll get better and better. Just over the last month I've seen a major difference. He's going to be fine."

Call Star reporter Candace Buckner at (317) 444-6121. Follow her on Twitter: @CandaceDBuckner.

MIAMI AT INDIANA

Tipoff: 6 p.m. Sunday.

TV: Fox Sports Indiana.

Radio: WFNI-1070 AM, 107.5 FM.

HEAT (34-42)

PACERS (33-43)

STORYLINES

Heat react to Paul George's comeback:

"That's good that he's comfortable coming back. The injury he had was scary, and it's amazing that he's able to come back this season. Good for him… Obviously if a player makes a decision to come back, they're on the scouting report. He's on the floor for a reason, and we have to respect everybody that takes the court. Paul George is a threat just being out on the floor. He's going to get better as time goes on. It'll be an emotional game, so you never know what will happen."

– Dwyane Wade

Pacers balance: Though he's coming back, without George the Pacers have survived this far with balance. The team currently has seven players who average between 9.0 and 13.0 points per game. According to STATS, LLC, that is the most since the 1975-76 New Orleans Jazz.

Prediction: As the Pacers receive an emotional lift from George, the Heat will have to overcome the rigors of a road back-to-back; Miami played Saturday night. Indiana wins 98-93.

— Candace Buckner