Paul George looks ahead to Olympics

Paul George emerged from the first-base dugout at Victory Field on Thursday night and flashed his signature smile at a group of young children. With a custom blue, white and yellow Indiana Pacers ball cap and a yellow No. 13 Young Trece jersey, George was the the brightest star among many in the annual celebrity softball game he hosted alongside Robert Mathis of the Indianapolis Colts.

He took photos with fans, signed autographs for children and was greeted from members of the Colts, the Indiana Fever and his Pacers teammates.

George’s appearance and participating in the game helped bring awareness for Indiana Children’s Wish Fund. The proceeds from the game, which tickets were sold at $10, will help the fund grant wishes to Indiana children ages 3 through 18 who suffer from a life-threatening illness. The event is held in the memory of Caroline Symmes, who was involved in the inaugural softball game before dying in 2009.

Paul George will give Team USA 'a shot'

“It’s definitely getting bigger and bigger,” George said of the event. “That’s what it’s not really about. What it’s about is us coming out and having fun and raising money for a great cause. It’s just so happens it’s always on a beautiful day in Indy. It just puts into perspective that what we did is a blessing. If you have an opportunity to make it easier on someone that’s not as fortunate, then that’s what our calling is for.”

George was happy to reflect on how he has changed since the last softball game. Last year, he and Mathis were both trying to rehab from significant injuries. George returned from the compound fracture in his right leg by having the best season of his career with the Pacers. He led the team to the playoffs in averaging a career-high 23.1 points, seven rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.

“I’m glad I don’t have to answer questions about that this year,” he said.

George said his body has responded well since the Pacers’ season ended last month. With no pain or fatigue, George said he plans to play for USA basketball during the Summer Olympics in August in Rio de Janeiro.

George is a finalist for the team and the final 12-man roster is expected to be set in June. Jerry Colangelo, USA basketball’s managing director, said a spot on the team is reserved for George after he sustained his injury in a USA uniform in August 2014 when he fell on a stanchion during a scrimmage.

Is Robert Mathis nearing the end? 'Watch and see'

The team will have a four-day training camp in Las Vegas from July 18-21. George said he plans to make his final decision before the camp.

“I think prematurely I made the call on what I wanted to do with my future plans with Team USA,” George said. “This time off has been very useful and helpful about whether I want to play or not. I feel really good right now. I still got time to make that final call, but I’m definitely leaning on playing. I hope I’m more comfortable with it the decision before training camp.”

Coach Nate McMillan, who was George’s teammate in Thursday’s softball game, said he supports George's decision.

“If he’s comfortable playing with USA basketball, then it’s an exciting time,” McMillan said. “Guys who have played in that, in the seven years that I was with the group, they all came back and was able to have good seasons. There wasn’t a lot of fatigue.”

Mathis encouraged George to take advantage of the opportunity to play for a gold medal.

“Up to this point he’s had an amazing career, and he’s not satisfied,” Mathis said of George. “That’s the mark of a great one.”

As for Thursday’s event, the softball game was full of highlights and laughs.

George, who did not play baseball growing up, popped out in his first at-bat. He then watched his teammates just outside the dugout as his Pacers teammate Rakeem Christmas pitched. McMillan had the best individual performance on George’s team. McMillan recorded two hits and ran down some fly balls in center field.

George returned to the game in the fourth inning to pitch. He surrendered a base hit to left field to Mathis. For the second consecutive year, Mathis’ team was victorious.

“It’s the highlight of my summer,” Mathis said. “I love doing this. This is fun to me. The kids are first and foremost, but the people that’s associated with it are genuine people and they treat everybody right.”

Call Star reporter Nate Taylor at (317) 444-6484. Follow him on Twitter: @ByNateTaylor.

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