Indiana Pacers star Paul George suffered a severe lower right leg fracture in Team USA’s intra-squad scrimmage at UNLV yesterday and later underwent successful surgery.
USA Basketball revealed in a statement after the surgery that George’s injury is an open tibia-fibula fracture and he’ll remain in the hospital for about three days. The swingman is reportedly expected to miss the entire 2014-15 season.
The 24-year-old suffered the gruesome injury when he attempted to block a shot by Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden early in the fourth quarter of the exhibition. George’s leg landed awkwardly at the base of the basket stanchion.
“Thanks everybody for the love and support,” George later posted on Twitter. “I’ll be ok and be back better than ever!!! Love y’all!!”
The Pacers released a statement addressing George’s availability.
“It is way too early to speculate on his return as the No1 priority for everyone will be his recovery,” Indiana team president Larry Bird said.
“Our initial discussions with our doctors and the doctors in Las Vegas have us very optimistic. There is no question about the impact on our team but our goal is to be as strong-willed and determined as Paul will be in coming back.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also said in a statement: “It was difficult to watch the injury that Paul George sustained tonight while representing his country. The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the NBA are with Paul and his family.”
After George’s injury, Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski stopped the contest, which the White team led 81-71 over George’s Blue team.
“It’s a tough situation for our entire organisation, the coaches, the players,” USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said. “Very, very emotional. There’s no way the game could have gone on under the circumstances.”
Team USA planned on cutting the 20-player roster to 14 or 15 following the scrimmage, but have chosen to wait until after George’s injury.
