Paul George: 'It's very possible that I can play (this season)'

It's usually best to take a doctor's word in these situations, rather than a player's, but for what it's worth, injured Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George thinks he's got a pretty good shot at making it back this season. That is, provided his team can make it beyond the regular season without him.

"It's very possible that I can play (this season)," George said during Pacers Media Day. "I've talked to all the guys and said, 'Man, you guys have to get in the playoffs. That's the best chance I've got of coming back and playing this year.' I've already got it in mind that I could miss this whole year. I'm come to peace with that, but I'd love to be able to come back and play again."

Pacers fans would be wise not to get overly hopeful, even if their team does ultimately manage to scrape out a postseason berth. We saw the same thing happen with the Chicago Bulls two seasons ago, and loud as the cries got for the injured Derrick Rose to return for their second-round series against the Miami Heat, Rose never showed.

That said, it's encouraging to hear that George has been staying optimistic: 

“Everything happens for a reason,” he said. “It gave me a chance to be in the weight room and spend some time there. I've got to use this as a blessing. It's tough to say you got hurt for a reason, but I honestly think I did. Now everything is starting to come back for me. I'm feeling great. I've been cleared to be in the weight room and work out. That's been keeping me positive and sane.”