PLAYA VISTA, CA – Paul George took half in his first Los Angeles Clippers coaching in additional than three months on Thursday as he tries to return earlier than the beginning of the following season.
The Clippers mentioned George, who has not performed since December 22, is within the subsequent section of his rehabilitation program as he recovers from a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament in his proper elbow. He stays out for Friday’s recreation in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers.
George was launched to coach after taking part in a 4v4 observe with minimal contact in opposition to the Clippers coaches on Sunday.
“He is doing a superb job,” Clippers coach Tai Lu mentioned earlier than Thursday’s coaching. “He did not really feel any ache, which is a constructive factor. Simply engaged on conditioning him and ensuring he can proceed to speak with minimal contact with out having any drawback. Up to now, it hasn’t been. An issue.”
Across the All-Star break, George was seen taking pictures his left hand from a brief distance on the crew’s coaching floor. Earlier this month, George was seen taking pictures together with his proper hand.
The Clippers, who’re eighth within the Western standings, may get some much-needed reinforcements into the event.
Norman Powell, who was restricted to 3 video games after taking possession earlier than the commerce deadline, began taking pictures on the sector with the crew this week. He informed me that Powell, who fractured the bone in his left foot, had not but been allowed to make contact.
With eight video games remaining within the common season, the Clippers (36-38) can be hoping to chop again minutes for veterans Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris and Nick Batum forward of the event.
Lue mentioned he would favor to see any of his injured gamers return for a minimum of one common season recreation earlier than beginning the post-season. The coach additionally mentioned on Monday that if the injured Clippers get medical clearance to play within the post-season, he’ll play.
So whereas the Clippers haven’t offered an replace on Kowhi Leonard, who continues to work his method again from a ruptured proper ACL final June, Lue is conserving the door open for Leonard, George and Powell even when they have not returned earlier than. The tip of the common season.
“Sure, I will preserve it open,” he informed me on Monday. “… Attending to the playoffs at 100, from zero to 100, that is actually arduous. But when the medical doctors say they have been authorised and are capable of do it, that is completely as much as them.”
