Doc Rivers: Paul George to miss at least first 10 games recovering from shoulder surgery
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George will miss at least the first 10 games of the season while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Clippers coach Doc Rivers said on Saturday, via USA Today’s Mark Medina.
Clippers haven't given a concrete timetable on Paul George's return. But Doc Rivers said in passing that Paul George "is not going to be here for the first 10." Hence, George might be out until Nov. 13 in Houston
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) October 12, 2019
George underwent a pair of minor shoulder surgeries this summer, one on his right rotator cuff and another to repair his left labrum. Both injuries impacted him significantly near the end of the season last year when he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 29-year-old confirmed at the team’s media in September that he would miss the entirety of the preseason recovering from the injury, and that he was planning to only take part in non-contact drills at training camp.
Though he said he was close to being ready, George was targeting a “November-ish” return. Based on Rivers’ comments on Saturday, George could be first available for their matchup against the Houston Rockets on Nov. 13.
“Honestly, I’m a lot far along ... I’m not 100 percent, but if I had to put a percentage on it, I think I’m about 85, 90-ish,” George said in September. “Not all the way there, still got a little bit of stuff, range and stuff and all that to work through, a little strength to work through. But I’m close. I’m happy where I’m at.”
While fans will have to wait just a bit longer for Georges’ much-anticipated debut alongside Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles, the move to sit him until he’s ready makes sense all around. There’s no need to rush his return, and he’s still not participating fully in team practices yet, either.
As the rest of the Clippers go 5-on-5 to close practice, Paul George continues to work off to the side. pic.twitter.com/dLuxt12FrW
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) October 12, 2019
Paul George completing a light shooting routine pic.twitter.com/wVAZLqFGjK
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) October 13, 2019
George averaged 28 points and 8.2 rebounds last season with the Thunder, his ninth in the league. He was traded to the Clippers for a slew of draft picks just as Leonard signed with the organization in free agency, and has three years left on his four-year, $136 million deal.
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