The Indiana Pacers may get star Paul George back sooner than expected from his serious injury if the team gets close to the playoffs, but if that doesn't happen, they could look at making trades instead at the deadline and names like David West, George Hill or Luis Scola could be on the move if Larry Bird decides to make some deals.
The Pacers likely will wait and see for as long as possible before making any major moves, but the news about George is positive and should affect how Bird handles things. According to ESPN.com, Bird hopes that George can return this season and reports have the star healing up faster than expected after his gruesome injury over the summer while playing Team USA basketball.
Pro Basketball Talk reports that the team could consider making trades, as Roy Hibbert, David West and Luis Scola could be potential options for teams. West has been getting attention from the Raptors and the Blazers, while Hibbert also could be a target for those teams. The Houston Rockets and Miami Heat have been interested in big man help along with the Suns and those names all could be options at the deadline.
SI.com made a list of players that could move at the deadline and Scola was mentioned as one player that could get targeted. Scola has been solid since coming to the Pacers, but he likely will not be there long term and this could be a move for the team. West is 34 years old and is averaging 13 points and seven rebounds and he could be a strong option for teams looking for help up front. The Clippers are dealing with an injury to Blake Griffin and the Rockets are dealing with Dwight Howard being out with an injury.
According to ESPN.com, Larry Bird spoke about George and his potential return and he said that George has made progress and could return this season. George fractured his leg last summer in a gruesome injury while playing for Team USA and the team may think about resting him in case he gets injured again. George said that he would like to return once he is healthy and that once he is cleared he will speak with the team about potentially getting back on the court.
The Pacers have had a tough season and they come into the break at 21-33 on the season and they are fourth in the central division. Last season the team made it to the east finals and was the top seed in the conference, but losing Paul George being injured over the summer changed everything. George is hoping to come back and the team could look at making trades with the way things have played out this season. The team is ranked 23rd in scoring and seventh in defense.