The Clippers got encouraging news from Friday’s MRI on Paul George, but it’s still going to be a while before the forward can resume playing, according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. While the torn ligament in George’s right elbow has shown improvement, it’s too early to tell if he might be able to return this season.
“Just that he feels better, he’s making progress,” coach Tyronn Lue responded when asked for an update on George’s condition. “But he’s gonna need more time.”
George originally sprained the elbow in a December 6 game, then sat out two weeks for rest and rehab. He played two games after returning, but started to feel pain again. The team announced the torn UCL on December 25.
“Every competitor wants to play,” Lue said. “And so I’m bummed out, too. [But] hope is stronger than fear.”
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- Terance Mann‘s performance since the trade deadline may convince the Clippers that they don’t need to look for a ball-handler on the buyout market, per Andrew Greif of The Los Angeles Times. Since L.A. traded Eric Bledsoe to Portland, Mann has led the team in plus-minus rating at plus-10.8. Now that Goran Dragic is in Brooklyn, Greif questions whether there are any point guards available who could make a difference for the Clippers.
- Playing their second game since Chris Paul was sidelined with a fractured right thumb, the Suns were blown out at home by the Pelicans Friday night, writes Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Paul remained active on the bench, coaching and encouraging his teammates, but Phoenix will have to adjust to his absence on the court in order to keep the top spot in the West. “We just have to find ways,” Devin Booker said. “I think every game is going to be a new learning experience for us. Figuring things out.”
- Former NBA guard Quinn Cook has joined the Kings‘ G League affiliate in Stockton, the team announced in a press release. Cook appeared in 188 games in five seasons with the Mavericks, Pelicans, Warriors, Lakers and Cavaliers, averaging 6.1 PPG and shooting 40.8% from three-point range.
Remember how good the Suns were BEFORE Chris Paul arrived? Yeah me neither.
The Matrix days, remember them well . They just had those damn Lakers and Spurs in front of them every year
Yes way back then of course they were awesome in several different periods of time. But this current Squad needs Chris Paul. They’re going nowhere fast with him on the sidelines.
I suspect PHO might be going the way of Paul-era Rockets this year if he doesn’t recover quickly.