Paul George doesn't want to 'destroy' what Pacers have going

A week ago, Paul George said he hoped to be the Indiana Pacers' missing piece.

Friday, he said he didn't want to ruin the puzzle.

Speaking to the media for just the third time since returning to full practice from a severely broken leg, George was much more hesitant when talking about a potential return date than he had been previously.

When asked directly, George paused, took a thoughtful breath, and said while he still wants to return, he doesn't want to risk jeopardizing the Pacers' recent strong play, which has seen the team win seven straight and 13 of their last 15.

"I'm on the fence," said George, who was injured playing in a scrimmage for Team USA on Aug. 1. "Part of me is (thinking), they're playing so well, they've come together, to shake up the chemistry and add another body, another player in there ... I don't want to be that guy that destroys what these guys have going.

"On the other hand, there's a part of me that's like, 'I can definitely help.' It's a difficult point in my role right now, but we'll take it day-to-day."

Coach Frank Vogel has been consistent with his position on a potential George return this season.

"He's not ready yet. When he gets ready, we'll let you know," the Pacers coach said.

After feeling soreness following his first practices, George said that discomfort is now "minimal" but wouldn't put a percentage on how he feels. The Pacers' star added "this week's Paul George is blowing the Paul George of the last two to three weeks out of the water."

With his cutting and conditioning improving, George said he doesn't believe offense will be a problem. However, it's the defensive side that concerns him at this point. The Pacers' recent surge has coincided with a reemergence of the team's trademark defense. Indiana held six straight opponents to under 90 points and 40 percent field-goal shooting before the Bucks scored 103 points in a Pacers' overtime win Thursday.

"Defensively, these guys have been special the past month, so that's where I think the confidence will have to come from, where I can be thrown out there and not miss a beat with these guys," George said.

It's officially mid-March, George's earlier potential return date. On Friday, he admitted that was optimistic. And April may be optimistic too.

"It would have been ahead of schedule to come back and play this year. That was the dream," George said. "But to be on schedule was the start of the year, next year."

If George were to return this season, he said it will be to get "his feet wet" with shorter stints off the bench and have it grow from there. A return this season would also mean a return to the postseason. George has reached the playoffs each year of his career, and with the Pacers' making a play at the East's sixth seed (3-1/2 games back of Milwaukee), could he sit back and watch with the stakes so high?

"If it gets to the point where these guys are in the playoffs, and I'm thinking about coming back, I think at that point, I might as well let these guys finish the year out," George said.

"It's different if this was the beginning of the year and we were still trying to find our way. But these guys are playing at the top of their game right now and the last thing I want to do is slow them down."​

Follow Star reporter Matt Glenesk on Twitter: @MattGlenesk.

BOSTON at INDIANA

Tipoff: 7 p.m.

Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV: Fox Sports Indiana, NBATV.

Radio: WFNI-FM (107.5), WFNI-AM (1070).

BOSTON (27-36)

Pos. Player PPG Key stat PG Marcus Smart 7.5 3.4 apg SG Avery Bradley 13.9 2.9 rpg SF Evan Turner 8.6 4.9 apg PF Brandon Bass 10.3 4.8 rpg C Tyler Zeller 9.6 5.7 rpg 6th Kelly Olynyk 10.6 5.1 rpg

PACERS (30-34)

Pos. Player PPG Key stat PG George Hill 13.9 4.5 apg SG C.J. Miles 12.5 2.8 rpg SF Solomon Hill 9.3 4.0 rpg PF David West 12.3 7.2 rpg C Roy Hibbert 10.6 7.2 rpg 6th Rodney Stuckey 13.1 3.3 apg

STORYLINES

Stuckey Sparks: George Hill's return in late January pushed Stuckey to the bench and the first-year Pacer has flourished since. In his last 11 games as a reserve, Stuckey is averaging 19.7 points a game, including a stat-stuffing 25 points, six rebounds and six assists against Milwaukee on Thursday. When Stuckey scores 20 points or more, the Pacers are 9-1.

Big Roy Update: Roy Hibbert missed Thursday's win over Milwaukee with an elbow infection but practiced in full with the team Friday, showing off a new sleeve on his elbow. Pacers coach Frank Vogel he's hopeful Hibbert can play, and will likely list him as probable. Ian Mahinmi started in Hibbert's place versus the Bucks, and finished with 8 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.

Luck of the Irish: The Celtics' fortunes have turned of late, with wins in seven of their past 10 games, and they currently sit 1-1/2 games back of Miami for the No. 8 seed. However, Boston's better play coincided with the trade for Isaiah Thomas, averaging 21.4 points and 5.4 assists as a Celtic, and he's doubtful to face the Pacers with a lower back bruise.

Prediction: The Pacers have the longest current win streak in the NBA at seven games. Add another W. Pacers win 96-83.​

— Matt Glenesk