Frank Vogel on Paul George: “No Timetable for His Return”

Feb 27, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; From left to right Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert, forwards Paul George and Damjan Rudez (9) react during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Cleveland 93-86. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; From left to right Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert, forwards Paul George and Damjan Rudez (9) react during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Cleveland 93-86. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

More from Pacers News

Paul George could be returning to an Indiana Pacers court as soon as this week — even tonight in Brooklyn — according to an ESPN report yesterday.

Well, that’s not happening — at least no the Nets game part, as George has been ruled out this evening.

And Pacers coach Frank Vogel said that, in fact, there is “no timetable” for Paul George’s return while addressing the media before tonight’s game.

Yesterday, Brian Windhorst of ESPN tweeted out the following.

These “within the next week” and “no timetable” reports may seem to be at odds, but that’s not necessarily so. Vogel was responding to questions about this report specifically, so he wasn’t just out here saying something for no reason. And there can be “no timetable” right now while Paul George still suits up within a week. The team may be expecting that without saying it publicly, and Windhorst is a very connected NBA insider known for his credibility.

A lot of teams are now very sensitive to predicting return dates. Paul George may have done himself no favors by circling March 14 on the calendar, but the teams themselves have learned from how the Bulls handled the first Derrick Rose return from injury. Now, rather than answering questions about specific dates and expectations, they are more apt to just say “no timetable.” It deflects all questions, and that’s probably what Vogel is doing here — essentially saying “He’s not playing tonight … leave me alone.”

Paul George will play when he’s ready.

Either later this week or next season.

Next: Indiana Pacers Take Part in NBA's Green Week

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds