LOS ANGELES — Paul George‘s torn ligament in his shooting elbow is “feeling better” and progressing, but the LA Clippers star guard will “need more time” to recover, according to coach Ty Lue.
George underwent an MRI on the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Friday. Lue said George is progressing but he remains unsure if his star guard can return to play this season.
“Just that he feels better, he’s making progress,” Lue said of an update on George before the Clippers played the Lakers. “But he’s gonna need more time.”
“Just know he’s feeling better,” Lue added when asked if there is any new timetable for George’s elbow. “And that’s the most important thing. And he’s gonna need a little bit more time.”
George has not played since scoring 17 points in a win at the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 22. He initially suffered a sprained elbow against the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 6, and rested and rehabbed for two weeks, missing five games. He felt better and returned to play in two games, but after feeling pain in the elbow, he underwent an MRI and the Clippers revealed on Dec. 25 that he had a torn UCL in his shooting elbow.
This is the second time George has had his period of rest and recovery extended for his elbow. George has been working out but had been seen shooting left-handed prior to the All-Star break.
The Clippers are fighting for a playoff spot without their two stars. Kawhi Leonard has been out all season and is rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in Game 4 of the Clippers’ second-round series against the Utah Jazz on June 14. Leonard continues to work his way back.
Also, the Clippers lost guard Norman Powell to a fractured bone in his left foot after he played in just three games following a trade from Portland.
When asked if there is still a chance for George to return this season, Lue replied, “not sure.”
“I mean the biggest thing is he’s feeling better,” Lue said. “And he’s making progress, the MRI revealed, and we just gotta go from there.”
“Every competitor wants to play,” Lue later added when asked if George is bummed about needing more time. “And so I’m bummed out too. [But] hope is stronger than fear.”