Paul George Talks to Media for the First Time In Season

Paul George said by March 1 he would like to be able to practice full time. Remains hopeful to play this season but is not certain.

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

Paul George said on March: "Ideally, that's a great time where I want to be back. Obviously I'm a long shot away from it…

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

"…I've got so many steps to get to that point but looking forward that's (March) when I want to be back." — Paul George

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

PG: "I don't want to come back too soon and be out there and have a chance to re-injure…I want it to be fully right." Said #Pacers feel same

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

PG said he's competing in everything from 3-on-3 stuff (and on down) but not 5 on 5 going up and down the court. And still no contact.

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

PG: occasionally he has gotten in on halfcourt sets as well. Pain still varies. "Sometimes I have great days, some days its a little rough."

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

PG: "I want to be back out there. Playing. I want to play…but again, it's not a likelihood at this point."

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

Asked if it's less than 50/50 he'll back, PG said: "I'd like to say that." But doesn't want to give a timetable.

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

"I don't think (the rod in his leg) will limit my athleticism," Paul George.

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

PG said "without a doubt" it WOULD matter to him if #Pacers is in playoff race in re: to possibly making a comeback.

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

PG said the toughest part will be getting his wind back & playing both sides of the ball after his leg is healed.

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

PG, veeeery optimistic here, said he thinks it'll take "a week or 2" of getting wind back to feel comfortable with his conditioning to play

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

PG said the game has slowed down for him by watching this season. "I used to rely on instincts…now I see things differently."

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

"I see stuff forming, I can almost see the play happening before it happens. I think that's where I've grown." — Paul George

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

#Pacers Frank Vogel on PG returning to practice: "I don't know what point that will be. Really have no idea." So March 1 not set in stone

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015

Correction to a tweet: PG has "no doubts" in his mind he will NOT hurt his leg again. "Only problem is just getting back to where I was."

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) February 5, 2015