Pacers forward Paul George said he planned to listen to his body after the season then determine whether he wanted to play in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The results are in.
George, via ESPN:“I was just hesitant on the simple fact that, the past couple years has obviously been tough for me -- just felt like I didn’t have enough time to myself, and time to recover, and you know, give my body a rest. I didn’t want to jump out of a season, jump right into the Olympics. But I think I kind of said that too prematurely.
“I didn’t give myself enough time to really think it through. I think since I’ve been off, my body’s telling me yes, my mind is telling me yes, people around me are telling me yes. So I feel good about it. And, you know ... I want to give it a shot.”
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo promised George a roster spot after George’s gruesome leg injury during a Team USA scrimmage two years ago. But Colangelo also named George when discussing players who could get bumped if Kobe Bryant played in Rio. Kobe withdrew from consideration, but that Colangelo even brought up George draws questions.
In the end, I’d be surprised if George doesn’t make Team USA. Colangelo was so public about his pledge, and the way George played this year, he might deserve a spot regardless.
