Paul George of the Indiana Pacers was injured during the Team USA basketball scrimmage on Friday night.
The game, which was shown live on ESPN, had just entered the fourth quarter when George went up to try to block a shot from James Harden.
George’s foot landed awkwardly at a bad angle as he came down.
He was on the floor grimacing in pain as staff attended to him.
Staff then rolled out a stretcher for him, and eventually took him off the court.
Head coach Mike Krzyzewski then went to center court and said that the rest of the game would not be played in respect for Paul George and George’s family. Krzyzewski later told reporters in a press conference broadcast on ESPN that George was taken to the hospital and that his family is with him. Krzyzewski and other staff were preparing to go to the hospital.
George was considered by some a lock for the team, which is working on whittling the group down from 20 players to 12 for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. However, this injury will keep him off the team because it looks pretty serious. ESPN Medical Analyst Dr. Michael Kaplan said: “He’s certainly going to need surgery. He'll be out for nine to 12 months with this.”
George later tweeted from the hospital, saying: “Thanks everybody for the love and support.. I‘ll be ok and be back better than ever!!! Love y’all!! #YoungTrece.”
Training for the World Cup goes through August 22, including several exhibition games. The World Cup then starts on August 30. The roster needs to be set at least 24 hours before the start of the tournament.
(Screenshot/ESPN)
(AP Photo/John Locher)
(AP Photo/John Locher)
Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose reacts after seeing Indiana Pacers’ Paul George get injured during the USA Basketball Showcase game Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
See a previous Epoch Times story below.
USA Basketball Roster 2014: Teams Announced for Las Vegas Basketball Game
The rosters have been announced for the USA Basketball Showcase game that’s scheduled for Friday night.
The game will feature the roster divided into two teams to play against each other as head coach Mike Krzyzewski and the assistant coaches try to go from 20 players to the 12 necessary for the final roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
The two teams are:
USA White Team
Guards: James Harden (Rockets), Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers), Bradley Beal (Wizards), Damian Lillard (Blazers), Klay Thompson (Warriors)
Forwards: Kevin Durant (Thunder), Chandler Parsons (Rockets), Paul Millsap (Hawks)
Centers: DeMarcus Cousins (Kings), Andre Drummond (Pistons)
Coach: Assistant coach and Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau
USA Blue Team
Guards: Stephen Curry (Warriors), DeMar DeRozan (Raptors), John Wall (Wizards), Derrick Rose (Bulls)
Forwards: Paul George (Pacers), Kenneth Faried (Nuggets), Kyle Korver (Hawks), Gordon Hayward (Jazz)
Centers: Anthony Davis (Pelicans), Mason Plumlee (Nets; recently added from Select Team)
Coach: Assistant coach and New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams
“The USA Basketball Showcase has been an exciting conclusion to the USA Basketball National Team Las Vegas training camps since 2007 and this year’s game promises to be as exciting and as competitive of a game as we’ve ever had,” said Jerry Colangelo, USA National Team managing director, in the announcement.
“After four days of training, the players are looking forward to playing in a competitive game situation. The game will also be beneficial in our decision making process for selecting finalists for our team that will eventually represent the United States at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.”
The game will start at 9 p.m. EDT and be broadcast on ESPN.
Live streaming will be available via Watch ESPN.
