Paul George on timeline for return: 'when the time is right for me'

Indiana Pacers forward Paul George spoke to the media Friday for the first time since suffering a gruesome leg fracture in a Team USA intra-squad scrimmage two

Indiana Pacers forward Paul George spoke to the media Friday for the first time since suffering a gruesome leg fracture in a Team USA intra-squad scrimmage two weeks ago.

George said he can begin rehabilitation next week but that a timeline for his return has not been determined.

"I don't know yet." @Paul_George24 on his recovery timeline. "We don't want to put a date on it or a time frame on it."

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) August 15, 2014

"We'll see, when the time is right, when I go through the workouts, when the time is right for me." - PG on his timeline for return

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) August 15, 2014

"I plan on making a full recovery coming back from this." - @Paul_George24

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) August 15, 2014

"As early as next week, I can kind of start a little rehab in my knee." - PG #Pacers

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) August 15, 2014

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George underwent surgery to repair an open tibia-fibula fracture and is expected to miss the 2014-15 NBA season. He said USA Basketball doesn't deserve any criticism for the injury occurring, adding "freak accidents happen."

The 24-year-old, averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Pacers last season, earning All-Defensive team and All-NBA third team honors and his second All-Star appearance.

- Chris Johnson