Paul George Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers chose Paul George 10th overall in the 2010 NBA draft, and he has since grown into one of the best all-around players in the league. Reuters

Indiana Pacers forward Paul George suffered a horrific injury to his right leg Friday night during a Team USA practice game at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. According to multiple media reports, a splint was placed on George’s leg before he was taken off the court on a stretcher. The squad has been practicing for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and many of the NBA’s top stars, such as Kevin Durant and James Harden, have been participating this year.

George came down on his right leg after attempting to block a layup by Harden on a fast break. He slipped on the floor at the base of the basket, snapping the leg.

There has been no further update on George’s condition.

Coming off a career season when he averaged 21.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, George is the foundation of the perennial contender Pacers. His leg injury looked very severe, and it will draw comparisons to the one suffered by former Louisville Cardinals guard Kevin Ware during the 2013 NCAA Tournament.

Over the last eight years, USA Basketball has asked the NBA’s top players to participate in international play, and many have answered the call. But now people will question whether NBA teams and players should take the risk of major injury, like the one suffered by George in this ESPN video.

Basketball