OKC Thunder forward Paul George has successful procedure on torn labrum in left shoulder
By Alex Mcewen
Paul George addressed the torn labrum in his left shoulder in his second procedure this offseason. What does it mean for the OKC Thunder?
When the OKC Thunder All-Star tandem of Russell Westbrook and Paul George each underwent procedures to address various ailments earlier this summer. It was revealed, George would need a second surgery at a later date to address a torn Labrum.
On June 11, 2019, PG went back under to knife to correct his injured shoulder. A torn labrum is a fairly common injury in the NBA, but that does not lessen the severity of the injury. Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, disclosed in 2016 he had been playing through a labrum tear for three seasons.
Paul George had successful surgery on his left shoulder to repair a tear in his labrum, per a Thunder spokesperson. Recovery timetable is the same it was when he had surgery on his right shoulder a few weeks ago — reassessed around the start of training camp.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) June 11, 2019
Davis has not appeared hampered by his injury in each of the previous two campaigns. Therefore, AD’s experience with the same injury should provide Thunder Nation reassurance about Paul George playing through his labrum tear during the final month and a half of the regular season and the playoffs.
About the labrum
People have two labrums in their body, one in the hip, and one in their shoulder. Former Celtics star and current Nuggets guard Isaiah Thomas once tore his hip Labrum.
The labrum is not a muscle, tendon, or ligament. Rather it is a piece of cartilage, which is a type of tissue in the body. Cartilage is also what the meniscus is made up of, which Thunder Nation knows from the past, can be a tricky injury.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
An area of concern for Thunder and George fans is according to HSS hospital it can take athletes anywhere between six months to one year for the injury to fully heal. The publication also mentions how patients should remain in a sling for at least four weeks post surgery. Via multiple Instagram stories, it appeared George did not remain in his sling for his rotator cuff surgery for the recommended time frame.
Which, could indicate one, of two scenarios; PG is either a fast healer. Or, the sling became uncomfortable and or a nuisance causing George to avoid wearing it. The public will never know what case to be true. Hence the above examples are pure speculation.
A word from a former pro
During the 2019 quarter-finals; on ESPN’s the Jump, former NBA great Tracy McGrady stated he believed George was playing through a torn labrum. Just weeks after McGrady shared his hunch, it was revealed he was indeed correct.
At the time, McGrady discussed how it is a difficult ailment to overcome. Adding after he went under the knife, he missed four months.
Closing Thoughts
Considering George has undergone not one, but two surgeries, it’s clear to say his bum shoulders were a valid reason, not an excuse as to why the OKC Thunder did not advance beyond the first round.
Currently, PG is scheduled to miss the start of training camp. If he does, it will mark the third consecutive season the Thunder are without an All-Star during the preseason. The absence of such marquee players can disrupt team continuity and delay valuable on-court chemistry building.
Next. 2019 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: The post Combine edition. dark
In conclusion, Thunderous Intentions wishes George a speedy and full recovery, on behalf of myself, and the entire TI team we eagerly anticipate PG’s return to the OKC Thunder lineup during the 2019-20 campaign.