From a series of Eastern Conference Finals appearances, the Indiana Pacers have suffered a drastic turnaround that now finds them at just 17-32 for the season. Sure, they lost the fiery Lance Stephenson to free agency, but a bigger part of their fall from grace has been the absence of all-star swingman Paul George.

Recently, Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird expressed hopes of seeing his franchise star back on the hardwood this season.

"I always say, if the player is ready to play, he should play. We're not going to hold him back if he's able to go out there and play," Bird was quoted recently.

"I think it's important, because when you're out like that, you lose something. He's going to get beat up, he's going to get knocked around, he's not going to look good, but I still think it's important, if he's able to play, he should be out there."

The Hall of Famer said that according to doctors, it would take seven months for George's injured leg bone to fully heal. Tracing from the two-way player's gruesome injury last August 1, George could be ready as early as next month.

George, who was injured while playing in a televised scrimmage for USA Basketball, has gradually increased his basketball activities, and has been traveling with the team on some road trips, as the Associated Press reports.

But Pacers coach Frank Vogel admitted that having the leg bone heal, and getting back into shape for the NBA grind could add on to the timetable for George's return, which was initially foreseen for him to miss the entire season.

"I think you've just got to be smart with it,' Vogel said.

Despite being 15 games under .500, the Pacers are still just 4 ½ games out of the final playoff spot in the weaker Eastern Conference.