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SPORTS Saturday 17 June 2017

LOGJAM

In this April 8, 2017, file photo,
Indiana Pacers’ Paul George
gestures after making a
3-point basket against the Or-
lando Magic during an NBA
basketball game in Orlando,
Fla.
Associated Press

Paul George

committed to

playing for
Pacers in

2017-18

By MICHAEL MAROT
AP Sports Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Paul
George is committed to
playing for the Indiana
Pacers next season.
After that, it’s anybody’s
guess. The four-time All-
Star forward provided clar-
ity on his short-term plan
Thursday before playing in
a charity softball game just
a short walk away from the
only NBA arena he’s called
home. “I am a Pacer. I am
under contract and I in-
tend to play,” he said while
sitting in the first base dug-
out. George’s message
may satisfy Pacers fans
temporarily, though the
much larger question still 4-way tie for the lead at the U.S. Open
looms: Will he continue to
suit up in Indiana beyond
2017-18?
If he doesn’t sign the max
contract former president
of basketball operations
Larry Bird has been prom- Brooks Kopeke reacts after his
ising before July 2018, birdie on the 16th hole during
George could become the second round of the U.S.
one of the most coveted Open golf tournament Friday,
free agents on the market June 16, 2017, at Erin Hills in
next summer. Erin, Wis. Associated Press
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