LOS ANGELES – The L.A. Clippers are on the verge of getting back superstar Paul George from injury.

George has missed the team's first ten games as he recovers from offseason surgery that saw him undergo surgery on both shoulders. Saturday afternoon was the first time since May that George was able to participate in any organized five-on-five action.

If there's anyone that knows George better on the Clippers roster, it's the guy who joined the team with him. Patrick Patterson played the last two seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and George.

“I’m very excited,” Patterson said. “I know what type of player he is. I know he’s vital, he’s key to our success. I know he wants to be out there, you can see it in his eyes, you can see it in his work ethic every single day. So personally, I’m very excited and very happy and looking forward to seeing what happens.”

Over the last month, Patterson and the Clippers have been fully participating in practice and scrimmages. George, however, has been forced to watch from the sidelines. He's tried to slip into some action, but the Clippers have had to pull him out as a precaution.

Now, George is days away from a return, and he's been very anxious to return.

“Anyone would be in his position, but I think he’s doing a great job of listening to the training staff, most importantly listening to his body and not trying to rush back. When his body is fully telling him he’s ready to go, then he’ll be ready to go.”

George spoke after Saturday's practice, his first in a full capacity all season, and expressed his itch to get back out on the court.

“I've been doing this since May,” explained George. “I'm tired of rehabbing. It sucks. But, I'm here for the long run, I'm here for the long haul. I know what the big picture is, so as much as I do want to get out here and wanted to practice and just get going, you know, it'll just be jokes and stuff like that when they're going and I'm trying to get out there and compete with them, it's just jokes.

“I know the big picture and obviously, it's for my own good that I wasn't in these things early.”

George has already been ruled out against the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. His next chance to return will be against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, the first game in a back-to-back set.