Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers says small forward Paul George tried sneaking into 5-on-5 scrimmages, which he's not cleared to do yet.

George underwent surgery to his right rotator cuff and left labrum after the 2019 playoffs ended. He is expected to be back sometime between late October and late November.

The Clippers will be cautious with Paul George since there are 82 games in the regular season. It’s not that big of a deal if George misses a few games here and there.

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George averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season while shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 38.6 percent from beyond the arc and 83.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Clippers acquired George from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a blockbuster trade this offseason.

The Clippers sent the Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, veteran forward Danilo Gallinari and five first-round picks for George, who is a six-time All-Star and one of the best two-way players in the NBA.

For the first time in franchise history, the Clippers are legitimate title contenders with George and Kawhi Leonard in the mix. Leonard will carry the load on offense until George is ready to play again, although the two-time Finals MVP will get a lot of help from Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell.