Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul will return to the floor on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers after missing 18 games due to a separated right shoulder.
ESPN.com is reporting that Paul participated in his first practice with the squad since his injury. "He looked great. We plan on playing him," it reported head coach Doc Rivers as saying.
The superstar guard has been participating in contact and shooting drills for the past week, but it was on Saturday that he took part in actual practice. The Clippers are 12-6 since Paul went down with the injury he sustained in a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Discussing his star's return from injury, Rivers said: "I think it's going to take Chris some time to get his rhythm back. That's why I am hoping he is healthy and we can play him Sunday, have a practice on Tuesday and play him Wednesday. I think that helps. I think it's going to take a couple weeks for him to get his rhythm back, no doubt."
Paul had indicated his desire to play in the NBA All-Star Game where he was named as a reserve. Rivers said he has no qualms about that plan since the mid-season showcase is basically an exhibition game.
"I like him playing in the All-Star Game, personally," Rivers explained. "I think this is a rare case where he's ready to play and the All-Star Game is probably the safest venue for him to play. I think it will just be a good thing for him to get up and down. It allows him to go up and down in an NBA game with really good players that don't play defense in the game so I think that would be very good."
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