NBA: Paul George opens up about gruesome injury: 'I felt like my leg was on fire'

Indiana Pacers forward Paul George felt like his leg was on fire.

"I felt like gasoline was on my leg and somebody lit a match," the NBA All-Star said Friday during a press conference in Indianapolis.

George was appearing publicly for the first time after his injury Aug. 1 at the USA Basketball Showcase while playing in a scrimmage for the U.S. men's national team.

When George fell hard into a basket support in Las Vegas, fracturing his right leg, the incident had far-reaching consequences. The severity of the injury and a long rehabilitation process will likely cost him the entire 2014-15 NBA season.

The exhibition game was halted and sparked a national debate whether NBA stars, making millions of dollars, should play for the national team and risk injury.

"They don't deserve any criticism for this," George said of USA Basketball. "I would love to be a part of USA Basketball in 2016."

George underwent surgery the day after the accident and returned to Indianapolis on Aug. 5. On Friday, a large crowd of Pacers fans holding "We love you" signs greeted George. — Reuters