Patrick Beverley hints he could still return this season

Patrick Beverley’s microfracture surgery was supposed to be a season-ending procedure, but the All-Defensive First Teamer does not seem to be convinced.

Before a game against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, the LA Clippers guard hinted to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints that a return this season is still a possibility, noting that he will begin traveling with the team next month.

Just saw and spoke to #Clippers guard Patrick Beverley for the first time since the injury. He says "I'm not a doctor, but there's a chance," when asked about a possible return this season. Pat adds that he'll start traveling with the team in February.

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 13, 2018

The 29-year-old Beverley has been sidelined since late November, when he underwent the microfracture procedure on his troublesome right knee. He was averaging 12.2 points (a career-high) to go along with 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game for the Clippers before going down.

The Clippers will conclude the regular season on Apr. 11, but a hot streak over the last several weeks has gotten them back to .500 and in the hunt again for the playoffs in the Western Conference. Granted, NBA teams are often quick to scuttle any optimism their players may have for early returns from injury (case in point), so we will just have to wait and see with Beverley’s recovery.