Paul George: Latest Pacer superstar
NBA Global Games 2013 is now happening in Manila as the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers arrived in Manila in the morning of 07 October 2013, set to play a preseason game on Thursday, 10 October 2013. After a Pacers scrimmage at the MOA Arena, I was able to sit down with Pacers All-Star forward Paul George, who made himself known to basketball-loving fans with his outstanding performance last NBA season, especially in the 2013 NBA Playoffs.
Paul sat down at courtside, with his shoulder iced and heavily bandaged, and I began to pitch to him my questions. First, I pointed out that his performance last season raised him to superstar status. I asked what changed in his life because of this. He replied that there have been some changes “on the outside”, but not on the inside, meaning while he is more recognized now and given much credit for his talents, he makes sure that he’s still the same old guy who has worked hard, and continues to work hard, to achieve his goals.
I asked him about how he feels about the Pacers’ chances this coming season and he highly praised the team’s Front Office for doing a great job this offseason, acquiring some key pieces and ensuring the continued stay of others. He is optimistic and excited about the return of former All-Star Danny Granger and the acquisition of Luis Scola and feels the team is ready to take the next step.
READ ALSO: A chat with new Rockets center Dwight Howard
With Hall-of-Famer Larry Bird being part of the Pacers’ management, I asked Paul how it feels to be in the presence of greatness almost every day. He said it was tremendous to have Bird around and that, “When he talks, you need to listen. If Larry tells you you’re not doing something right, you need to listen.” Bird’s serious demeanor, as observed by all of us media people earlier, only emphasizes Paul’s point.
As for young Pacers coach Frank Vogel, just 38, Paul said he is just a very positive person, someone who encourages, who pushes all of them to continue working. Despite not making it to the NBA Finals last year, there is always something positive to be taken out of the experience and enable the team to strive for more in the future. The only thing the team can do is use the Game 7 loss to eventual champion Miami as motivation.
When I asked Paul about the possibility of his playing for Team USA, he immediately smiled a really big smile and said, “100%!” He asked who would not want to play for his country and that if given the opportunity, he would definitely do his best and play all out.
George, last season’s NBA Most Improved Player awardee, recently signed a contract extension with the Pacers. With that, I asked him if he might perhaps do “a Reggie Miller”, rare nowadays, and stay with the team and be a “Pacer for life.” He said, “Why not?” He loves Indiana and its fans and, at this point, cannot imagine playing elsewhere. Of course we know how things can change from season to season and how players tend to move around the league more often than before, but I am certain Pacers fans would appreciate another Reggie Miller-type on their team.
Finally, I asked Paul what Filipino fans should expect for the pre-season game versus the Rockets and he replied, “Energy! It should be almost like a regular season game.” He mentioned that they need to give the fans what they want and that the players are all excited to show what they can do in front of the passionate Filipino crowd. With that, we can all expect an entertaining, fun-filled, exciting ballgame as the NBA Global Games debuts in the Philippines later this week. Expect Paul George, superstar, to be at the forefront.
You can follow Charlie on Twitter @CharlieC.
