Pacers All-Star forward Paul George is happy with Indiana’s offseason moves, and says he’s ready to carry the team once again next season.
The Pacers promoted Nate Mcmillan to head coach; team president Larry Bird also acquired veterans Jeff Teague, Thaddeus Young and Al Jefferson through trades and free agency.
George, 26, says the organization is making sure his prime years aren’t being wasted.
Per the Indy Star:
George is the last survivor from the roster that reached consecutive Eastern Conference finals a few years ago. With new teammates and a new playing style, George acknowledged Thursday that he has to be the leader for the Pacers to succeed and contend next season. […] “I think I’m still young,” George said before his practice with the U.S. men’s Olympic team. “I can carry a team, I feel.”
“I’m glad he’s not letting me waste years,” he said of Bird. “I think Larry and (the rest of the front office) have expressed how bad they want to get back to (the Eastern Conference finals) by these moves this offseason. I’m looking forward to getting us back there. He’s putting talent around me to help me get to what we all want to get accomplish, and that’s a championship.”
“I’ve been molded all the way up to this point with having great veterans and great guys around me,” he said. “Now, it’s my solo opportunity of really being the leader and really being the locker room voice. I’m really looking forward to it; this is my chance and I’m going to make the heck out of it. […] Like I always say, it’s on me now.”
