Paul George isn’t completely sold on the idea of a position change, a move that would have him spend significant time at power forward.
More than ever, the NBA has become position-less basketball. The league eliminated the designation of centers in the All-Star game three seasons ago, now simply picking three “frontcourt” players. Teams are playing smaller. Bigs shoot from range. And teams are looking to push the pace.
Last April, after the 2014-15 season had the Pacers on the outside of the playoffs, a change in personnel was imminent. Team President Larry Bird and coach Frank Vogel made it known they wanted to raise the tempo and score six to eight more points per game. Later, Bird added that he wanted his team’s star, Paul George, to play “a lot” at power forward and how it would be a big plus for the two-time All-Star.
I asked George about it at his camp in July and playing “spot minutes” at the four seemed to be his expectation.
Less than a week before the team opens camp, George spoke with local reporters and was clearly hesitant about moving to power forward. In short, he’s open to a change — but he’s not thrilled about it.
“I wasn’t extremely thrilled about it when (Bird) first presented it to me,” George said Thursday at the Pacers annual golf outing. “But, the way the league is going and my playing style, I think I can fit right into it. We’ll see how it goes during camp, whether I’m comfortable with it or not. Then, we’ll just make a decision from there.”
Bird first presented the idea to George while he was rehabbing a compound fracture to his right leg. Then again during George’s exit meeting at season’s end.
George’s reluctancy is understandable. For one, this will be his first full season back from a serious injury. He got his wish in playing at the end of last season — six games — to get some reps and to see where he needs improvement.
Paul George putts at the organization’s annual golf outing.
Second, it could be a grind defensively for him. Remember, he’s been a top ten candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and it’s his goal to get back to being in the MVP conversation. Spending serious time at the four would impact how he defends and who he goes up against. George has the height, but not the weight to play against several at the position.
“I don’t think I’m at that point in my career where I should be changing positions,” George said. “I think guys do that later in their career, and they put on weight and are lacking physical attributes as far as like being quick. I’m still all of that. So I don’t necessarily feel the needs to play a different position.”
Third, the Pacers’ roster underwent a big facelift. Come opening night, on Oct. 28 in Toronto, he’ll share a bench with at least seven new teammates. Gone is his defensive safety net in Roy Hibbert, and the backbone of the team, David West.
Lastly, it’s change. It’s different. It’s not natural. He’s used to being a big guard, handling the ball and using his pure athletic talent to win his matchup. Change can create hesitancy.
“I’m not going to sit here and shoot it down,” George continued. “I see the positives of playing a smaller lineup and having the ability to take advantage of someone that really can’t stay in front of me. I’m not going to knock it like it’s totally a terrible decision. I see the positives in it.”
George “hopes” his happiness comes first in what he called “this whole ordeal.” He also made sure to add that “I’m not someone that’s going to change the locker room up or kill a locker room. I’m open to it. I just want to see how it goes.”
And he’s right. Let’s wait and see. He’s been playing the four during pick-up games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse with nearly double-digit players in town. (The numbers are encouraging, by the way. Especially with so many new players added to the mix.)
Let’s then see how it works against opponents in exhibition play, and then early during the regular season. George may change his tune and the move turn out to be mighty successful — or it’ll end up being a thought worth trying that just did not pan out. That’s one of the many opportunities for the team this upcoming season as they develop chemistry with one another and build towards the future.
Most importantly — and a note that should not be skipped over — George “looks decidedly more healthy and explosive than he did … in Memphis last year,” according to coach Vogel. Remember, George suffered a left calf strain in the final minute and it took a few months to heal.
“Paul’s looking like Paul … you know, his old self,” said Lavoy Allen.
There’s no doubt: This team is now PG’s. He’s not a vocal leader by nature, but he can lead by example as he continues to mature, both on and off the court. The team has more than a month until games matter and that time will be used efficiently.
I appreciate George’s candidness. There’s no reason to play up his uneasiness of changing positions. Change isn’t easy, right? With seven years of experience, even George Hill won’t admit that he’s a point guard in the league … instead just saying “I’m a guard.”
Let’s let this all play out, and enjoy that one of the best players in the league will be back on the floor.
“I feel great,” George said. “My body feels amazing. Ready to start this year.”