Popular soap opera "As The Pacers Turn" continued on Monday as forward Paul George, two days after telling reporters "I don't know if I'm cut out for the four spot," tersely commented that he had followed up with President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird and coach Frank Vogel and had "clarified things."
Let's just say George's comments don't exactly scream "I'm super excited to play power forward now!" From the Indianapolis Star:
“Yeah, we talked about it,” George said after Monday’s practice. “Just going over what was the plan going forward.“I mean, there was clarification on what we’re (doing) going forward,” George added later. “That’s what it was, just clarification.”
When asked if the “clarification” meant changes to his role, George said: “We’re going to still stick with it, see how it works.”
Then, when quizzed if he’s OK with that, George responded: “I’m a part of this team.”
Source: Pacers' Paul George gets 'clarification' on his role at power forward from Vogel, Bird.
The love basically drips off the page. George, however, was adamant that a) he wasn't complaining in his comments and b) he's on board with the Pacers' plan:
Paul George: "I’m going to give my opinion. This is what the media is for. I’m going to give my opinion…
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) October 5, 2015
Paul George: “...I’m not going against my teammates, I’m not going against this organization. I’ve always been a part of this team Day 1...
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) October 5, 2015
“...The reason why I chose to stick around and stay in this organization – I’m just giving my opinion.” - Paul George
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) October 5, 2015
That's a fair sentiment. George wasn't saying he wanted to be traded, or that he flat out wouldn't play four. He has just been open that he doesn't want to and that he's not comfortable. At the same time, he knew there was going to be a ruckus if he says "I don't know if I'm cut out to play the four" after Larry Bird spent all summer saying that no matter what George feels, he's going to play the four.
There's still pretty much a disconnect, with George really wanting to go back to his natural position of three, and the Pacers essentially having no option but to play George at four given how their roster is constructed -- they're low on power forwards.
Still, it was only the first preseason game. If George can make adjustments to feel more comfortable in the role, and the team and coaching staff can make similar adjustments to put him in the best situation possible, at the end of the day there's no reason this can't work.
It just might take some growing pains.
