Word about Paul George probably playing a lot of power forward is nothing new, but until recently, it seems that the returning Pacers star showed some apprehension on the strategy.
Everyone knows that the Pacers intend to apply an up-tempo style of play, and for it to work, it seems that George will have to move to the power forward spot. For those who are unaware, George is a regular small forward.
Seeing that the Pacers failed to make the playoffs last season, the team appears to be bent to use an offense-oriented and hustling defense strategy for the coming season.
George will be back as a starter but at power forward, and depending on how you assess his interview with USA Today, it seems pretty clear that he is not totally sold at the idea.
"Um, you know it's, uh, I was open for – to try it out," George said via phone. "It's definitely a change. It's something new. We'll see how it goes. As the season goes, it might be better for me to just be at my regular position. But I told them I was open to the situation and (we'll) see where it goes," he added.
But like it or not, this is the direction that team president Larry Bird wants to follow. Bird emphasized months back that George will be playing a lot of power forward next season. In fact, he didn't seem to care if George isn't sold to the idea.
"Well, he don't make the decisions around here," Bird said. "I [played power forward]. I loved it after I did it. I just think offensively it's going to be one of the greatest feelings he's ever had. I'm not going to get in a battle with Paul George on where he wants to play. He's a basketball player. He can play any position you put him out there," he appended.
It does seem hard to imagine how George can stand up to the regular power forwards like Chris Bosh or even LaMarcus Aldridge since this would entail a lot of banging.
But then again, Bird did make a valid point when he made the shift during his time so he sees no reason why George is unable to do the same.
Will the ploy work?
