Paul George return is one of the biggest headline in the 2015-2016 season of NBA. The Indiana Pacers star missed all but six games last season due the injury he suffered while playing in a scrimmage for the 2014 USA national team.
He was able to recover mid-season but was re-injured just few games before the start of the playoffs. His team missed the playoffs but that could be a blessing in disguise for Paul George as he was able to take a longer rest. Now, he wants to return to the court stronger than ever.
Watch out Lebron James, Stephen Curry, and James Harden, Paul George return will mean more competition for individual awards. George is not just out to return, he is out for the MVP award.
Talking to Chinese media in Beijing for the promotion of Nike shoes, the 25-year old small forward said he is targeting the highest individual award in the league.
"After being drafted into the NBA, I was playing from the bench and then tried to be a starter, then an All-Star. My goal now is set to be MVP. This year, that hasn't changed," George told fans at a Beijing Nike store, as translated by Indy Star.
Paul George's return is badly needed by Indiana Pacers right now as two of their veteran players have already left for other teams. Starting Center Roy Hibber is now with the Los Angeles Lakers while veteran David West turned down Indy's $12 million offer and joined San Antonio Spurs for only $1.5 million. George knows what is left in the squad and he promises to be the leader the team needs.
"As a team leader, you must learn to give more effort than others, the first to arrive every day to the arena, the last one to leave every day," he said.
Will it be an easy path for Paul George to get into the MVP discussions. Probably not because while he can put up the numbers, his team needs to win and it seems they did not get any stronger after last year's failure.
Also, he will have to double his work now as according to Indiana Pacers General Manager Larry Bird, George will spend most of the time at the power forward position, meaning he will have to guard bigger guys.
Who is excited for Paul George return?
