Pacers, George working to find comfort zone for forward role
The Indiana Pacers and Paul George are still working out whether to put the word "small" or "power" in front of the player's "forward" job title.
Following a summer's worth of back-and-forth between George, Pacers coach Frank Vogel, and team president Larry Bird about how the two-time All-Star will be utilized in 2015-16, George - the part-time power forward - made his preseason debut on Saturday.
Related: Early takeaways from Paul George's position change
The 25-year-old spoke after the game - in which he recorded 18 points, five rebounds and two assists - stating, "I don't know if I'm cut out for a four-spot. I don't know if this is my position."
On Monday, George elaborated upon his stance regarding the recent position change, and added that he has discussed the transition with his superiors.
"Yeah, we talked about it," George said. "There was clarification on what we’re (doing) going forward. We're going to still stick with it, see how it works."
Vogel, for his part, seemed amenable to his star player's input.
"We're going to continue to evaluate and get his feedback and what he's comfortable with and what he's not comfortable with. We're not going to put him in a position where he's not comfortable with his role."
However, the Pacers' bench boss did reiterate his desire to nurture a flexible lineup with George as the requisite moving piece: "But we're going to play both small lineups and big lineups, and he understands that."
Although the Pacers boast a front court rotation which features several relatively mobile big men - Ian Mahinmi, Jordan Hill, Myles Turner, and Lavoy Allen - none of them are capable of being the dynamic, two-way threat that George has become.
The Fresno State alumnus has made the NBA All-Defensive first team (2014), second team (2013), and the All-NBA third team twice (2013, 2014), and has developed a reputation of being an elite perimeter defender.
While scoring down low may not be his biggest challenge, George has voiced his concern over giving up considerable size and strength when playing defense against bigger post players.
Nevertheless, Vogel remains confident that George appreciates the team's endgame, saying: "He knows the big picture, we’re all on the same page."
Hoosier state hoops fans need not panic just yet, as George seems intent on finding his place within his team's evolving schemes.
"I'm a part of this team," he said.