Indiana Pacers: Paul George Looks Spry In His Return

The Indiana Pacers were once the NBA’s small-market darlings headlined by Paul George and company. It all began when the team took George in the 2010 NBA Draft. The team was able to acquire a cornerstone that would develop into one of the league’s most dynamic wing players.

Indiana would surely benefit from George’s meteoric rise as a star, competing in back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014. George also made multiple all-star teams. All-NBA, and even earned a spot on the United States National Team. Unfortunately, his time with the U.S. national team would lead to one of the franchise’s biggest turning points.

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The last two seasons have not been as wondrous for the Pacers. An exhibition game saw a horrific leg injury for George, which prompted a number of moves for the team. Team president Larry Bird watched as Lance Stephenson walked out of the door to the Charlotte Hornets.

More injuries piled up for the franchise, losing leaders George Hill and David West for long stretches of the year. Amid all of the madness, their defensive stalwart, Roy Hibbert, seemed to have lost all confidence in his game. The events lead to the team narrowly missing the playoffs at 38-44 while settling into the 11th spot in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Fast forward to today and the team has added names like Monta Ellis, Myles Turner, and Chase Budinger while losing veterans Hibbert and David West. The team is taking on a new identity where they will play faster in the current NBA’s style. Paul George will now hold down the power forward spot, a decision that he’s yet to buy completely into.

George spoke to USA Today Sports’ Sam Amick regarding his move from small forward:

"“Um, you know it’s, uh, I was open for – to try it out,” George said via phone while promoting his place on the cover of the NBA 2K16 mobile app. “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.”"

On Saturday night, George definitely looked the part of buying in, and he showed flashes of the old PG we know. Matched up with New Orleans Hornets’ All-Star Anthony Davis, George finished the game with 18 points on nearly 50 percent shooting. The biggest surprise was how much more George seems to believe in his body again.

In last season’s return, you could see the tentativeness resulting from his injury, but George showed grace and athleticism for most of his night.

George had an impressive dribble and drive into the teeth of the Hornets’ defense for one of his signature slams. Those moves were very encouraging for coach Frank Vogel to see.

Not only did he do it on the inside, but George nailed three baskets from long range on the night.

While everything is still a work in progress with new teammates and a new offensive philosophy, the one thing the team has is their star back. If George comes anywhere close to his All-NBA form, then Indy has the opportunity to get back to their winning ways. Aside from the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Eastern Conference is lacking in solidified contenders.

The Pacers’ transition and resurrection couldn’t come at a better time, right alongside George’s return.

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