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Prediction: Paul George Will Win MVP Next Year

By Sai Mohan

Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) hangs on the rim after dunking against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) hangs on the rim after dunking against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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New head coach Nate McMillan will try to implement president Larry Bird’s vision. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
New head coach Nate McMillan will try to implement president Larry Bird’s vision. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Nate McMillan Following The Lead…

With Pacers president Larry Bird wanting to implement an up-tempo style of play, the promotion of assistant coach Nate McMillan to head coach was a perceived as a bizarre move.

After suffering an 89-84 loss to the Raptors in Game 7 of their playoff series and firing Frank Vogel, Bird told IndyStar’s Gregg Doyel his team had to learn how to score more.

"“It’s no secret (why Vogel was let go) — I want us to score more points. If you’d told me we’d score 84 points … You can’t go very far in the playoffs if you don’t score. When I tell people this, it’s not because I think I know it all — it’s because I experienced it as a player.”"

While McMillan has coached top-5 offenses in the league, he is an old-school coach who preaches defense before offense. However, IndyStar’s Candace Buckner has reported that McMillan is willing to coach the team in tune with Bird’s vision.

After taking over the job, McMillan revealed that the team would try to thrive off of defense and transition offense, the mantra that has held the Golden State Warriors in good stead.

"“We want to try to play up tempo and faster. We want to try and score more points and the focus will be defensively being better. Two years ago, we were a much better defensive team. I want to get back to us defending. Getting stops should be able to create opportunities to score more.”"

Paul George is twice the player when his team thrives on defense.

Next: Taking It To The Next Level

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