Paul George likened his transition from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Philadelphia 76ers to Will Smith’s move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, a key moment in the actor’s career. George, who spent the last five years with the Clippers, is looking forward to his new chapter with the 76ers.
“I love the city, it’s been great since day one to be here,” George said. “I think I can make the transition. If Will Smith can go to Beverly Hills, I think I can come to Philadelphia.
My family loves it here so far. It’s an adjustment for sure, I’m not gonna lie about that, but it’s one I was ready for.”
George acknowledged the passionate 76ers fans, known for their intense support and criticism.
“Yeah, even when they have their moments, I’m ready for that as well,” George remarked. “Just because I know where that comes from, it’s a passion thing. You want that pressure where the team wants you to play well and be ready to win.”
George has enjoyed his time in Philadelphia so far, sharing more about his experience during his introductory press conference.
“It’s been nice, it’s been a warm welcome since I’ve been here. From free dinners to good cheesesteaks… everywhere we’ve been so far, it’s been a lot of love. You can tell the city is ready and thirsty to win. I’m ready to get to work, put the hard hat on, and go out and try to compete for a championship.”
George joined the 76ers on a four-year, $212 million max contract, leaving the Clippers as a free agent after averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season.
While George remains one of the premier two-way forwards in the NBA, he acknowledges he can’t single-handedly elevate teams to the Conference Finals and beyond.
However, with co-stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, George feels more confident than he did alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden on the Clippers last season.
George Believes 76ers are Title Contenders.
Paul George has expressed his confidence in the 76ers’ chances of winning a title next season. He made it clear that his goal is to win a championship alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
“I thought everything aligned perfectly. Where they’re at and trying to go vs where I’m trying to get to as well. I think we got a real legitimate shot (of winning a title).” George also shared his admiration for Maxey and his relationship with Embiid, built over several All-Star games.
“I’ve always been a fan of Tyrese (Maxey) and Joel from afar, and Joel has secretly been one of my closest All-Star Game friends. It kinda felt inevitable that we would link up and be teammates. I’m all in… No better place to do it, to win in, than Philadelphia to me. With the fan base, just the passion that goes into sports here in Philadelphia, there’s really no other place I wanted to align with and win in.”
With the 76ers and the Knicks as major challengers, the reigning champion Celtics will face stiff competition next season. The 76ers, who haven’t won a title since 1985 or reached the Finals since 2001, are aiming to make a significant breakthrough in the upcoming season.
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