Paul George not thrilled about playing power forward

The NBA is going small, looking for floor spacing, and with their roster changes this past summer the Indiana Pacers are joining that trend. Which is why coach Frank Vogel is strongly considering Paul George as the Pacers’ starting power forward.

George doesn’t like that idea.

In two separate interviews, George clearly expressed displeasure at the idea. First, look what he told Candice Buckner of the Indy Star.

More Paul George: "I knew that they wanted me to play the four a bit. As far as starting out at it, we talked about it some…” (1 of 3)

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) September 24, 2015

“for him to say it in the papers, I guess, he’s pretty confident on it on me starting as the power forward. So that was new to me” (2 of 3)

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) September 24, 2015

PG: “It’s not what I came into the league as. I don’t think I’m at that point in my career where I should be changing positions.” (3 on 3)

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) September 24, 2015

PG: "I’m not going to knock it like it’s just totally a terrible decision. I see the positives in it.”

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) September 24, 2015

Here is what he told Sam Amick of the USA Today:

“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.”

I hope George does keep an open mind, because I think this could be good for him and the Pacers.

George is strong and physical enough to defend most of the fours in the East (it’s the West where the four is overloaded with talent), and on offense is ability to spread the floor with his shot will open things up for a Pacers offense that wants to play more up tempo.

Look at the top teams in the NBA — particularly the last two champions in San Antonio and Golden State — and what you see is versatility. They can go small, they can go larger, they can adjust to attack the weaknesses of their opponents (particularly in the playoffs). The Pacers can move that way, but it requires George being okay with playing some four.