OKC Thunder introduce Paul George- ‘Magic, Special and Ready to win’
Paul George repeatedly used the words magic, special and ready to win in his introduction to the OKC Thunder fans and media
To say Oklahoma City has made an early positive impression on Paul George may be putting too fine a point on the super stars initial reactions to OKC.
Although OKC is the smallest market in the NBA they certainly don’t act like it. In what was one of the most contemporary, classy events you’ll ever witness the Thunder franchise welcomed George to his new team.
Keeping up with the Jones:
The first part of the event kicked off at the Jones Assembly, previously the Fred Jones Assembly Plant located at 901 W. Sheridan Ave. Fans filled the two floor building awaiting the arrival of Paul George.
The Jones Assembly is located adjacent to hotel 21C where the media portion of the event took place. Both the interior and exterior were teeming with local Oklahomans anxious to meet their new star and make him feel welcomed to his new community and team.
MC Lance Fresh welcomed Paul George to the stage. George looked dapper dressed in a sharp grey suit and displayed his fashion game with a killer pair of socks.
As George took to the stage fans cheered loudly. Seated beside Fresh, George was asked a series of questions regarding his initial impression of Oklahoma City.
Perhaps it was just a great coincidence the building is called the Jones Assembly. Yet, the notion of “keeping up with the Warriors Jones” kept running through my mind.
MC Lance Fresh – Paul George Q and A portion of event:
Initial reactions:
George was told a few fans may be waiting at Will Rogers Airport. But he and his family were shocked by the crowd of 500 awaiting them. He was touched by the people who waited out the blazing heat and welcomed him. George said he had never experienced something of this nature and immediately felt the love from Oklahoma City.
George went on to say the welcome at the airport and at this assembly only emphasizes the energy he knows the crowd will bring all season.
Playing with Russ:
A common theme in PG’s responses were how he feels the two stars will help each other. George said it feels strange to say he can make the game easier for triple-double MVP Russell Westbrook, but he feels that is precisely the case. Ultimately, he is looking forward to playing with Russ and being a big counterpart to him.
On the man who brought him to OKC:
Thanked Sam Presti and asked the crowd to salute him. He’s spent the past two days with Presti saying the red carpet had been rolled out for him and his family.
His work ethic:
Fresh pointed to his continual improvement and George responded that he never gets complacent. He’s cognizant of the players coming into the league pushing behind them and his peers. Works every summer to improve and this season is no different.
Fashion and sneakers:
Fresh reminds PG of all the fashion plates who play for OKC. To this, the All-Star joked Russ has competition and there is a new ‘Fashion King’ in town. In terms of his Nike brand, George says he plans to have some cool Colorways creations for the fans this year.
Favorite past time:
It’s no secret George enjoys fishing. A local twitter fan asked if he brought his fishing gear with him. PG said he was like little kid on the flight in pointing out ponds and lakes he wants to seek out.
First Impressions by Donovan
In a brief interview with OKC’s coach he mirrored what is being said by George, Presti and virtually every analyst. Donovan calls George a terrific 2-way player. Having the ability to put both George and Roberson on the court is a major benefit. Both are used to guarding the other teams best player.
Moreover, the obvious is George’s offensive skill set which opens the floor for Westbrook and removes the potential for double teams. Donovan notes changes from the super young squad last season to this season featuring the addition of vets George, Patterson and Felton. He further notes the new squad need time to assimilate to each other and build chemistry
Media Portion:
His initial response to OKC:
George says the past 24 hours were awesome and he’s been wowed from the moment he landed. The small forward says Oklahomans made him feel like he himself was home. PG felt an instant connection of love the minute those 500 fans greeted him.
George visited the National Monument and although he said he was hesitant to say it, he already felt like an Oklahoman. Noting Thunder fans are known for their energy and support and he’s happy to be on the good side of that OKC fence now.
Thoughts on this Thunder Team:
Another common refrain is how special this team can be defensively. George specifically has repeatedly this and cited Roberson and Adams. He expects to fit in with the fast pace/tempo, high energy and stellar defense of the squad.
Surprised to land in OKC:
George was aware there were four or five teams who were interested in adding him leading up to the draft. Presumably those squads included the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and both LA teams. Finding out the OKC Thunder was his new team surprised him, but pleasantly so.
Russ is in OKC:
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
The two stars spoke immediately after the trade and PG confirmed Westbrook is in Oklahoma as the two spent time together since he arrived. Both stars are excited to play alongside one another and recognize the benefits that come from the pairing. Paul said their talk Tuesday was less game focused and more about the two getting to know each other and create a vibe on a personal level while they build their friendship.
George noted back in his first season he attended one of Westbrook’s ‘Why Not’ events and their common LA bond.
What it will take for him to stay:
Of course the big question of the day focused on what Paul George will do next summer. Let’s be fair, he’s been in Oklahoma City less than two days, so to expect him to say he’s staying or leaning that way would be untrue. George states his focus is on this season, winning and building something special. Like everyone in the world, he knows the Warriors are the prohibitive favorites.
At the end of the day, all he wants is a chance – to win, to compete. The small forward says he and Russ may find they love being together and he may end up loving it In OKC.
Ultimately, he’ll likely base his final decision on how well this new iteration of the Thunder gel, their win total, how they perform in the playoffs and whether he wants to continue building that. For him to say he’ll keep the door open is about the most OKC Thunder fans could hope for.
Did KD discuss Russ situation with him?
Asked if KD talked to him about Russ and their relationship PG tired to avoid that subject. Instead George chose to refer to players having family-like relationships. George says he thinks KD and Russ had a brotherly relationship and that all families fights, but he felt it wasn’t that big of a deal.
Early Work:
The newest member of the Thunder says Billy Donovan already asked him what he likes in terms of offensive sets. George further noted Donovan wants to makes the transition as easy as possible for him.
Final Takeaway:
George says he has gotten better every season and tries to do that yearly. Many of the questions were of a similar nature which can be expected given the early new nature of the relationship. Of all the things Paul George said he repeatedly cites the fact he’s ready to win and compete for a championship.
George said he’s never, ever had the chance to play with someone of Westbrook’s talent – thinks they could be magic. and furthermore hopes to make magic happen.
At the end of the day, media and OKC Thunder fans left the event with six words humming in their heads.
Certainly, Paul George wasn’t definitive about his 2018 summer plans. But, perhaps George inadvertently created this year’s team mantra: ‘Magic, Special and Ready to WIN.’