OKC Thunder star Paul George hits center stage at 2019 NBA All-Star Game

With a growing spotlight on OKC Thunder star Paul George for MVP during the same questions kept popping up at 2019 NBA All-Star Game interviews.

In his sixth All-Star appearance, Paul George makes his first start as a member of the OKC Thunder.  You’ll recall he was DeMarcus Cousins injury replacement last season, so he arrives in Charlotte under very different circumstances.

While his teammate and running partner deals with questions of his angst toward certain opposition players and former teammates questions for George were primarily about three subjects. At the forefront of those is his MVP candidacy and where he ranks himself. The other oft repeated questions focused on PG’s developing relationship with Westbrook and how the OKC Thunder will perform to finish the season.

Sound Bites:

Paul George was kept extremely busy interviewing. In addition to his interview at the 2019 NBA All-Star Game media day, he also dropped by a House of Hoops pop-up, talked to various NBA TV staff and was on SiriusXM – NBA Radio.

Again, the focus was on the primary subjects noted but PG13 served up informative and interesting responses.

SiriusXM – NBA Radio:

One of the better responses (which isn’t surprising to Thunder Nation) is George is no different from the fanbase in terms of loving Russ’ compete level. PG cited that chip on Westbrook’s shoulder. George notes he’s often been labeled as not being an alpha and pegged as a secondary player.

He calls it fun to go into battle with a player who loves to take out the best opponents and has that mindset.

Team player:

As per Erik Horne, PG spoke about the team, their path and exalted on the support he and Russ have but noted they aren’t afraid to be challenged to carry the load.

Media Day Interview:

Here is one segment of his time at the podium where he says Nikola Jokic has the best nickname (Joker).

Clicking the link within the OKC Thunder tweet below takes you to a segment of PG’s media interview.

Interestingly, he says Alex Abrines is still in OKC although no longer with the team although everyone remains in touch with Alex. George also says he’s all about serving up a complete game effort for the fans with defense and not just dunks and the back and forth offense tonight. You can put a time frame on when PG’s interview took place because you hear him respond to Russ and Noah entering the venue.

He also teases he’ll keep the option open depending on how he is playing on whether he goes for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game MVP. (Again, I think Russ will do everything he can to help PG get that hardware).

House of Hoops Pop Up interview:

Following the official media session, Westbrook and George headed over to a pop-up House of Hoops venue and answered a series of  GOAT questions (not necessarily what would come top of mind here either).

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt9zsXGHctt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Just in case you have trouble loading the Instagram story here are the duo’s answers:

Who is your GOAT of …

Cereal:

PG: Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Russ: Honey Bunches of Oats

Rapper:

PG: Jay-Z

Russ: Lil’ Wayne

Video Games:

PG: 2K

Russ: Golden Eye – 007

PE Colorways:

PG: Why Not? 2 Super Soda

Russ: PG 3 Nasa

KD weighs in on PG – Russ:

It seems Kevin Durant can’t ever get away from answering questions about Westbrook, the OKC Thunder, and even Russ and PG’s relationship.

Courtside for Hami’s win:

PG joined Westbrook and Raymond Felton to cheer on their rookie Hamidou Diallo who stole the show Saturday courtesy of his Superman dunk.

The OKC Thunder group sure did enjoy Hami winning the slam dunk title and now it’s Russ and PG’s turn. James Harden stated yesterday he was on a minute restriction, so I’ll put it out there once again. Given PG is starting and with the growing spotlight on his play don’t be surprised if he guns for MVP (especially if Russ gets minutes on the floor with him).

Enjoy your day and the 2019 NBA All-Star Game this evening.