Not too long ago the Pacers were the main threat in the Eastern Conference to LeBron James' Miami Heat, and Paul George was leading the way. But the roster that found success a few years ago is no more, and the team is on the fringe of the playoff picture instead of at the forefront. That kind of fall from grace can get to you, and George admitted Thursday it has.
"[This season] hasn't been [fun]. We're trying to work through it," George told reporters. "It's been one of the most frustrating seasons I've been a part of."
The frustrations stem from the fact there's nothing impressive about this Pacers unit. At 15-18, the team is currently outside of the playoff picture, which isn't something George is used to. He's become accustomed to playing for a contender, and now has to come to the realization that this is a brand new team he's playing on.
"Maybe I'm just living in the past of how good we used to be, the personnel, the guys I had around," George said. "I'm still living in that moment, maybe. I gotta put myself into a different team and maybe I have to do more, maybe that's just what it is, maybe I have to do more now. But whatever is, I'm going to figure it out."
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Indiana is riding a four-game losing streak and will need to turn things around quickly if it wants to be back in the postseason discussion. Success for the Pacers starts with George, and success for George involves him having fun on the court.
"I just have to continue to enjoy playing this game. I've been caught up with officials, getting caught up with on-court stuff. And losing sight of how fun this game is to me," George said. "As long as I'm approaching each game to enjoy it ... whatever happens on the court, I couldn't care less. As long as I'm having fun and enjoying what I'm doing."
As for George's future, trade rumors have begun, although none of have been substantial. According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, "Larry Bird isn't returning calls on Paul George with a friendly new CBA on the way, according to teams who have inquired."
