After capturing his first Olympic gold medal this summer, Paul George has now set his sights on another goal: an NBA Finals appearance. Of course, George knows that in order to make that happen, he will most likely need to get past LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons. And PG wants to make sure the Cavs (but more importantly LeBron) know that he's ready.
"This is supposed to be the best dude in the NBA. I’m trying to challenge him," George told Michael Lee of The Vertical. "I know what I’m up against.’ Now it’s, ‘I’m ready. I’m ready for you. I’m a veteran. I know you, you know me. Let’s meet here, let’s get this job done.’ I’m prepared. I’ve had time to figure this out. I’ve had time to lick my wounds. I’m ready.”
George credits his horrific leg injury during a Team USA scrimmage two years ago for giving him a new perspective on the game of basketball. "Basketball was a job and coming back from it and getting a second chance, it’s like, I’m doing this because I love it. It’s a real passion behind it. So when I’m on the court, good or bad, I’m not supposed to be out there," George told The Vertical. "So after that incident, I’m not supposed to be doing this. I’m not supposed to be doing that, so I do have that glow in a way. It’s a good energy, a good vibe that I can actually do what I love again.” Whether you want to call it a "glow," or just exuding confidence, PG is clearly ready for the 2016-17 NBA season to get underway. The Cavaliers better be ready, too.
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