Paul George Discusses Team USA Experience So Far
By Jared Wade
Maybe it´s because Paul George is on the team, so I´m paying more attention. But it seems like the coverage of this summer´s activities is much heavier than any we have seen before.
It makes sense, what with all the avenues to distribute content in 2014.
And it is also great.
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For Paul George, this is about more than just new shoes — it is a major milestone in his career, and Pacers fans get to share his experience along the way. Especially interesting is how he says he is bonding with Coach K, Kevin Durant, and John Wall.
Some fans always wish their teams players would just take the summer off and not risk injury. I always say, injuries can happen no matter where they play ball — and most are going to play somewhere — so the downside is no match for the huge learning benefits players get from talking hoops with the best minds in the world.
Here are Paul George´s comments to the media after yesterday´s practice, via USA Basketball. (h/t Vigilant Sports, Indy Cornrows)
"On whether he’s grown closer to anybody since the start of training camp practice:“Yeah. I grew closer with a lot of these guy. A lot of these guys I consider brothers so it’s good to come out here, work hard and train together.”On if he’s gotten closer with anybody specific:“John (Wall). John is always my guy. It’s good to be here with DeMarcus (Cousin). I enjoy playing with Gordon (Hayward). It’s my first time being alongside KD (Kevin Durant). It’s gaining a little chemistry with all those guys.”On the similarities and differences between the USA Basketball coaches and other coaches he’s had during his career:“Monty (Williams) is straight to the point. He lets you know what’s going on. He gives you assignments. His mind for basketball is at an elite level as far as the coaches in this league. It varies. Each coach brings something that another coach doesn’t bring. Not to say that that coach doesn’t have it, but it’s just the way that he delivers that message. It’s great to get coaching from all these guys in here.”On his relationship with National Team Coach Mike Krzyeswski:“It’s growing. The more and more I’m around him, the more I get a better understanding of what he wants from me here. And it’s the same thing for him. He gets to learn what kind of player I am and what I can do on the floor for him. So the more we’re around, I think our chemistry will grow.”On what the coaches are stressing most to the players:“It’s defense and keeping that intensity. USA Basketball, we rely on our athleticism, our elite speed, our elite quickness to make plays and get out and play a fast-tempo.”On if he feels today’s practice went better than Monday’s:“I do. I think yesterday was kind of warming up to everybody and today we understand what we’re doing, we know our plays. So we got after it a little better and a little easier today.”"