8p9s Roundtable: The Paul George at Power Forward Experiment

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Sep 28, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; (left ro right) Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11), forward Paul George (13), and guard George Hill (3) pose for a photo with coach Frank Vogel during media day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Do you think Frank Vogel is committed to small ball?

Ochoa: If Paul isn’t committed to small ball, neither is Vogel. I don’t know where Larry Bird comes into play with this equation, but the Pacers will absolutely NOT go 82 games continuously pissing Paul George off. This should, and will be, addressed before the regular season. Whatever solution they come up with will have to please our franchise player. At the end of the day, PG is the heart and soul of the Indiana Pacers organization. He’s the type of player any franchise would bend over backwards for — Pacers included.

Donahue: Frank Vogel is committed to going smaller. He’s farther down that road than George, but he hasn’t caught up to Bird. Arguably, he has the most pragmatic, sensible position, but it is also the most problematic. Instead of seeming measured, it comes across as mixed signals – allowing Bird and PG each to interpret his comments as encouragement for their positions on the poles.

Medworth: I think Vogel is committed to doing what his boss says, like most of us. Smashsmouth basketball is what Vogel does best. No one can deny he knows how to coach a top-tier defense. I think he’s giving this a shot just like every employee does when the boss gives them an assignment.

Will Furr: I’m not sure Vogel was ever committed to the big, lumbering team the Pacers had before; Vogel is committed to winning and being positive. It will be a lot of work for him, and he’ll have to draw some new things up, but I think Vogel will actually love small ball, and will drive the Pacers to give it a 100% effort.

Jon Washburn: I don’t think he is at this moment, but Bird has probably forced his hand. Vogel has adjusted “on the fly” during his career more than you might think. Transitioning away from Danny Granger was difficult, but ultimately crucial in Indiana’s success. I think Vogel is too smart and loves winning too much to really object to small ball for long.

Next: Will PG start at the 4 on opening night?

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