New 76ers star Paul George sneak disses Pacers in media day appearance

Paul George has developed a reputation as one of the NBA's best two-way forwards since entering the league in 2010. The 34-year-old has developed a great reputation in his 14-year career so far, making nine All-Star teams, six All-NBA Teams, four All-Defensive Teams, and earning the Most Improved Player award for the 2012-13 season.

George has made his mark at every stop he has had, and now that he is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after joining the team this summer, he should help them become legitimate title contenders, if they were not already. However, years before his stop in Philadelphia, George was an exciting star and one of the league's best players as a member of the Indiana Pacers.

With the Pacers, the Fresno State alum enjoyed a lot of success, leading the team to two consecutive conference finals appearances in 2013 and 2014. However, after seven years with the team, the Pacers traded George to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

How George handled his departure from Indiana left a sour taste in fans' mouths. And now, over seven years after the trade, George may have just thrown some more shade in the Pacers' direction.

Paul George says he's never played with an elite point guard and center at the same time before joining the 76ers

In his media day appearance for the 76ers, George spoke about playing alongside All-Star Tyrese Maxey and 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid. Both players are fantastic, and with all three of them together, they make up arguably the best trio in the NBA. However, the way George went about praising them may upset some Pacers fans (as well as Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers fans).

George said he never "played with an elite point guard and an elite big man" at the same time, alluding to new teammates Maxey and Embiid.

While the Pacers may not have had players on Maxey's and Embiid's level with George on the team, this is still a bit of a shocking statement. In Indiana, George played with defensive anchor Roy Hibbert (and a young Myles Turner) as well as some great point guards in George Hill, Darren Collison, and Jeff Teague.

Ultimately, for Pacers fans, this may not be what they want to hear from the 76ers star. He has been gone from the team for nearly a decade and is still dissing them, even if it is not directly. Regardless, the Pacers are in a great spot for next season and may have the chance to face George and his new squad during next year's playoffs.