Paul George has opened up about his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, revealing insights into his discussions with team legend Julius Erving and excitement about new teammates Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
During his “Podcast P with Paul George” Presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment episode, George shared Dr. J’s encouraging words, which played a pivotal role in his decision.
“Dr. J had a dope intro and story,” George recounted. “He brought up how he joined the team, they ended up getting to the championship and lost one. Got to the championship again, lost. Got to the championship again, lost. He’s like ‘We just can’t get over the hump. Then they go ahead and trade for Moses Malone and win it. And he was like ‘That was the missing piece. P, you the missing piece. So I was like man, where do I sign!’”
Reflecting on his conversations with Embiid and Maxey, George expressed optimism about their potential on the court.
“Yeah, I mean I think it was just a great collective conversation between the three of us,” George said. “Tyrese man, one of the most mature kids in the league. He was just like, ‘man, I learned so much when Big Fella went down. It was a ton of pressure on me. I was able to see different defenses, kind of learned, grow.’
“I’m like, man, yeah, whatever I can help with in getting you even better, that’s what I’m here for. He’s a star. We all know he is a star. He’s got number one option capabilities and you need fresh legs, that liveliness that he has.
“Joel, simple. I’m going to space the floor for you. I’m going to do this, that, there’s so many ways we can play off one another. Like I said, I’ve never played with someone so big and dominant like that. Just he’s the best or one of the best centers in the league, bro. That’s a beast, Baby Shaq. Again, it’s a dream come true, like having a star point guard and a star big, that’s a crazy dynamic right there.”
Discussing the Sixers’ readiness to compete for a championship, George praised coach Nick Nurse and the team’s composition.
“Yeah, I mean I think Nick Nurse is as good as it gets with coaching,” George noted. “I already talked about how good Joel is and Tyrese is, and now you mix in myself, Kelly Oubre Jr., I think we have a hell of a starting five…ultimately winning a championship means the most and the only thing I’m trying to do at this point in my career.”
George emphasized the importance of playing the right way and finding a basketball style that fits his game.
“I know people take things out of context, like duh, I want to win a championship, but playing the right way means a lot as well,” George clarified. “That’s what I meant by that…ultimately winning a championship means the most and the only thing I’m trying to do at this point in my career.”
