Takeaways from the Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers Introductory Press Conference

After years of failed experiments in building a long-term, consistent roster around Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers finally managed to take a step in the right direction with the progression of Tyrese Maxey and newly acquired veteran Paul George.

Paul George signed with the 76ers on a four-year, $212 million contract on July 1st. Today, he addressed the media in Philadelphia for the first time in a press conference that included Geno’s Steaks, Lil Dicky, and an announcement that Tyrese Maxey would be a guest on the “Podcast P” show.

In addition to the typical “pandering to Philadelphia” quotes, George touched on Joel Embiid, coming to Philadelphia, and where he fits on the 76ers roster. Here are some quotes that will have you ready to believe in the Philadelphia 76ers NBA Finals hopes next season.

Paul George’s newly formed friendship with Joel Embiid

George commented on his friendship with Joel Embiid saying it was “inevitable” that the two would team up and referenced that they became good friends after spending a lot of time together during NBA All-Star weekend.

Embiid, known for keeping a small circle, recognized that he and George had similar personalities, which eventually turned into the both of them linking up during All-Star festivities.

George stated that after Embiid opened up to him, he knew the two would be friends with moving forward and their connection was on a deeper level than most, which opened a conversation on how they could play together before George ultimately signed in Philly.

“Joel has secretly been one of my closest All-Star game friends. It kind of felt inevitable that at some points we would link up and be teammates. So, I’m all in. My family’s here, all in. I’m excited, looking forward to this next opportunity.”

“I kind of just got that read from him. I’m not much of a social guy in the All-Star setting. I kind of keep to myself. So, randomly, he came to me and we just started talking…Then, it got to a point where it was like ‘Man, I look forward to talking to Joel this All-Star weekend”

Paul George said it was “inevitable” that he would eventually team up with Joel Embiid, who has “secretly been one of my closest All-Star Game friends.”

He said he and his family are excited to come to Philly pic.twitter.com/PEnqpWAXbC

— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) July 23, 2024

Paul George on embracing Philadelphia

Paul George revealed that the 76ers were his number one choice, despite reports indicating that there was interest in re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, as well as potentially joining the Orlando Magic or Golden State Warriors.

"I’m looking forward to it… at the end of the day, it’s #BrotherlyLove right? "

Paul George on playing in front of Philly fans pic.twitter.com/x9VsZ5FmTB

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 23, 2024

“Definitely look forward to coming to Philly, my family’s looking forward to it. We felt that this was the best and next step in this phase of my career. I thought everythign just aligned perfectly where they’re at and where they’re trying to go and where I’m trying to get as well. I think we got a real, legitimate shot.”

Paul George on time with the Los Angeles Clippers:

“Amazing time there. No regret,” George said. “Super thankful to [team owner Steve Ballmer], to [president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank]. They went out and gave me an opportunity to play at home, which, at that point in time, was a ton of value for myself to be able to play in front of my family, my friends and have a legitimate shot to chase the championship every season…I think both sides, we had a great mutual talk as it all played out and I felt it was great closure on the situation.”

Paul George on his fit with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid:

Paul George was asked how he fits in with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and how everyone’s games can be enhanced. @KYWNewsradio #Sixers pic.twitter.com/Ul0otl2MSr

— Dave Uram (@MrUram) July 23, 2024

“Tyrese has the youth. He has the legs, the speed, the quickness, similar to when I played alongside (Russell Westbrook), just the opportunities he creates with his speed and his tempo to push the ball. I think I can space the floor for him and be a veteran to kind of help him from the defensive side, (and) offensively. I think we complement each other well. Same goes for Joel. I’ve been watching their games and I know it’s tough for him a lot of times to play one-on-one from the block, just because of the spacing and shooters around him. I’m looking forward to that, giving him a chance to play his game and be aggressive on the block and be able to make quick moves to go score because there is that space there. And just being a late-game performer, someone to take a lot of pressure off both of those guys, to close games out, to extend leads, to finish games. I’m just looking forward to being on the floor with those two because I know they’ll help me a ton.”

Paul George on his role with the Philadelphia 76ers:

“I don’t think much, honestly. I know what I’m out there to do. That’s ultimately put the ball in the basket and guard the best player on the other team. With that, at times during the course of the year it’s going to be a long season, but the three of us can carry a ton of that workload. I look forward to playing with such a presence in Joel. And I don’t think I’ve played with someone at that level, at that size, who dominates. Really looking forward to what that looks like on the floor. But I don’t think it changes much. I know what I’m here to do. Go out and do my job.”

Paul George on winning in Philadelphia

“That’s easy. Win. Just go win. There’s no ego with me. I think people took that out of context, when we speak about my time in LA. The second option conversation, I think people kind of took that out of context. I just wanna go win. It’s not about shots for me. It’s not about having the ball in my hands the whole game, it’s about winning. I wanna make winning plays. Over the course of a game I know when I need to be aggressive and when I need to raise the level. But for me it’s about winning. That’s all I care about, putting everything towards that. That’s really the conversation us three need to have. Whatever it takes, let’s go do it and get the job done, then we relay that to the team.”

Paul George on navigating the regular season, keeping Joel Embiid healthy:

“I think again, just taking the pressure off Joel. I think it’s fair to say, (looks at Nick Nurse), we don’t want to see him isolating at the top of the key. I think I can kind of help him get through a season healthy. It’s just not putting so much pressure on, regardless of how you feel. I think pressure causes a lot of injuries as well. When you think you have to get through and play and have a touch every possession, that kind of just wears you down. Especially for how physical he is. That’s just the key. Everybody do their part. Make sure we work on our bodies, conditioned, and we don’t put that pressure on one individual to go out and win games.”

Paul George on being the closer

My personal favorite from today’s press conference is Paul George talking about being the “closer” for the Philadelphia 76ers and helping take pressure off Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

This is something the 76ers desperately needed and really, haven’t had since Jimmy Butler left in 2019. Having George as an option with Nick Nurse drawing up plays should have every 76ers fan ready to run through a brick wall ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season.

Paul George says he wants to be a late-game performer for the Sixers to alleviate pressure from both Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey

(Via @LawMurrayTheNU ) pic.twitter.com/o9rnKGKMkY

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 23, 2024

Mandatory Credit: @TheRealMikeKB(X)