After capturing his first Olympic gold medal this summer, Paul GeorgeĀ has now set his sights on another goal: an NBA Finals appearance. Of course, George knows that in order to make that happen, he will most likely need to get past LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons. And PG wants to make sure the Cavs (but more importantly LeBron) know that he's ready.Ā
"This is supposed to be the best dude in the NBA. Iām trying to challenge him," George told Michael Lee of The Vertical. "I know what Iām up against.ā Now itās, āIām ready. Iām ready for you. Iām a veteran. I know you, you know me. Letās meet here, letās get this job done.ā Iām prepared. Iāve had time to figure this out. Iāve had time to lick my wounds. Iām ready.ā
George credits his horrific leg injuryĀ during a Team USA scrimmage two years ago for giving him a new perspective on the game of basketball. "Basketball was a job and coming back from it and getting a second chance, itās like, Iām doing this because I love it. Itās a real passion behind it. So when Iām on the court, good or bad, Iām not supposed to be out there," George told The Vertical. "So after that incident, Iām not supposed to be doing this. Iām not supposed to be doing that, so I do have that glow in a way. Itās a good energy, a good vibe that I can actually do what I love again.ā Whether you want to call it a "glow," or justĀ exuding confidence, PG is clearly ready for the 2016-17 NBA season to get underway. The Cavaliers better be ready, too. Ā Ā
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