Since being traded by the Indiana Pacers to the Oklahoma City Thunder just prior to the start of free agency, All-Star forward Paul George has voiced nothing but admiration toward his former team.

This level of respect for the city was once again conveyed by George in a recent interview with Kristian Winfield of SB Nation.

“I grew up there, I became a man there, a lot of obstacles I’ve overcame there, and they had my back,” George said. “I love Indiana. It’s a new chapter, a new start. I made a move that was best for myself and that was best for my family, and I’m happy for that move.

George had developed a strong connection with Indiana having spent his first seven years of his career with the organization. During that time, he developed into one of the premier players in the league where he earned four All-Star Game nods, three All-NBA Third Team selections, Three All-Defensive Team nods, and the NBA Most Improved Player award.
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This saw him become the face of the franchise over the last few years while leading the organization to two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, which includes falling just one game short of earning an NBA Finals appearance.
Ultimately, it just came down to the Pacers not providing George with enough talent around him to help take the team back those similar heights as a powerhouse in the league. This has led him to want to move elsewhere to win despite his connection with the city that he may now have with the Oklahoma City Thunder alongside reigning league MVP Russell Westbrook.