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When a person makes millions of dollars for playing a street-yard game professionally, you would think they’re having the time of their life. Not in this case for Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George.
George says he has been lacking having fun so far in the 2016-17 NBA season. The 26-year-old superstar has publicly criticized the refs recently, which led to the league handing him a hefty fine worth $15,000.
Moreover, the Pacers are tenth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 16 wins and 18 losses. With new additions to their lineup this past offseason, fans were hoping to be a top-five team in the East. It hasn’t worked out that way, as you can see.
“I’ve been getting caught up with officials, getting caught up with on-court stuff,” George said after practice on Wednesday. “[I’ve lost] sight of how fun this game is to me… now whatever happens on the court, I couldn’t care less, as long as I’m having fun and enjoying what I’m doing.”
“This season hasn’t been [fun]. It’s been one of the most frustrating seasons I’ve been a part of,” George admits. But I just have to approach it as being myself, to enjoy the process, enjoy the grind. That’s only going to show on the court. But more so, it’s going to show in the locker room.”
Yet, Paul George—who is considered a topnotch player in the NBA, is keen on how to deal with not receiving “superstar calls.”
”I know being mad, being frustrated is not going to change a call or change their minds,” George said. “It’s going to be tough, but I have to move on. Everybody gets frustrated. I’m human… but I’m learning to not let that hang. I can’t allow them to affect my mood or affect how I change the game.”
Paul George is averaging 21.8 points, 6.7 rebounds along with 3.4 assists per game on the season for the inconsistent Indiana Pacers. He is projected to make the Eastern Conference All-Star team in February.
