"Free dinners, good cheesesteaks": Paul George describes the love he received after arriving in Philadelphia
Newly minted Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George had some love coming his way from the city of Philly in the form of free dinners and good cheesesteaks. The nine-time NBA All-Star had his first introductory press conference as a Sixer on Tuesday night and fielded questions from the media, one of which asked him to describe what it was after arriving in Philadelphia.
The F/G had a smile when he responded with how the city's fans were warm and receptive, adding he was ready to go to work and compete for a title:
"It's been a warm welcoming since I've been here from free dinners, good cheesesteaks… I think everywhere we've been so far, it's been a lot of love, you can tell the city is ready and thirsty to win. I'm ready to get to work, put the hard hat on and go out and try to compete for a championship."
Earlier, George explained on his podcast, "Podcast P with Paul George" that the 76ers were his "No. 1 option" if he decided to call time on his stint with the LA Clippers. He comes off a solid season for the Clippers averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 74 games.
Now, he will link up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey hoping that a return to the East will bolster his and the franchise's chances of winning a championship. Philly is yet to lift the Larry O'Brien in 1983, and George is yet to win his first ring in the NBA.
"It felt right: Paul George believed 76ers were the right fit after striking up a friendship with Joel Embiid
In the same press conference, Paul George shed light on his relationship with Joel Embiid and revealed how the big was instrumental in his approach towards George. Per The Gazette, Embiid said:
“He said, ‘Man, regardless of what goes on, I look at you as someone that I want to be friends with for a long part of my life.' And that was deep to me. We knew each other, but we didn’t know each other on that level yet. And for him to just open up to me, it felt right."
It has been a busy offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers as they started by signing Paul George in free agency. They added more teeth to their roster in forward Caleb Martin, veteran center Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson who is set to ink a deal once he clears waivers after being released by the Charlotte Hornets. The Sixers also also re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr., KJ Martin and veteran point guard Kyle Lowry.