Paul George gives Will Smith analogy to describe his switch from Clippers to 76ers: "I can make the transition"
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George shared an analogy of Will Smith in his transition from Los Angeles to Philly. The Sixers secured George over the summer as he signed a four-year, $212 million maximum deal. The organization and the star player have a common goal: to compete for a championship.
After playing for the LA Clippers for five seasons, George decided it best to move on. It was tough leaving the team since he was playing for his hometown. However, he believes that joining the 2023 MVP Joel Embiid and rising All-Star Tyrese Maxey is his best bet in winning a title.
The switch from playing in the West to the East might not be the easiest for George. Fortunately, he's loving the reception from the fans ever since he arrived in Philly, making the transfer quite easier than usual. On Tuesday, he was asked about his thoughts on being in the city and the transition.
"I love the city, it's been great since day one," George said (via NBC Sports Philadelphia). "Being here, I think I can make the transition. If Will Smith can go to Beverly Hills, I think I can come to Philadelphia.
"I'm looking forward to it, my family loves it here so far. It's an adjustment for sure, I won't lie about that. But I think it's one I was ready for."
George also said he's ready for how the fans treat him. Philly fans are known to be expressive of their genuine thoughts on whatever's going on with the team.
Paul George said that teaming up with Embiid was "inevitable"
At the start of Paul George's career, he's been vocal about playing for his hometown of Los Angeles. He had the chance to play for the city for five years. Although he didn't achieve the success he was looking for, it was still special to have him play in the city where he grew up.
In his introductory press with the Sixers, George shared that playing with Embiid was bound to happen.
"I've always been a fan of Tyrese [Maxey] and Joel from afar. Joel has secretly been one of my closest All-Star Game friends, so it kind of felt inevitable we would link up and be teammates. I'm all in," George told reporters.
Now that Philly has another star, they've increased their chances of becoming a threat in the East.
In his five years with the Clippers, the nine-time All-Star has averaged 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Sixers fans are looking forward to George's star-quality production.