"When Kawhi speaks, you listen": Paul George reveals former Clippers teammate's high rating of 76ers head coach Nick Nurse"
Paul George revealed how lavish Kawhi Leonard was, praising Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse. The LA Clippers forward played under Nurse during their time with the Toronto Raptors, and now with George set to play for the same coach in the Philadelphia 76ers, the F/G recalled how Leonard had rated Nurse highly.
Speaking during his introductory press conference as a Sixer, the 9x NBA All-Star fielded questions about his objectives, including playing under a new head coach.
"I see how hard this team plays and the respect that the players have for him goes a long way. I was a teammate of Kawhi's and Kawhi spoke highly of him. When Kawhi speaks, you listen. I've learned that. I have the utmost respect for Coach Nurse and looking forward to being coached."
Leonard and Nurse won a championship in 2019. He joined Philadelphia as their head coach in 2023. Paul George will now be the latest big name to play under the seasoned coach as he and Joel Embiid along with a depth-filled roster will look to win their maiden title.
Nick Nurse says initial conversations with Paul George have been enjoyable
At the same press conference, Nick Nurse spoke about Paul George's fit alongside Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. He added that his initial conversations with the veteran have been enjoyable. Nurse also said that most of his ideas with George in the fold "are going to pencil" with experimentations set to happen throughout the season.
“Paul slots right in the middle of that, for sure.”
George is coming off a good season with the Clippers. He averaged 22.6 points while shooting 41.3% on 7.9 3-point attempts, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 74 contests this past edition. Together with Embiid, he will be looked at as the focal point of the Sixers' offense. The two-way wing will also be counted upon for his pesky defense.
On his part, the 34-year-old made it clear that he aimed to compete for a championship with the 76ers. He believed he "knew what he had to do" and guard the best player on the other side. Paul George was one of the major trades to go down this summer, inking a four-year, $212 million max contract. He spent five seasons with the Clippers. Now, only time will tell if he can get his hands on his first-ever NBA title with the 76ers.