May 22, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) and guard Paul George (24) reacts during a time-out in the first quarter against the Miami Heat during game 5 of the 2012 NBA eastern conference semi-finals at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESS WIRE
Despite Roy Hibbert’s huge playoff performance and Danny Granger’s return (from injury), Paul George makes it clear that he’s ready to take the next step in his progression. That just happens to be becoming the Pacers “go-to guy”.
"“This whole summer, I really trained being the go-to guy and the lead guy for our team. Last year, we still had Danny and did not know the results (of Granger’s injury) coming into the year. I had a role that I had kind of prepared for and trained for. This year, it was more about training to be the No. 1 guy and lead this team.”[Indianapolis Star]"
But what does, possibly, the best big man in basketball think about that? He went on Twitter to answer that question (also includes Paul George’s tweet back).
@Paul_George24 wants to take the lead. I'm cool with that. We both been working. He knows I got his back. I'm gonna hold this defense down.
— Roy Hibbert (@Roy_Meets_World) August 26, 2013
It sounds like Hibbert is on board with George taking the “lead” role with the Pacers, but does that mean Granger’s days as a Pacer are numbered?
It sure looks like it.