Paul George on Pacers: "This Team Is Still Competitive"

In the video below, Paul George urges fans not to overlook the Pacers with George sidelined, insisting that Indiana will field a strong competitive team during the 2014-15 season. He also weighs in specifically on the offseason addition of Rodney Stuckey.

See below for video of George's comments and transcript of selected quotes on the topic.

Q. What's left for this team? Fans want to know how good this team can be now.
A. This team is still competitive. I don't want the fans to lose hope, lose sight of what coach Vogel built, Larry (Bird) put together, what KP (Kevin Pritchard) put together, Herb (Simon) put together. This team is going to be a team that goes out there and competes. I look forward to them still having the same drive and the same commitment and being the team everybody loves in Indiana. I honestly, deep down believe this team can accomplish a lot this year with the additions we have and the new roles, guys working hard. I've seen Roy taking another step with his game working with Kareem, and George Hill's been here putting in a lot of work. David West comes back 20 pounds lighter, but he's always ready. I look forward to him taking control of this group, and coach Vogel as well, leading us to another conference championship.

Q. Does any part of you that maybe feels a little guilty for not being able to help your team this year?
A. A little bit. A little bit of me does. I take every summer (as being) very important when it comes to preparing for the season. This year was going to be a huge year for me. I had told myself that countless times, so not being out there to start the year off, I do feel guilty about that. Everybody is putting in so much work to get back to where we want to get to this season. For myself not to be part of that, it hurts. It hurts.