Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George was officially named the NBA’s Most Improved Player for the 2012-13 season Tuesday during a press conference in the entry pavilion at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
George, dressed in an all-black suit, was greeted by a nice ovation by the members of the organization who attended the press conference.
“I really couldn’t accept this award without giving thanks to the whole organization,” George said. “I really put the work into it, the time into it.”
George, an All-Star this season, averaged 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists, all career-highs. Last season, George averaged 12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
“Paul has been one of our most diligent workers,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. “He’s had a terrific season. What impresses me most about Paul George is his commitment to play winning basketball, to play team basketball.”
George received 311 of a possible 1,080 points, including 52 first-place votes, from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada.
Greivis Vasquez of the New Orleans (146 points, 13 first-place votes) and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Larry Sanders (141 points, 10 first-place votes) finished second and third, respectively. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third place vote received.
George joins Jalen Rose (2000), Jermaine O’Neal (2002) and Danny Granger (2009) as Pacers to win the award.
He become only the second Pacer to record a triple-double in a playoff game when he had 23 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds in their Game 1 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.
Game 2 is TONIGHT at 7:30 p.m. at the fieldhouse.
Source: USA Today
