Paul George says goal is to win MVP, thinks Pacers are threat in East

The two-time Indiana Pacers NBA All-Star Paul George said he's aiming to win the MVP award this season, and he believes Indiana can be a "top-three" team in the Eastern Conference.

"I still understand I'm coming off the injury, but I'm trying to block all that out," he said at the team's media day Monday. "I'm trying to come into this year as if I played last year and had another amazing season. I have the same goal. I wasn't the MVP last year. I want to be the MVP this year. I still want to be efficient. I think we've got a real shot at being in the top three in the East," George said.

The switch means George also will change positions, going from small forward to more of a stretch power forward. On Monday, George explained his concerns about making the switch and why Indiana's offseason overhaul makes sense.

"I think it will be good for us. I think it give us a chance to again, change the East, gives us a chance to play faster, to play a funner, better brand of basketball. It's definitely tougher to guard, and I think we would have been in The Finals and had a shot at winning it all if it wasn't for this small ball idea." George added.