In today’s NBA news, the Pacers will look to sign all-star Paul George to an extension, Russell Westbrook may not be his superstar self to begin the year, and Deron Williams should be good to go for opening night.
George about to get paid
The Indianapolis Star is reporting that the Pacers will attempt to sign up-and-coming superstar Paul George to a contract extension before the start of the season.
George, 23, will be a restricted free-agent after this year, meaning the Pacers have a right to match any offer he may receive from another team. The sharp-shooter is coming off his best season as pro after averaging 17 points per contest to go along with over seven rebounds and four assists. He has helped turn Indiana into legit contenders in the Eastern 
Conference.
When asked about staying in Indy, George had this to say:
“(A long-term contract) is going to get done, There will be a deal signed and sealed on the table before the season. We’re on the same page.”
There have been rumblings that the Lakers will look to sign George next summer when he becomes available. Paul happens to be a So-Cal native and he currently still lives there during the offseason.
Larry Bird also chimed in on the extension talks. When asked about the possible long-term deal he had this to say:
“We are working on it now. We’ve got a way set up where we definitely think we can get something done, but it’s going to have to work for both parties.”
Does that mean max money? Hard to tell from Bird’s assessment.
The Pacers are expected to compete with Miami for the top spot in the East this season. To read more about their title aspirations click here.
Westbrook’s knee still giving him fits
According to the Oklahoman Russel Westbrook will probably not be 100% healthy to start the year.
Westbrook had surgery back in April to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. He has been rehabbing all summer and hopes to be ready to play come opening night.
This is not something we’re all accustomed to when it comes to Westbrook, who had has not missed a single game since joining the league in 2008 until last season’s playoff series against Houston. When healthy, Westbrook is one of the most exciting young players in basketball. His crazy athleticism for a point guard makes him one of the most unique players in the league.
Westbrook is a vital part of the Thunder offense, he and Kevin Durant will have to account for the majority of the scoring this season after veteran sharp-shooter Kevin Martin signed with Minnesota in the offseason.
Check out our take on the Thunder for this season.
D-Will says ankle problems won’t be an issue
According to a tweet from Nets’ beat writer Tim Bontemps, veteran point guard Deron Williams should be ready to go when training camp opens up in a few weeks.
Ankle problems are no stranger to D-Will, as he has struggled with them for much of his career. But due to his advanced age, this is not something you want to hear if you are a Net fan.
Williams is set to quarterback a much improved Nets’ offense this season, led by newly acquired All-Stars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. When healthy, there is no debating that Deron is a top flight PG in the NBA. He has career averages of close to 18 points and nine assists per night.
His new look Nets should be a top four seed in the Eastern Conference this year. Here is our Nets preview.