Paul George has lofty goals for both himself and the Indiana Pacers this season.
The two-time NBA All-Star said he's aiming to win the MVP award this season, and he believes Indiana can be a "top-3" 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, according to the Indianapolis Star. "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."
The Pacers plan to use a smaller lineup this season with the goal of playing faster. George said he likes the new style and thinks fans will embrace it, too -- especially if the Pacers can regain their status as a title contender.
"I think we've got a real shot at being in the top three in the East," George said. "I think looking at the big picture, Atlanta was a great team to look at it, they had the first seed. They had great players, but I don't think they had the players we have. We're going to play the style we're going to play, and the sky's the limit for this team."
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," George said. "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."
Former teammate David West doesn't see the move taking place, at least not on a full-time basis.
"Nah, he ain't gonna play power forward," West, now with the San Antonio Spurs, said, laughing.
"He's very versatile. But I don't think that's a part of his makeup. He's a wing. He's a playmaker, a creator. He'll probably do it in spots. But something that he's going to consistently play? I don't think so," West said.
George's biggest concern is health, especially after missing 76 games last season because of a broken right leg.
"It's matching up with guys that you don't usually match up against," George said. "That was really the only concern and for how long the body will tolerate banging and playing against these guys."
ESPN.com's Michael C. Wright and The Associated Press contributed to this report.