Herb Simon had a rare one-on-one interview to discuss the state of the Indianapolis Pacers ahead of the start of the playoffs.

Simon was asked about his thoughts on Paul George's play this season and his future with the franchise.

"This guy has taken over the team and pulled us up," said Simons. "I think very highly of him. I think he was incredibly personable at our breakfast in New Orleans during the All-Star weekend. He was very open. He wants to be a champion. He wants a winning team and it’s our job to get him one. He’s got that desire to be a special player, which he is, and to have a special team. We’re all on the same wavelength. It’s just a matter of we both have to produce. He has to produce and we have to give him the players to produce with."

George was the subject of trade talks at the deadline.

"Basically, we were offered a lot of things. We didn’t even think of taking any of them. (President) Larry (Bird) will give you a better feel for it, but the answer is you can’t stop people from making offers. But it wasn’t any question of accepting any of them."

Simon believes the Pacers can win a title with George.