Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George , who grew 2 inches to 6-10 during the offseason, is putting in the time to make sure his skills progress. One tactic the 21-year-old has adopted is to routinely be one of the first players on the practice court and one of the last ones off it.

Catch and shoot. Pump fake, one dribble, pull up. Launch 3-pointers from the five key spots on the perimeter. Over and over again.

"It's the extra time you put on the court that pays off down the road," said George, who also has added 10 pounds of muscle to his lanky 224-pound frame. "I'm ready to take the next step."