The Oklahoma City Thunder held a welcoming party for new forward Paul George at The Jones Assembly building in downtown OKC. The event was something new for the Thunder as they’ve never really held a welcoming party for any player. Thunder GM Sam Presti said as much in his press conference. But he also said the Thunder have always been an organization that is willing to try new things. These are different times and the Thunder are really in a new position. No longer are they trying to just keep homegrown talent. For the first time, they are trying to woo someone. And that year-long courtship has gotten off to a promising start.

Here are some of the highlights from tonight’s party and presser.

He kept mentioning “representing those three letter.” I’m guessing he meant OKC!

 

On playing with Russell Westbrook and against him. ​

​
On getting better in the offseason and why he continues working on his game.​

​
On the importance of family.​

​
On his fashion sense (and maybe a little friendly rival with a certain fashionable teammate).​

​
On what the last 24 hours have been like. ​

​
On the defensive potential of the Thunder. ​

​
On the surprise of Oklahoma City being the team he was traded to.​

​
On creating a relationship with Westbrook. ​

​
​On how he can help Westbrook and visa versa.

​
​On team expectations.

​
​On what he was looking for on whatever new team he was traded to.

​
Another quote on the defensive potential of the Thunder. ​

​
On his offseason training and excitement for this season. ​

​
​Billy Donovan on the impression Thunder fans can leave on a player.

​