Paul George: 'I expected to be MVP candidate'

Paul George has admitted that he did expect to be considered one of the best players in the NBA.

The Indiana Pacers small forward has averaged 22.2 points per game with the league's leading side so far this season.

The 23-year-old told USA Today: "I did expect it. I just didn't expect it to come around this fast.

"I've always been a guy to put pressure on myself. I knew everything surrounding me being the 10th pick, and lottery guys are expected to be franchise changers."

George will make his second appearance in the All-Star game when he starts for the Eastern Conference this weekend.