Paul George ready to live up to pressure

Indiana Pacers star Paul George has insisted that he is ready to step up and become even more of a leader for the franchise next season.

The Pacers failed to live up to their expectations last year and lost Lance Stephenson in free agency, but George is ready to deal with the additional responsibility on his shoulders.

"People do look at it that way. I've got a lot of pressure and I'm coming into this year and I'm ready to live up to that pressure," he said, ESPN reports.

George was also keen to stress that the Pacers don't see next year as a rebuilding season and he is confident that free agent arrival Rodney Stuckey will play a vital role.