With the NBA starting up again, we are looking forward to the 2026-2027 season, which starts on Oct 20th. This month’s cover star is 9X NBA All-Star, 6X member of the All-NBA Team, 4X member of the NBA All Defensive Team - Boston Celtics’ small forward/power forward Paul George. We talk about the love of the game, how he stays in shape, recovering from injuries, and the upcoming season.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with basketball?

PAUL GEORGE: Growing up in Palmdale, CA, basketball was always around me. My older sister, Teiosha, played, and competing with her helped spark my love for the game. I spent countless hours playing at the park, and like a lot of kids in Southern California, I grew up watching Kobe and trying to learn from the way he approached the game. That’s when basketball became more than a hobby and turned into a real passion.

AM: When did you realize you wanted to go pro?

PG: My path was a little different because I wasn’t always viewed as a top prospect growing up. I got into organized basketball later than a lot of players, and even in high school I wasn’t receiving a lot of national attention. As I continued to develop at Knight High School and Fresno State, I started to believe in what was possible. From there, it was about staying focused, putting in the work, and seeing how far the game could take me.

AM: What are 3 workouts that you like to do that allows you to optimize your game that we can include into our fitness routines?

PG: I focus on mobility, strength, and conditioning, because all those pieces work together to help support performance.

First is mobility and stability work. Basketball puts a lot of stress on your hips, knees, ankles, and core, so being able to move well and control your body is huge.

Second is full-body and single-leg strength. So much of the game happens off one leg—jumping, stopping, cutting, absorbing contact. You want strength that actually translates to those movements.

Third is explosive conditioning. I like combining conditioning with basketball movements - short sprints, change of direction, footwork, and explosive work. You want to train your body to perform when you’re tired, because that’s what you’re asking it to do late in games.

AM: Heading into the 2026-2027 season, what have you been doing during the offseason to continue off the momentum that gave such a strong support to the team last season?

PG: Heading into the 2026-2027 season, I’ve been focused on carrying forward the lessons I learned last year, especially the importance of consistency and preparation. The offseason has been about training and making sure I’m taking care of my body – including getting necessary hydration, nutrition, and sleep I need so I can be ready for whatever the team needs. And I’m looking at where I can impact this team the most. Whether its scoring, defending, making the right play, communicating, helping a younger guy, or bringing some stability when we need it.

AM: What is your continued recovery/rehabilitation and return-to-play process been and what does it look like?

PG: My postsurgical recovery and rehabilitation process has been about trusting the plan my medical team set for me, staying patient and taking things one step at a time. Early on, the focus was healing, mobility and rebuilding strength before gradually progressing to movement, conditioning, and basketball activity. Throughout the process, I worked closely with my doctors, trainers, and rehabilitation team. Having one through major injuries before, I’ve learned that you can’t cheat recovery. You have to listen to your body, trust the people around you and put in the work every day. Now, my focus remains on building strength, staying healthy, and preparing for the season ahead.

AM: In terms of pain management and navigating surgery, what has that been like?

PG: Pain management was an important part of the conversation before surgery and throughout my recovery. I worked closely with my healthcare team to understand the different pain management options available, including a non-opioid, one-time injection called EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension), which is used during a procedure to help manage pain for the first few days after surgery. EXPAREL does not fit every kind of procedure, such as certain childbirth surgeries, so it’s important to talk to a doctor about what’s right for you. Side effects can occur with any medication and for EXPAREL, the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, and low red blood cell levels. Having those discussions ahead of time helped me feel prepared and informed so I knew what to expect during those first few days after surgery and could stay focused on each step of the recovery process. (Editor’s Note: See full Prescribing Information and Important Safety Information at EXPAREL.com. Always consult with your doctor before considering or taking prescription medication.)

AM: What does training in the offseason look like?

PG: I’m working on my game - shooting, ballhandling, footwork, conditioning - but I’m also making sure I’m taking care of my body. As I’ve gotten further into my career, I’ve become much more intentional about that second part. Off season training is about balancing quality practice time in the gym with intentional down time to let my body recover from that work so that I can come back and do it again consistently. Mobility, hydration, nutrition, sleep, and recovery are all parts of training to me now.

AM: What lessons have you taken from last season that you will apply into the upcoming season?

PG: One of the biggest lessons I took from last season is the value of patience and trust in the process. I’ve been in this sport long enough to understand that every season is going to challenge you somehow. It’s how you respond that matters. What I could control was how I approached each day, whether I did the work and how I supported my teammates. I’ll carry that mindset with me into the upcoming season.

AM: What are the dynamics of leadership and how do you stay connected to your teammates as well as those that are new to the team!

PG: Leadership is about staying connected and supporting the people around you. Going through challenges, including postsurgical recovery, reminded me how important it is to lean on teammates and check in on one another. I try to bring that perspective into the locker room by helping new players get comfortable and making sure everyone feels included.

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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | EXPAREL