Frank Vogel can expect an affectionate bear hug from Paul George before Vogel's Orlando Magic tip off against George's Indiana Pacers Friday at Amway Center.
George can't imagine it any other way.
"It'll be an emotional moment when we run out," George said. "Before tipoff, I'll go over and give him a hug. I think that's when reality hits we officially parted ways."
Vogel worked as the Pacers' head coach for five and a half seasons, and during that time, George emerged as a perennial All-Star.
The relationship between George and Vogel helped George develop into one of the NBA's best players. As George answered reporters' questions after the Pacers' shootaround Friday morning, he stressed how much he values his friendship with Vogel.
When George suffered a compound fracture during a 2014 USA Basketball scrimmage, Vogel ended a family vacation to be by George's side in the hospital. Vogel's wife, Jenifer, made George meals as George recovered from his injury.
"That was just our relationship," George said. "If our roles were reversed, I'd have been in the same position. I would've been there for him. We were really close. Still are."
The respect is mutual.
"He's like family to me," Vogel said. "Obviously, he talks about my impact on his career. But he's had an impact on my career. You've got to have buy-in and support from your best players, and he's always been one of my biggest supporters. It's a special relationship."
The friendship will fuel speculation that the Magic will try to sign George if he becomes a free agent following the 2017-18 season. It should be noted that George said two months ago that there have been preliminary talks between him and the Pacers about a contract extension.
