The Philadelphia 76ers are starting to get very positive contributions from Paul George. Sure, people will always talk about how overpaid he is under his current contract, and while there is definitely a degree of truth to that, people have gotten way too comfortable just glossing over the fact that part and parcel as to why he has declined is due to something outside his control — injuries.
Since returning from a long absence due to an injury he incurred during the offseason, George has been more than serviceable. In just 26.2 minutes per outing so far, he has averaged 17.1 points, five rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game to go along with 1.4 steals a night. Even better, he is shooting 43.4 percent from three-point territory. He already looks much better than he did last season, and there is little reason to suggest that he can’t keep his trajectory up.
People can say all they want about George being a net negative for this team (disclaimer: he isn’t) due to his mammoth deal, but the nine-time All-Star is just a year and a half removed from the most efficient season in his career. Everyone seems to have forgotten the reason why no one called his signing a terrible one at the time, and slowly but surely, George is reminding them of how lethal he can still be.
Paul George is slowly shutting his naysayers up
Last season was a disaster for George — that is not up for discussion. He missed exacty half of the regular season while turning in some of his worst numbers ever. The early injuries he suffered forced him to play out of rhythm all year long, and people were quick to dismiss the proposition that he will ever live up to his deal.
The grisly narrative around George seems to have reached him. Just recently, he called out those who think that he is “washed”, pointing out that people were quick to forget that he is not far removed from being the most efficient version of himself, presumably referring to his final year with the LA Clippers where he turned in career-best marks in all shooting categories.
Indeed, George still has a lot of value for this team on the hardwood. Him getting endorsed — or shoehorned — into trades will be a constant given the way his contract is structured, but as long as he remains healthy, he will always be a force for the 76ers given his lethal shooting stroke.
Shooting ages well, and with the 76ers trying to make life easier for Paul George with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe taking on more prominent mantles, the All-Star should have a huge opportunity to prove that he can still be that person who can take them over the hump once and for all as advertised.