The Philadelphia 76ers went without a field goal in the last six minutes of the fourth quarter in their 113-111 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid shot 13.3% from the field in the period as Philadelphia lacked someone else to shoulder the offensive load.
This made the 76ers realize who they’ve been missing – Paul George.
While he may no longer be all-star caliber, George will provide Philadelphia with an essential two-way boost when he debuts. The 76ers have emerged as the second seed in the Eastern Conference and appear as one of the conference’s finest. George’s dynamic offensive play and perimeter defense could be the swing factor in Philadelphia’s potential postseason run.
Defense, enough said
While the 76ers’ offense is off to a fiery start, their defense has been a different story.
Philadelphia ranks 17th in the NBA in defensive rating, allowing 115 points per 100 possessions through seven games. The 76ers have struggled to defend the point-of-attack, which has allowed opponents to get downhill and create advantages. Look no further than Josh Giddey, who notched a 29-point triple-double, which was a catalyst for Chicago’s 24-point comeback.
While VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes are quality perimeter defenders, their limited frames exposed Philadelphia in multi-guard lineups. The duo can only cover so much ground as the 76ers are deprived of someone who can defend larger guards and forwards. This is why the Orlando Magic – who rank 23rd in offensive rating – gashed Philadelphia for 124 points on October 27th.
Despite numerous injuries, George was the 76ers’ best defender last season as they allowed 6.9 more points per 100 possessions when he was off the floor. His strength and size served Philadelphia well when faced with star wings and forwards. Although his presence won’t be a fix-all, George’s defensive talents will improve the 76ers’ lackluster output.
More offensive variety
Three Philadelphia players are averaging north of 37 minutes per game, including Maxey who leads the NBA with 42. Regardless of his early Most Valuable Player candidacy, such a toll will inevitably wear him down. Maxey shot 2-8 from the field in the fourth quarter against Chicago – potentially signifying the issues of this trend.
With the top-end of Philadelphia’s rotation playing such heavy minutes and Embiid’s availability on a game-by-game basis, it needs someone else to absorb some of the offensive load. George must provide that when he returns.
The 76ers demanded the same of George last season, but he didn’t deliver. George posted 16.2 points per game – his lowest mark since the 2014-15 season – on 54.3% true-shooting through 41 games. He struggled to create off the dribble and Philadelphia’s nightly short-handedness didn’t make matters easier.
It’s unreasonable to expect George to return to all-star status, but playing with Maxey, Embiid, and Philadelphia’s array of back-court talent, the floor should open up for him. With so many offensive threats, George will naturally receive more off-ball opportunities and fewer double teams.
George underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee on July 14th after suffering an injury during an offseason workout. He is yet to play this season as he continues to ramp up throughout Philadelphia's practices.