Despite a challenging era in the City of Philadelphia, Paul George has established himself as a superstar in the NBA ever since he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2010. Throughout his career, due to injuries and an ever-changing basketball landscape, George has had to adapt his playing style to remain at the peak of his powers. Now, the versatile forward is just two points away from reaching 19,000 regular-season career points.
George will aim to surpass this incredible points total when the Philadelphia 76ers face off against the Orlando Magic in an Eastern Conference matchup on January 9.
For several years in Indiana, George was one of the most enthralling prospects in the league, breezing past defenders and viciously slamming the ball into the net. However, after breaking his leg during a summer scrimmage in 2014 -- and missing the majority of the 2014-15 season -- many believed the 35-year-old would never rediscover the athletic attributes that had established him as an elite scorer at the rim. They were incorrect.
This devastating injury only made George more dangerous, more complete. He had to adapt and refine his offensive arsenal. The Fresno State graduate became a three-level scorer who still possessed the confidence to attack opposition defenders in the paint, adding countless stars to his career highlight reel.
Finally, George's scoring consistency is paying dividends as he is just two points shy of reaching a milestone that, at one point in his career, seemed implausible.
Adaptability and evolution is key
Many aspiring stars in the league will have a breakout scoring year, but then regress slightly as opposing head coaches devise an effective game plan to force players into spots where they are not comfortable. As a spectator, it is easy to forget how much hard work and dedication go into someone of Paul George's calibre to remain so deadly for a prolonged period of time.
Over 927 regular-season games, the veteran has averaged 20.5 points per game, while recording 43.9% from the floor and 38.4% from deep. It is almost impossible to comprehend a player attaining this level of dependability when he has suffered various injury problems throughout his 16 seasons in the NBA.
The Philadelphia 76ers are now reaping the rewards of George's reliable scoring, despite him being behind both Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid in the offensive pecking order. The former Pacers wing is averaging 15.8 points while draining 41.4% of his shots. Even with his age and role in the rotation, he has proven that if he can stay healthy in the postseason, his supplemental scoring will be pivotal for postseason success.
Paul George's career may be viewed in various ways depending on which fan you speak to. Nevertheless, his numbers are undeniable. Smashing 19,000 regular-season points is an inevitability at this point, given he is just two points away from this total. Regardless of your assessment of the player, this is an incredible achievement that should be celebrated.