After adding Paul George, the entire NBA is curious to see if the Philadelphia 76ers can finally reverse their fortunes next season. Following consecutive campaigns prematurely cut off or derailed by drama, histrionics, and the ever-lurking injury bug, many have become dubious about their capacity to actually have a time of harvest.
The nine-time All-Star spurned the Clippers, his hometown team, to join a 76ers team that fits him like a glove. The club has bendly needed a player of his caliber and archetype for years now, and playing next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will only bolster his plate, and it goes both ways as well.
Heck, even without playing a game for the team yet, a longtime veteran believes he’s much better than ex-Sixers star James Harden ever was.
Blunt Paul George assessment should thrill 76ers fans
Theo Ratliff, who played 16 years in the NBA, five of those with the 76ers, raved about George playing in Philadelphia, even putting him on the pedestal over harden, who infamously forced his way out of the franchise.
"The one thing Paul George does that James Harden didn't do is play defense. "
There’s absolute truth to Ratliff’s statement. George is a four-time All-Defensive Team member, and despite a bit of a drop-off as a perimeter stopper at 34, he’s still inarguably an asset on the point-preventing end, especially over someone like Harden, a walking defensive liability for the most part.
At 6’8”, George has the stylings of a natural counter to teams trotting out smaller configurations. He can easily guard four positions, and even holds his own inside against post operators. At peak capacity and health, he can be very disruptive, both in team concepts and one-on-one situations.
In addition to his offensive repertoire and shooting splits, which all rose to career-high marks last season, George would allow the 76ers to be even more aggressive when deploying Nick Nurse’s switchy tactics.
While the NBA is still at an idle phase, it’s difficult to envision Paul George not integrating himself well within the team’s dynamic. It won’t be perfect, but Philadelphia 76ers should be in for a massive treat having the All-Star next season, and you can take our word for it.
Numbers don’t lie.