Many players use the offseason as an opportunity to improve their game. However, Paul George seemingly sharpened his mentality instead.
George said during Media Day on Friday that he would be comfortable playing power forward if needed. Playing the four is something he didn't prefer throughout his 15-year career. Regardless, the Philadelphia 76ers’ power forward depth is questionable. George could greatly strengthen Philadelphia's front-court by making such a sacrifice.
This could work
Philadelphia's roster construction would correlate with George's newfound willingness to slot in at the four. The 76ers will likely tinker with three-guard lineups, assuming Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, V.J. Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes assemble at some point. Grimes or Edgecombe would fit as a small-ball three, which naturally slides George down to power forward.
At six-foot-eight-inches and 220 pounds, George may be Philadelphia’s safest bet. My fans spent the offseason debating whether the 76ers should start Kelly Oubre Jr. or Trendon Watford, under the assumption that George wouldn't want to play the four. His team-first approach changes matters for the better.
George’s floor-spacing gives Maxey and Joel Embiid more room to operate in the paint, which is a valuable skill at power forward. The only drawback is rebounding. George has averaged 6.3 rebounds per game in his career, which is a solid mark for a small forward. However, Philadelphia needs more if he were to slide down to the four.
Still, the 76ers’ other options wouldn't alleviate the rebounding deficiency either. Oubre’s intangibles would give Philadelphia a boost and Watford’s offensive creativity would add an interesting layer. Nonetheless, neither would supply the adequate front-court size needed off the glass.
George wants to make things right
If the 76ers decide to roll with George at power forward, they may have to wait. George said he doesn't expect to participate in training camp as he is unable to do full-contact work. Time will tell whether he’ll be ready for Philadelphia’s season-opener against the Boston Celtics on October 22nd.
Positional debate aside, George is seeking redemption after an underwhelming first year of his 76ers tenure.
“I’m the Paul George that the 76ers went out and signed,” George said. “I do think I still got a lot of game in me, playing at a high level.”
Philadelphia signed George to a four-year, $212 million contract on July 6th, 2024. Injuries limited him to 41 games last season where he averaged just 16.2 points per game on 54.3% true-shooting.