After signing him to a four-year, maximum-salary free agent contract this summer, the Sixers anticipated that former nine-time All-Star forward Paul George would help goose their scoring, but his contributions have been erratic so far, observes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Through 19 healthy games, the 34-year-old is averaging just 15.8 points per game on .404/.314/.787 shooting splits. His shooting percentages from the field overall and from long range in particular represent the second-worst rates of his 15-season career. In his last four contests, George’s long-range woes have gotten even worse. The six-time All-NBA honoree shot just 4-of-25 from deep.
Sixers All-Star center Joel Embiid, however, is confident that George will bounce back as a shooter.
“He’s going to be great,” Embiid said. “I’m not worried about it. I think as we keep going and we start figuring out the best way to move forward, I think he’ll be way better than he’s been, more efficient, which he’s always been. Especially catch and shoot [and] shot creation.”
Pompey cites George’s difficulty integrating into the team’s offense next to Embiid as part of the problem.
There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- A lackluster defensive effort from the Raptors against Memphis on Thursday, in a 155-126 defeat, serves as just the latest example of a possible long-term issue for Toronto’s young core, writes Eric Koreen of The Athletic. Toronto already ranked 23rd in defensive efficiency heading into the loss to Memphis and has since dropped a few more spots. As Koreen notes, while the Raptors have been effective at limiting opponent three-point attempts, the team has a tendency to foul too frequently and is too lenient with permitting enemy scoring within five feet of the basket.
- Knicks wing Josh Hart has been a critical component of New York’s defense this season, writes Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. The Knicks are 22-10 on the year, and winners of 16 of their last 20 contests. “My game is very simple,” Hart said. “I don’t go out there and try to do ball screens and 18 dribbles, dribble combos and all that. I keep it simple. If I don’t got a layup or a shot, I swing the ball, get these guys the ball. And fit in around them.” The team’s defensive rating this season ranks 14th out of 30 clubs, a slight step down from its No. 10 mark in 2023/24.
- Celtics All-Star wing Jaylen Brown is making a real case for a spot on an All-Defensive team, per Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. “I feel like I’m one of the best two-way players in the world,” Brown said. “So I try to hang my hat on that side by doing different assignments like picking up guys full court, chasing guys off screens, switching onto bigs. That takes a lot of energy. Then to have to go back down and try to score 24, 25 a night, get other guys going. But defense is where our team kind of needs to set the tone and hang our hats with physicality, toughness, and I feel like I’m the leader of that, so I’ve got to hold myself accountable.” Himmelsbach notes that the athletic small forward has often been using his work on the defensive end of the court to kick off his explosive offense.
PG is older and always has injury problems, he likely won’t turn it around enough to matter. That team is pretty behind even in a bad East.
Juvenile comment made by a relative of Davey J.
I’m a Clippers fan who was very happy to see him go but… he will definitely get better than what he is doing now. It’s hilarious that anyone worries about any veteran in December. He’s on a new team and has had to deal with injuries. If this continues in March, then it’s something to worry about. I doubt that will happen.
Knicks D was worse early on. Knicks headed in right direction. IMO what Knicks need most. Is solid bench scoring. A player that can get you 20 if you need it. That guaranteed 12-16 pts. I can see them trading for that.
They can do it by numbers. Mitch backing up C. Hart coming off bench. Start Achiuwa Hart can still get more mins. Go with the young guys at end of bench. Probably pick up a player who gets bought out. For this Thibs has to use his bench. Do it by numbers, depth.
OR —-
To get an impactful player for the bench. Mitch n McBride will bring back the most, plus we have a pick. Kolek will take McBrides place. We can add a 20 mill player. And still add a player who gets bought out. IMO Knicks will wait till last day. My instinct is Knicks will make a trade.
Payne, Landry, Hart, Sims, Hukporti, plus ??
Also have TJ Warren in G-league.
Jalen drops 55 on Wizards ….. needed all of it
“Brunson’s feat last night marked NBA history. No team has ever had four 40-point scorers before January 1st. It’s very rare for a team to have four 40+ point scorers in a season, period. Add in the fact that all four performances came with the other three healthy and playing and it’s even more incredible.”
Knicks making history….. that’s all
Like if you think Tobias could do what PG8 is doing this year at a fraction of the cost.
Sixers are all about the playoffs now. Doesn’t matter why they are struggling. They are 4gms out of 5th seed. Get healthy get right. And no one will remember early struggles this yr. Still have plenty of time to get this right. They finish top 6 at least. They will be a tough out for anyone. Can’t give up on them yet ………
Send him to Detroit
You can also get your 2nd favorite player back