Paul George discusses what his role is in second season with Sixers

5 days ago 2

PHILADELPHIA -- Entering his second season with the Philadelphia 76ers, all eyes were on Paul George and whether the 9-time All-Star could get back to the player he once was to help the Sixers succeed. He had a miserable 2024-25 season, as did the entire team, and was hoping to bounce back.

He has done so in a big way. While he may not be the same star player he once was, George is still averaging 15.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 39.8% from deep. He is also providing some top-notch defense and giving the Sixers a little bit of everything.

After scoring 23 points in Wednesday's win over the Washington Wizards, George discussed his role playing off Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

"I mean, again, those obviously, Joel Tyrese are our two engines," George stated. "Those guys are going to, rightfully so, demand attention, demand the ball in moments to score and put points up for us, and I got to fit in. Find my shots, my opportunities, and moments to be aggressive. So, that's what I'm trying to do, but more than anything is, defensively, I know I can still be elite."

George is still one of the better defenders in the league and can still get going on the offensive end. He scored 13 points in the second quarter when the Wizards had gone on a big run to take the lead and he calmed the team down a bit with Maxey and Embiid on the bench. A reminder that he can still put up big numbers.

"I can still make plays," George continued. "I can still get us extra possessions, limit the offensive best player, or just make things tough for the opposing player, and then just try to be a calming voice and keep us level, keep us pretty even keeled, but still apply pressure."

In his 16th season in the league, George can still make a big impact. Even if he isn't the same ruthless scorer and takeover player he once was, he can still carry an offense for stretches at a time while also being a legitimate presence on the defensive end of the floor.

"There's moments where we're not playing well defensively," he finished. "Just try to light a fuse in it. So, that's kind of the role that I've taken. Again, knowing those two guys are going to get the bulk of our opportunities offensively, and then try to just fizzle in where I can."

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Paul George discusses what his role is in second season with Sixers

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