Paul George isn’t buying the idea that his best days are behind him. Speaking on media day, the 76ers forward pushed back on doubts about his game, saying he still considers himself an elite player and just needs to get healthy to show it.
“I’m the Paul George that the 76ers went out and signed,” George said. “I do think I still have a lot of game in me, playing at a high level. That’s still who I am. I gotta get healthy to get to that point. I won’t be a part of camp going into it, but I do have a voice and being part of the team and helping the young guys and touch that point early on.”
The 76ers celebrated when they inked Paul George to a four-year, $211 million contract last summer. Coming off an All-Star campaign in Los Angeles, they believed he had the potential to thrive alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and take them to a new level of contention in the Eastern Conference.
George, 35, was once considered one of the NBA’s best two-way wing players. During the height of his career with the Pacers, Thunder, and Clippers, his shooting, athleticism, and versatile defense were coveted across the NBA, and it helped him earn several All-Star appearances.
In the 2024-25 campaign, however, George saw a major decline in his play that could signal the end of his days as an All-Star. In just 41 games, he put up 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 43.0% shooting. He struggled to stay on the court, and the 76ers struggled to win games, going 24-58 to finish 13th in the standings.
Overall, it was a miserable season in Philadelphia, and George himself admitted that it was “rock bottom” for both himself and the 76ers. With the 76ers trying and failing to find any trades for George, they have no choice but to run it back and hope for the best.
The good news is, Joel Embiid has slimmed down and looks healthier than ever before. He put in extra work this summer to not only improve his conditioning but also make himself more durable throughout the season.
The same can be said for Paul George, whose body was never quite right last year. If he can stay healthy and return to his peak All-Star form, it will go a long way toward making the 76ers a formidable playoff team.
Of course, no matter how much George might say he’s still elite, the only way to prove it will be on the court. Going into his 16th season, the pressure is on for him to show what he can do and prove that he’s still a player who can deliver at the highest level.
While Paul George may not be the same explosive two-way star he once was, his voice, experience, and leadership still carry weight in the locker room. If his body holds up and he can recapture flashes of his prime form, the 76ers’ investment could finally pay off. If not, his words on media day will only add to the questions about how much he has left to give.
