Brandon Jennings made headlines when he suggested that Philadelphia 76ers’ star Paul George should consider retirement. On the ‘Gils Arena’ podcast, Jennings didn’t hold back, questioning George’s role and approach to the game:
“Paul George can retire… He’s just wasting talent. I think we’re catering to a lot of talented players and not giving a lot of good basketball players a chance… You shouldn’t be trying to take the last shot when you’re talking about you don’t wanna be the No. 1 option.”
Jennings’ remarks followed George’s early struggles this season, where he’s had difficulty finding his rhythm with the 76ers. In his first few games in Philadelphia, George has averaged 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting a poor 36.0% from the field and only 16.0% from three-point range.
It’s a sharp decline for the nine-time All-Star, who has been adjusting to a new team and dealing with the lingering effects of a bone bruise that kept him sidelined for the first five games of the season.
George has indeed been in challenging spots this season, with critical missed shots raising eyebrows. In their tight 118-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns, George took the final shot but couldn’t convert. Similarly, in the 76ers’ 107-105 overtime win against the Hornets, George missed a potential game-winner in regulation. While Philadelphia ultimately won in overtime, the missed opportunity highlighted his current struggles and led some, including Jennings, to question his effectiveness as a late-game closer.
However, calling for George’s retirement seems premature. Despite his recent dip in form, George remains one of the league’s most skilled and versatile players. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and ability to create his own shot, George has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most reliable two-way players. His scoring may be down at the moment, but at 34, he still has plenty left in the tank.
Players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and even George’s former teammate James Harden have shown that NBA stars can remain impactful well into their 30s. With time and proper conditioning, George could still have a few high-level seasons ahead.
It’s worth noting that George has had a series of unfortunate injuries over his career, which has undoubtedly affected his consistency. But he has proven his resilience repeatedly, returning from significant setbacks to play at an elite level. Just last season, he averaged 22.6 points per game for the Clippers before moving to the 76ers, showing he could still perform as one of the top scorers in the league.
While Jennings makes an interesting point about younger, hungry players waiting for their opportunity, George’s struggles may be more about adjusting to a new system and healing from his recent injury than a sign that he’s washed up. Given his career trajectory, George might just need more time to adjust to his role in Philadelphia and regain his confidence in clutch situations.
For now, Jennings’ call for retirement seems premature. George’s veteran presence, basketball IQ, and skillset are valuable to any team, especially the 76ers, who have playoff ambitions and could benefit from his experience down the stretch. While the rough start in Philadelphia might cause some to question his role, it’s far too early to assume that Paul George’s time in the league should be coming to an end.
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