In a recent episode of his podcast, “Podcast P,” NBA star Paul George expressed his aspirations for a unique basketball honor: having his jersey retired by both the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers.
“You know at the end of the day it’s in the teams’ hands but man… I hope I paved the way or if I did enough to kind of inspire, uplift that era of the time that I was there. Whether it’s in Indiana, whether it was in LA.”
“I don’t think my stint was long enough in Oklahoma but hopefully in those two other places. I might get booed. I might be the first player to get booed.” (1:20:00)
George, a versatile forward who has spent significant time with both teams, acknowledged the ultimate decision lies with the franchises themselves. While acknowledging his shorter stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, George specifically mentioned the Pacers and Clippers as potential contenders for the jersey retirement honor.
With a touch of humor, George even addressed the possibility of a less-than-traditional reception in Indiana, where his departure from the Thunder in 2017 wasn’t universally celebrated by fans.
Whether cheers or boos erupt in Indianapolis, George’s desire for recognition in both cities highlights his impact on each franchise. He averaged over 18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game during his seven seasons with the Pacers, leading them to two Eastern Conference playoff appearances.
With the Clippers, he’s formed a formidable duo with Kawhi Leonard, consistently contending for championships. However, their tenure has been hampered by injuries to both players, and they have yet to win a championship. Despite the setbacks, they did reach the Western Conference Finals in 2021, a franchise first. He has averaged 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists with the Clippers.
Time will tell if George’s wish comes true, but his achievements on the court suggest a strong case for jersey retirement in at least one, if not both, of the cities he called home.
Clippers Teammate Hopes Paul George Remains With The Team
Uncertainty surrounds Paul George’s future with the LA Clippers. While Head Coach Ty Lue secured a long-term deal, the team awaits George’s decision as he enters free agency. Clippers forward Terance Mann recently expressed his desire for George’s return on Run It Back, highlighting the impact the All-Star swingman has on the team’s championship aspirations.
“I hope so, I hope so, but you never know with this free agency stuff. But I really hope so. I think we had a great chance this year if we were healthy, so, I hope we get him back.”
.@MichelleDBeadle: “If you had to guess, is Paul George going to be a Clipper next season?”@terance_mann: “I hope so… I really hope so.” 🤝#ClipperNation | #Allhands pic.twitter.com/ywrrvd9lYU
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) June 3, 2024
Mann’s sentiment reflects a broader hope within the Clippers organization. George, alongside Kawhi Leonard, forms a formidable duo with the potential to make a serious title run—a feat nearly achieved in their 2021 Western Conference Finals appearance.
However, the situation isn’t straightforward. The Clippers are hesitant to offer a max contract extension, particularly considering George’s injury struggles and inconsistency in the playoffs. On the other hand, the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly stand ready to offer a more lucrative deal.
The challenge lies in finding a compromise. A shorter-term contract similar to Kawhi Leonard’s would provide stability for both parties. However, George reportedly seeks an equivalent or even larger contract, which the Clippers might find difficult to justify based on recent performance.
Despite the financial hurdles, the Clippers value George’s talent and leadership. Mann’s comment underscores this sentiment. George’s on-court presence undeniably elevates the team’s play, and his presence in Los Angeles allows him to have his family close by for support.
Ultimately, the coming weeks will reveal George’s decision. Finding a solution that addresses both the player’s financial needs and the team’s championship goals will be key to keeping the Clippers’ title hopes alive.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
