Paul George, the former star of the Indiana Pacers, finds himself in a contemplative state regarding the potential retirement of his jersey by the franchise where he began his NBA journey.
“Honestly, you think about the guys, there’s only what, 4 guys that’s retired there. But when you think about, again, the guys that are up there, Reggie, what, 18 years?”
“I think for them it’s a longevity that stands out in that arena. I just didn’t play enough play long enough there.”
Despite his impactful seven seasons with the Pacers, George remains uncertain if his contributions warrant such an honor. With only four players having their jerseys retired by the Pacers, George reflects on the longevity and sustained excellence exemplified by legends like Reggie Miller, whose 18-year tenure with the team stands out prominently.
During his tenure with the Pacers, George swiftly ascended to stardom, earning numerous accolades and leading the team through multiple playoff appearances. His statistics, averaging 18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game over seven seasons, underscore his significant on-court contributions. Despite facing setbacks like a season-ending injury in 2014-15, George’s impact on the team and the city of Indianapolis was profound.
However, George’s departure from the Pacers in 2017, following a trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder, left lingering questions about his legacy with the franchise. While George acknowledges the possibility of his jersey retirement, he emphasizes the importance of longevity and sustained success in earning such recognition. He candidly admits that his time with the Pacers, though impactful, may not have reached the level of permanence and significance required for jersey retirement.
As George prepares to return to Indianapolis for the NBA All-Star Game, he anticipates a mixed reception from Pacers fans, acknowledging both the love and scrutiny he may encounter. Despite the uncertainties surrounding his legacy with the Pacers, George remains grateful for the opportunity to have begun his professional career in Indianapolis and cherishes the memories and relationships forged during his time with the organization.
Pacers Didn’t Trade Paul George To Cleveland As They Were Rivals
The potential partnership between Paul George and LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017 remained a tantalizing ‘what-if’ scenario, as revealed by former Cavaliers swingman Dahntay Jones on George’s podcast.
Jones recounted how he initiated the recruitment of George to Cleveland, recognizing the need for another wing player on the team. Despite initial skepticism from others, Jones pursued the idea of bringing George on board, highlighting his talent and potential fit with the team.
PG almost joined LeBron in Cleveland, and no one had more influence on it than Dahntay Jones 👀
More on the new episode premiering NOW: https://t.co/2Evze1gfZA pic.twitter.com/FCnLcldi4i
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) February 5, 2024
However, the prospect of George joining the Cavaliers was overshadowed by the revelation of Kyrie Irving’s desire to leave the team, prompting Cleveland to explore trading him away. George’s interaction with Jones and the possibility of joining forces with James in Cleveland underscored the potential reshaping of the NBA landscape had the trade materialized.
The Pacers’ decision not to trade George to Cleveland was likely influenced by the rivalry between the two teams. As divisional rivals in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers may have been reluctant to strengthen a competitor, especially one led by James, a perennial playoff contender.
The dynamics of conference rivalries often factor into trade negotiations, and in this case, the Pacers’ decision reflected their strategic considerations within the context of their competitive landscape.
Ultimately, George’s tenure with the Pacers came to an end when he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, setting in motion a series of events that reshaped the NBA landscape. While George’s potential partnership with James in Cleveland remained a tantalizing possibility, his eventual destinations, including Oklahoma City and later the Los Angeles Clippers, showcased his impact on the league’s balance of power.
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