5 NBA players that need a change of scenery

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Nov 14, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles the ball in the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana Pacers beat the Orlando Magic 88-69. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Paul George – Indiana Pacers

It seems like ages ago, but Paul George and the Indiana Pacers were in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. Back in 2013 and 2014 when LeBron James was on the Miami Heat, George led the Pacers against them and it seemed like the Pacers would be contenders for many years to follow.

Unfortunately, “PG-13” suffered a gruesome injury in the summer of 2014 and he missed most of the 2014-15 season. He made a triumphant return last season and had a career year with averages of 23.1 points, seven rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Indiana also returned to the playoffs, but was eliminated by the Toronto Raptors in the first round.

In order to boost their roster for this season, the Pacers acquired Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young. This meant that their starting five was comprised of Teague, Monta Ellis, George, Young and a promising young center with major upside in Myles Turner. The expectation was for Indiana to be right up there with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Raptors and Celtics in the upper tier of their conference.

However, Indiana has grossly underachieved this season with a current record of 17-18. As a result, George has been pretty bummed out about showing up to work. He’s admitted that perhaps he’s still living in the past and that this season hasn’t been a fun one for him. Some might call this premature, but it sounds like Paul can benefit from a new environment. Players usually don’t admit to such a high level of unhappiness and lack of fun to the media.

Although the Pacers have been pretty adamant about George not being on the trading block, there’s no denying the fact that many teams would love to have him. His addition to any team provides a major boost and significantly increases their championship hopes. Perhaps he will find his happiness again before this season is over, but it’s not likely if Indiana continues to under-perform. If they continue to disappoint, then the only cure for his melancholy may be a change of scenery and it will be sooner rather than later.

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