Fansided

10 eventual free agents who could change the shape of the NBA

By Bryan Toporek

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 09: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 09, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 09: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 09, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

7. Paul George (2021 player option)

Can Paul George be the No. 1 option on a title contender without a strong supporting cast in place? Probably not.

However, he proved this year that he can be a strong No. 2 option alongside Kawhi Leonard on the Los Angeles Clippers.

One year after going off for a career-high 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.2 steals with the Oklahoma City Thunder, George’s production has decreased across the board this season. Then again, he’s averaging nearly eight fewer minutes per game and is on a far more loaded squad, which helps explain away that downtick in scoring volume.

George is an explosive, three-level scorer, and he has honed himself into a high-volume, knockdown 3-point shooter in recent years. His 6’8″, 220-pound frame allows him to defend almost any position, and he was recognized last season with a first-team All-Defensive nod for his efforts on that end of the floor.

George is averaging only 29.1 minutes per game this season and missed the Clippers’ first 131games as he worked his way back from offseason should surgery, but he averaged at least 34 minutes per game over each of the past four seasons while missing only 16 games total. He doesn’t figure to need a structured load-management plan over the rest of his career, unlike his superstar teammate.

George’s versatility on both ends of the floor makes him a high-end complement to any superstar. He could swing the NBA’s title race by leaving the Clippers in 2021 (if he declines his $37.9 million player option for 2021-22) or 2022, although it’s hard to see why he would unless Leonard jumps ship as well.

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