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Peer Review: Opponents Share Their Thoughts On Paul George So Far

By Ben Gibson

Apr 10, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pacers won 107-103. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pacers won 107-103. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Paul George went down with his leg injury in August it didn’t take long for players across the NBA to send their well wishes to the Indiana Pacers star.

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The injury was a reminder that on any play, your career might change forever. It was routine play: Paul George was contesting a James Harden lay-up when he broke his leg. His opponents understand how their career might be taken away in an instant.

Perhaps that’s why some of those tasked with guarding him in his return have admitted to taking it easy on Paul George.

The New York Knicks’ Tim Hardaway Jr. admitted as much to Candace Buckner in a recent interview.

"“It’s just a feeling that you have as a basketball player. You see it, you watch the injury and then you’re like, ‘Dang, that could happen to anybody.’ That’s going through your head at the same time when you’re guarding him and at first you’re like, ‘Hold on,’ ” said New York Knicks guard Tim Hardaway, Jr. “As an opponent, you’re kinda like you don’t want to do anything because, you know, of the leg.”"

I’d imagine in a more important game or in the playoffs Hardaway wouldn’t be so benevolent, but he was last week when guarding George.

It is more than having any sympathy for PG, however. Just think about how many hits Patrick Beverly took after injuring Russell Westbrook. You don’t want to be the guy who injured somebody in a seemingly unimportant moment because you won’t be given the benefit of the doubt in the future. You will be a target or make your teammates targets.

Whether it is benevolence or self-serving, there is little benefit in going to hard at Paul George right now in mostly meaningless regular season games, but if the Pacers find a way to make the playoffs he will be given no quarter by his opponents.

Though Hardaway made sure he wasn’t going to hurt Paul George, that doesn’t mean he didn’t play defense on him either. In fact he offered more of a challenge than the Miami Heat had the game before.

If you read Candace Buckner’s wonderful article you’ll see that while Paul George has had his moments, his defenders have noticed he’s far from 100% and doesn’t have the explosive power he has been known for. That should hopefully be back next season, but right now he’s getting mixed reviews from his opponents.

"“You saw flashes of what Paul George is going to be able to do,” [Tayshuan] Prince said after George made half of his six shot attempts, including a pair of 3s against Detroit. “You could still see some things here and there.”…“He’s a little slower right now, but he’ll be fine,” [Lance] Thomas said. “I think once he gets his rhythm and his legs back, he’ll be alright.”"

The fact he’s been slower in another reason opponents have slacked off of him. The extra space he’s been given so far has helped his shooting, as he has gone 6-of-12 from beyond the arc so far. But not being at 100% physically has him looking uneasy around the rim.

Paul George
Paul George’s short chart through 3 games. /

His inside shooting should come back in time, one would hope. Part of the advantage of him getting some playing time this season is he’ll be even more ready when he’s gotten some of his athleticism and explosiveness back.

He’s going to check off some of the mental checklist items that are stopping him from mentally being at 100% as well. He’s taking some hits, but it may take months for get back mentally to a place where it doesn’t even register for him. He’s going to have all summer to work on that while knowing he’s already been out there and played a few games and taking a few bumps.

Paul George has continually reminded everyone he won’t be himself this season and to expect anything else is foolish. He broke his leg eight months ago so he may be a few more months before we can expect to see something similar to All-Star-level Paul George.

As long as he still isn’t getting mixed reviews once the 2015-16 season in underway, then Indiana Pacers fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Next: Q&A: How Does Paul George Look So Far?

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