Paul George's Future: Chasing the Right Style of Basketball
As the NBA offseason looms, the buzz around free agents is intensifying. Assuming LeBron James remains with the Lakers, the market’s biggest figure this summer is Paul George. An unrestricted free agent, George can choose any team that has the resources to acquire him, either through cap space or a sign-and-trade with the Clippers if George expresses his desire to leave Los Angeles.
The Philadelphia 76ers: A Strong Contender
The Philadelphia 76ers have openly stated that George is their top target, and they are in an advantageous position with max salary-cap space. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported in May that the Clippers are reluctant to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension they gave to Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers do have the option to offer George his full max of $221 million over four years. However, if they decide not to, and the Sixers are willing to, it raises the question: Would George leave Los Angeles for a shot at a championship alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey?
Desire for the Right Style of Play
George himself has indicated through his podcast that his primary focus is not necessarily on chasing a championship but on playing the right style of basketball. While he did not elaborate on what he means by “the right style,” it leaves room for speculation about his future intentions.
Kevin Durant famously joined the Warriors because he was drawn to their ball and player movement system, which was unique in its efficiency and effectiveness. The NBA generally has teams that either move the ball fluidly or those that center their gameplay around high-usage stars like Luka Doncic or Trae Young.
Potential Teams and Playing Styles
Having played with James Harden on the Clippers, albeit with Harden no longer being as ball-dominant as in his prime, George may prefer a team where he is not relegated to waiting for a star to pass him the ball in critical moments. When considering the teams expected to vie for George’s services, it’s essential to look at their playing styles to determine which might suit him best.
George seems to be content with the style of play the Clippers exhibit. The Sixers, under the guidance of head coach Nick Nurse, operate with more tempo and pace, leveraging Embiid as a central hub and Maxey as a downhill attacker. This could appeal to George, who values a system that maximizes team dynamics.
Other Potential Destinations
The Orlando Magic, although without a well-defined offensive identity, might build their system around George, which could be intriguing. However, it’s unlikely George would consider moving to teams like the Magic or the Houston Rockets, as they are not currently championship contenders.
Additionally, George praised the Celtics for their defensive rigor, noting their ability to switch across multiple positions. Defensive matchups will likely play a significant role in his decision, and Orlando’s potential improvement with George’s offense might not be enough to tip the scales.
What Does the Right Style of Play Mean?
Despite George’s comments about not prioritizing a championship, it’s hard to imagine that winning isn’t part of his equation. His cryptic remarks about playing the “right way” leave much to interpretation. Is he seeking a team with well-rounded players? One with a balanced offensive and defensive approach? Or is he simply looking to be part of a collective that plays selflessly?
George’s criteria for playing the right style of basketball remain ambiguous, and stating "I want to play the right way" could be seen as leaving his options open while saying nothing definitive. As the free agency period approaches, teams will undoubtedly try to decipher his preferences and offer him the environment that aligns with his vision of basketball.
Regardless of where George lands, his decision will significantly impact the NBA landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where he believes the right style of basketball can be played.
Quotes
"At this point, I’m not even necessarily, this is not even about—people say chasing a championship, it's not that. It’s playing the right style of basketball is what I’m chasing."
"What team doesn’t play the right style of basketball according to its personnel?"
"In May, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported that the Clippers are unwilling to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension they gave to Kawhi Leonard."
"Kevin Durant said he went to the Warriors because he wanted to play in their ball and player movement system, which, at the time, was an entirely different system from that of pretty much any other team in the NBA."