Does anyone on this planet still remember Paul George's exceptional start to the 2013-2014 season? Most people's answer to this question will likely be a "no".This is because,since his incredible play throughout the first 20 games of the season, Paul George's status as one of this leagues premier small forwards has greatly declined. Although he is still extremely Athletic , a talented defender, and an unstoppable scorer when he is actually hot,but he has been inconsistent on the defensive end, and he shoots in low percentages on a nightly basis. In addition, the pacers are quickly losing their lead over the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference's top seed and have lost 4 of their last 10. This may be because of Paul George's negative impact on the team, for he has shot just 42% from the field while making just 36% from downtown this season. To add to this, his assists and rebounds per game have both gone down from last season. These numbers lead many to question his ability as the as the face of the Pacers franchise. Here is a look at whether or not Paul George fits the ideal requirements of a superstar:
1.Talent
We saw this at the begining of this season, and we still see flashes of it from time to time. Paul George has the ability to make just about every shot inside the 3 point line. In addition to this, he can become a lock down defender when needed, as well as good of a rebounder as any small forward in this league determined. Although he has been failing to find his rhythm of late, Paul George is as talented as any player in the NBA.
2.The ability to help a team win games
Earlier this season, when Paul George was one of this leagues most explosive players, it looked as if he truly had this ability.Yet being double-teamed on nightly basis has weathered him down, and he has not been a great contributor to Pacers victories over his last40 games. It has taken all Lance Stephenson, David West, and Roy Hilbert have had to keep this team afloat, and it is looking as if Paul George has failed this category. Unless he can step up again before the end of this season, it would be far- fetched to say Paul George has the ability to help his team win games when needed.
3.Leadership
The veteran leader of the Indiana Pacers has been David West, not Paul George. Therefore he fails yet another category.Some may say that Paul George helps to make his team better and therefore is a great leader, but his 3.5 assists per game say otherwise.
The Verdict
Although Paul George is extremely talented and is among the league's most Athletic and explosive player, he is not deserving of the title of a superstar.
1.Talent
We saw this at the begining of this season, and we still see flashes of it from time to time. Paul George has the ability to make just about every shot inside the 3 point line. In addition to this, he can become a lock down defender when needed, as well as good of a rebounder as any small forward in this league determined. Although he has been failing to find his rhythm of late, Paul George is as talented as any player in the NBA.
2.The ability to help a team win games
Earlier this season, when Paul George was one of this leagues most explosive players, it looked as if he truly had this ability.Yet being double-teamed on nightly basis has weathered him down, and he has not been a great contributor to Pacers victories over his last40 games. It has taken all Lance Stephenson, David West, and Roy Hilbert have had to keep this team afloat, and it is looking as if Paul George has failed this category. Unless he can step up again before the end of this season, it would be far- fetched to say Paul George has the ability to help his team win games when needed.
3.Leadership
The veteran leader of the Indiana Pacers has been David West, not Paul George. Therefore he fails yet another category.Some may say that Paul George helps to make his team better and therefore is a great leader, but his 3.5 assists per game say otherwise.
The Verdict
Although Paul George is extremely talented and is among the league's most Athletic and explosive player, he is not deserving of the title of a superstar.