No. 2: Paul George
2018-2019 statistics: 28.0 PTS, 8.2 REB, 4.1 AST
It’s still weird to think that Paul George, a top-three MVP candidate in 2018-2019, is a member of the LA Clippers. Even after the gargantuan trade that brought him to Los Angeles, it’s hard to believe that he’s a Clipper. We just never expected it.
It might be even weirder to see him at No. 2 on this list, considering the performance the two-way star put together this past season.
In his second full season as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, George posted averages of 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.2 steals in roughly 37 minutes per game. He also shot 38.6 percent from three-point range on 9.8 attempts per game and 43.8 percent from the floor overall. He’s a dangerous scorer, and with the ability to consistently grab boards and set up his teammates with good looks, he’s one of the very best players the NBA has to offer.
His performance last season was highlighted by a 47-point triple-double, which came against the Portland Trail Blazers in February. It’s tied for the second-highest scoring game of his career, and it was one of seven games in which he scored 40 or more points last season. Take a look:
In the spirit of the LA Clippers, though, one game may take precedence over his monster triple-double effort.
In December, George dropped 47 on the Brooklyn Nets, willing the Thunder to come back from 23 points down to win 114-112. 25 of George’s points came in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead three that fell with 3.1 seconds left on the clock.
With Kawhi Leonard by his side, the Clippers are easily going to have one of the best — if not the best — duos in the NBA next season.