LA Clippers: 3 bold predictions for Paul George in the 2021-22 season
By Evan Desai
Paul George had a true rollercoaster of a season last year for the LA Clippers.
George went from getting a huge extension before the year, to dealing with and overcoming injuries during the season, to being left off the All-Defensive teams, to having some unfortunate moments in the playoffs, to absolutely carrying the team in the playoffs. He absolutely saw it all last year. It’s why I think he’s set up for a great season in 2021-2022.
He gained so much experience last year. It was just one season, but probably felt like 20 years had gone by. I have some bold predictions about what PG’s season may look like next year:
No. 3 bold prediction for Paul George in the 2021-22 season: He’ll average two steals or more per game
It’s been a few years since Paul George averaged two steals per game. In fact, the last time he did it was when he was the steal champ in 2018-2019 (2.2 per game that year). He had two the prior year with Oklahoma City as well.
Let’s face it, George would have been selected to an All-Defensive team for a fifth time this year if he wasn’t barely averaging over a steal per game. They picked Matisse Thybulle over him with 1.6 steals per game because they didn’t want to select George, who had missed some time this season.
All George needed was about that, and he would have finished over Thybulle. There’s no shot they would have taken a bench player over George, who picks up the toughest assignments on the floor throughout the whole game, if he upped his steal count.
I wouldn’t bet against George getting back there, and getting his recognition again.