Although LA Clipper fans have monitored the team's progress and their chances at a top six seed, they have also eyed the situation of two-way star Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers. This is because of what George said in the years prior and how he exited LA.
After signing an extension in 2020, George mentioned his commitment to winning the NBA Finals for Clipper fans worldwide. The fanbase was thrilled to hear this promise, as the 2019 MVP finalist was still dominant and healthy enough to notch his first ring.
“I owe them a trophy. I owe them a trophy. That’s what I owe this organization. This is a window that we’re trying to capture. My commitment and my job is to being a title here.”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 10, 2020
- Paul George on what he owes Clippers after extension. pic.twitter.com/SjSLxZEFum
Years after the desired outcome had yet to be attained, George reinforced his words once the Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.
A year and several months later, George signed a four-year max contract with the 76ers, leaving Clipper fans bitter regarding his commitment. What made matters worse is that he could have remained in LA; it just would not have been on the terms and salary he coveted.
In Philadelphia, George has not performed remotely close to the fully guaranteed wage he received. The nine-time all-star has missed games, and when he is active, his efficiency, burst, and consistency are different from his previous seasons.
Though there have been injuries, the 76ers have lost 37 games with time remaining and are the 12th seed. This is disappointing, as the NBA community viewed Philadelphia, with the acquisition of George, as much better than last season.
Moreover, George runs a podcast away from the court, "Podcast P with Paul George," a Wave Original. In an episode with NBA legend Dwight Howard, George announced his mindset in finishing the season.
Paul George is set to take a break from his podcast and focus on pushing for the postseason
Seated next to an eight-time all-star and former NBA champion Dwight Howard, Paul George announced a break from his podcast near the end of the episode. Although this is the correct decision, it has come too late for Philadelphia 76er fans.
George stated, "I want to let the podcast p family know that after today's episode with Dwight, I plan to take a break from the pod just to focus on getting my body right, getting mentally right and help this squad make a push towards our goal. To finish the season, I'll give ourselves a chance to be in contention to compete for a championship."
Furthermore, the 76ers currently have a record of 10-20 at home, 10-17 away, and are 2.5 games back from the Chicago Bulls, who are in the last spot of the play-in tournament.
Philadelphia has a chance to make the tournament and possibly enter the playoffs, but the likelihood is slim, given how competitive the seedings are.
Had George made his decision earlier and fully dialed into focusing on basketball, the 76ers' optimism would have been higher. However, the six-time all-NBA forward has 25 games left to reframe the conversation.