Paul George earns the spotlight!
This collection of NBA players for U.S. men’s basketball has shown dominance over its international competition, but it’s not quite the dreamiest of teams we’ve seen at past Olympics. Through two games, Klay Thompson has bricked the ball as if he should be disowned by his Splash Brother, while DeAndre Jordan has taught the world’s children that you can blow off free throw practice and still become an Olympian.
Beyond Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony, the two biggest names on this international stage, there’s an opportunity for someone else to stand out. Heading into Wednesday night’s game against Australia, first-time Olympian Paul George appears to be that rising star.
Through two games, George, the 26-year-old Indiana Pacers forward, has come off the bench and registered the second-highest scoring average (17.5 points per game). The Pacers rarely receive national prime time slots, so George has shown the skills in Rio de Janeiro that should make him an early MVP candidate: the silky shooting touch (6 for 7 against Venezuela).
Even better than his play on the court, George has owned the story lines within the locker room.
The narrative works for the good: He sought to spread love to the French gymnast who experienced a similar ghastly injury as he did two years ago.
George — a pitchman for Gatorade, Jeep and Papa John’s — already has NBA-name recognition. Those who follow the league know the details: his rise as 2012-13 most improved player, then his gruesome fall with a broken leg during a 2014 Team USA scrimmage and now, his return to all-NBA status as the second best small forward in the Eastern Conference. George, however, has long desired for marquee status bestowed upon the LeBrons, KDs and Stephs of the world.
In April as he was carrying the Pacers through their surprising, seven-game playoff series against Toronto Raptors, George told The Indianapolis Star. “A lot of guys have different motivations. My motivation has been being elite in this league.”
He dashes to the spotlight. “I love it,” he says. And sometimes, he clumsily tries too hard to find it (i.e. his transparent ploy in changing his jersey from No. 24 to 13 to brand himself “PG 13.”). Also, instead of laughing along at his viral goof against China, George treated it as an international incident, finding the first camera to refute the accusation that he had been crossed over.
Yet in spite of the Internet getting a few giggles at his expense, George should be the one smiling after the Games. His incentive is simple. He chose to return to Team USA, even after his leg injury, because he wants to continue his upward climb to greatness. Now all the world’s his stage.
Category: Basketball
