Biography Of Paul George Research Paper

Feature:
Breaking down a superstar: PG24
By: Carlos Agravante
“With the tenth pick in the 2010 NBA draft, the Indiana Pacers select Paul George of Fresno State University” That was the start of his career in the National Basketball Association, a career filled with uncertainty and now on the cusp of superstardom. But can you imagine, the player who is supposed to be the next coming of Reggie Miller or Scottie Pippen suddenly leave the town and team that gave him the opportunity to blossom into a star and gave him unwavering loyalty, just to have a shot to play with his childhood idol, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers? That might be the next chapter of his story as a player in the National Basketball Association.
Before all that, his basketball career started as when he was a kid. Paul George had to live in the shadow of his older sister, Teisha. She also played basketball and would routinely beat him in 1-on-1 games. “It was embarrassing”, Paul George said in an interview with Sports Illustrated,”She would beat me then go back to playing with her dolls or whatever.”
That constant beating had forced him to work really hard and practice basketball which had eventually gotten him an invite to play for his high school varsity team. As a junior, he was the only starter in his year. All the other players in the starting squad were seniors. In that year, he averaged a modest stat line of 14 points per game and 8 rebounds per game. When he was in his final year as a varsity member, he was one of the last members of the team which had gained a 24-4 record the year before. He had to play a bigger role in their offense. But it wasn’t all fun and games, Paul George started out struggling being the lead guy in the team, sometimes becoming a really passive player. “I remember the coach calling a play where I would take the shot,” PG recalls. The play worked perfectly but Paul George passed up the open shot. “Coach was mad and told me if I did that again, I’d find myself on the bench.” He eventually got the message and led his team to a 24-9 record and won the Golden League championship, while posting averages of 25 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals per game. It was the same exact story when he was playing in college. People thought that he was a good player but not a great one because of his tendency to remain passive on offense. That was what kept his drive and passion alive and burning to the point where he was averaging stat lines of 16.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 steals while being one of the players who always promoted the value of team chemistry.

Despite all this, Paul George was extremely underrated, being placed as a mid-1st round pick with various NBA busts like Devin Ebanks and Luke Babbit being ranked higher. It wasn’t until the workouts for various NBA teams that truly showed the potential he had and he skyrocketed from being ranked 24th in mock drafts to being selected by the Indiana Pacers with the number 10 pick on draft day, even gaining the respect of the team’s current star, Danny Granger. As an NBA rookie, he did not get enough playing time to be considered ROY or Rookie of the Year but was able to impress people and he was voted into the All-Rookie 2nd team in his limited mins. He earned his minutes through tough defense, even guarding Derrick Rose in the playoffs. In his 2nd year, he was a bona-fide starter and averaged 12 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, and 2 assists per game. By his 3rd year, the team’s best player, Danny Granger, went down and he took it upon himself to take over and had a spectacular breakout season with a stat line of 17 ppg, 8 rpg and 4 apg all while leading his team in to the Eastern Conference Finals but lost in 7 games to the eventual champs, the Miami Heat. He got even better in the Playoffs, posting a stat line of 19 ppg, 8 rpg, and 5 apg, most of it well above his season averages. He was recognized by the public and was awarded All-NBA 3rd team, Most Improved Player and All-defensive 2nd team and established himself as one of the top 5 in his position, small forward.
Paul George (left) Danny Granger (right)
Now, during this busy NBA offseason, rumors are flying that Paul George, a born and raised California native, might want to leave Indiana to play with his idol and favorite team, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
This rumor was started when he said in an interview with NBA.com when he was asked if he was open about leaving and playing for the Lakers,” My heart is in Indiana but it would be tough to say no to Kobe.” The rumor spread like wildfire and suddenly everywhere, Pacers and Lakers fans are arguing about whether George will stay or leave. Paul George quickly dispelled the rumor, saying that he wasn’t going anywhere, and that he likes the culture in Indiana. He also likes being appreciated by the people in LA, saying, “Everywhere I go, people are always saying that I should leave for a proven franchise like the Lakers. I don’t mind, Its nice to feel appreciated by the people
here”
Whether he leaves for the bright lights of LA or stays in a championship contender like the Pacers, one thing’s for sure, with his hard work and dedication, he’ll have no problem dominating.