Clippers starter perplexed at Stephen A. Smith's hot take on Paul George: "In what world is PG not a catch a shoot player"
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on “Get Up” that the Golden State Warriors could be interested in Paul George. The analyst said that the LA Clippers are only willing to give “PG-13” a three-year deal when George wants to get a max contract. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. might be one of the executives willing to offer the versatile forward that deal.
Stephen A. Smith, Windhorst’s colleague at the said network, saw a hiccup in the Dubs’ potential interest in the nine-time All-Star. Smith opined on “First Take” that George would potentially “disrupt” Golden State’s offense as he is not a “catch-and-shoot guy.”
Terance Mann, who has played his entire five-year career with Paul George, could not disagree more with Smith’s analysis. The Clippers shooting guard went on X, formerly Twitter, to comment:
“Wait in what world is PG not a catch a shoot player? I’m confused”
During his five-year stay in Hollywood, George is averaging 45.5% on catch-and-shoot attempts, including a career-best 47.1% last season, per StatMuse. For comparison, Steph Curry, the deadliest shooter the NBA has seen, is at 47.3% in his career. “PG-13” was a little more efficient than Curry last season as the Warriors superstar finished with a 45.0% clip.
Klay Thompson, the guy who is perhaps the best in league history at putting up buckets without any dribbles is a career 45.3% catch-and-shoot hitter. Considering Thompson's overall play last season, George will be an easy upgrade over him.
Unless he is playing through an injury, Paul George is likely to thrive in Steve Kerr’s system.
Stephen A. Smith is overlooking Paul George’s overall impact
If the Golden State Warriors acquire Paul George and his catch-and-shoot percentage significantly dips, he will still be effective. As badly as George might struggle, he will unlikely be worse than Draymond Green when it comes to shooting. Opponents have taken advantage of Green’s inept shooting, but Steve Kerr has raved about the forward’s value over the years.
George is a much better shooter than “Dray” and remains one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Kerr will relish putting him on the floor along with Green, Steph Curry and any two in the Warriors’ roster. If the former Indiana Pacers star takes over Klay Thompson’s shooting guard role, the Dubs may not miss a beat.
Stephen A. Smith probably underestimated Paul George’s value on both ends of the floor. If given the chance, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Steve Kerr will not make the same mistake.