"PG as in pretty good" - Skip Bayless mocks Paul George for losing his 'killer will' with age following 9x All-Star's move to 76ers
Paul George being acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers to be paired alongside 2023 MVP Joel Embiid and promising guard Tyrese Maxey, has been one of the most talked about storylines in the offseason. However, NBA analyst Skip Bayless isn't fully convinced about the move when George's capabilities on the basketball court are compared to the rest of the elites in the league.
In the 14 seasons he's played in the league, the Sixers forward has been an All-Star nine times in his career and has made the All-Defensive First Team twice. However, he has come up short in getting past the third round of the playoffs and the second round during his tenure with the LA Clippers.
The "Undisputed" host shared his comments on his "The Skip Bayless Show" which he later uploaded on X and YouTube.
"...He's just not that guy," Bayless said. "He's not a superstar. He's just a star. ... He was one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. ... He's not that anymore on defense. ... What he is, is just PG, as in pretty good. The problem with Paul George is he has no killer will to him. ..."
There's no denying that George is still one of the best two-way players in the league today. However, Bayless pointed out that he has not been the same defender compared to his time playing for the Indiana Pacers. According to him, Father Time might have played a role, but he pointed out that his effectiveness on the court has dwindled over the years.
Compared to his peers such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, George has not taken the next leap many envisioned he would take as an NBA star.
NBA analyst sees the incredible winning potential with the addition of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers
In an episode of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" that was released on July 2, Smith credited the move made by the 76ers' front office as he viewed Paul George as a proper complementary piece to Embiid and Maxey.
"(2:37) ...your third wheel is a perennial All-Star in Paul George, who just finished averaging 22 a game," Smith said, "... Paul George doesn't have the kind of ego that will have a cancerous effect on the franchise. He fits with Joel Embiid. He fits with Tyrese Maxey, not to mention the fact he's defensive prowess ... so you elevate your level of defense ..."
He acknowledged that not only did Philadelphia improve at the wing position, compared to the kind of production Tobias Harris was providing, but their level of defense would also take a leap upon his arrival.
For any chance that the 76ers get the better of the reigning defending champions Boston Celtics, they must have a reliable wing defender who could still be called upon to convert big-time shots.
At the same time, it remains to be seen how the fit will work once the 2024-25 regular season commences.