Pacers ganna give Paul George give 5 years 90 million....

[magnifier661]

I did not bump this thread

I simply read though it and laughed at the posts that concerned me and my posts. People bump threads all the time to say to the forum "I told you so" You have done it yourself. why is that ok, but responding to a thread bumped by someone else and saying I told you so is bad? Is it because you were wrong this time?

Long before you posted your banter, I posted this….

I will openly admit that I was dead wrong about George.

Obviously, you are dead set to seek out the "OMG everyone is against me" and call everyone out. Grow some fucking skin brother!

 

[Hobbesarable]

After last night, I'd say Paul George is definitely a max. contract player, is a bargain at 5 years for $90 million and Indiana was smart to lock him up long term.

The guy is only 23, one of the top 5 players in the game and getting better FAST. I know it as just one game, but what he did last night impressed me more than anything I've seen Kevin Durant do. Based on body of work, Durant is still the better player, but George is gaining on him fast and it's closer than most people think.

What impressed me most about George isn't how good he is, it's that he's this good and getting better at a very rapid rate. Those 3s he hit last night with Wes draped all over him weren't just a guy getting hot, they were EXACTLY what he worked on over the summer - getting his shot off late in the game when the defense is targeting him and trying to lock him down. He saw LeBron do it in the Eastern Conference finals and said, "Hey, if we are going to win a title, I NEED to be able to do that, too." He worked on it in the off season, a we all saw the results last night - FIVE 3-pointers in the last 2:39 with the defense TOTALLY focused on him. He's not just good at it, he's VERY, VERY good at it.

So, hypothetical question, if you were building a team today, who would be the first player you'd take? LeBron is clearly the best player in the world, and if I was building a team to win a championship this year, he'd be my first choice. But, he'll turn 30 by the end of the month and his game relies on his freakish combination of size, strength and freakish athleticism. He's proven he's durable and I'm sure he has several good years left. But, if I was looking to win multiple titles over the next decade, Paul George would certainly get strong consideration as the player I'd want to build my team around.

Kevin Durant would also be in that conversation. He's only a year and a half older than George, but he seems to have plateaued, while George just keeps getting better. Durant's ppg and PER are both currently higher than George's, but they haven't really improved over the last four seasons. George's ppg and PER both continue to skyrocket:

Paul George (Regular Season):
2010-11: 7.8 ppg, PER = 13.0
2011-12: 12.1 ppg, PER = 16.5
2012-13: 17.4 ppg, PER = 16.8
2013-14: 24.9 ppg, PER = 24.7

And, his improvement during the post season is even more impressive:

Paul George (Post Season):
2010-11: 6.0 ppg, PER = 10.0
2011-12: 9.7 ppg, PER = 12.5
2012-13: 19.2 ppg, PER = 16.6

The guy is literally getting better by the month. His 2012-13 post season numbers were significantly better than his 2012-13 regular season numbers. And now, his 2013-14 regular season number are significantly better than his 2012-13 playoff numbers.

And George is a MUCH better defender than Durant. Last year, at the age of 22, he led the entire NBA in Defensive Win Shares and was 2nd Team All-Defense. This season, he is once again leading the league in Defensive Win Share.

This guy is scary good at both ends of the court and getting better at an amazing rate.

BNM

He's currently on the Brandon Roy trajectory and a lot of people considered him a superstar.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Long before you posted your banter, I posted this….



Obviously, you are dead set to seek out the "OMG everyone is against me" and call everyone out. Grow some fucking skin brother!

My parents will just cut it off like they did when I was a baby

 

[magnifier661]

My parents will just cut it off like they did when I was a baby

Lmao!!!

 

[THE HCP]

They can have him and pay him the max! He has stepped his game up for sure. Still happy with a beast of a PF/PG and 11M "George Lite" Nic.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Blind squirrel and all that

Well, it's only 18 games in...

 

[magnifier661]

Well, it's only 18 games in...

You've been really on your game.

 

[Boob-No-More]

They can have him and pay him the max! He has stepped his game up for sure. Still happy with a beast of a PF/PG and 11M "George Lite" Nic.

Wow, really??? I LOVE Nic and I'm happy he's on our team, but I'd gladly trade him straight up for Paul George, even with his bigger contract, 1 million out of 1 million times. Nic is arguably the 3rd or 4th best player on this team. Paul George would be the best player on this team. Hell, he'd be the best player on about 26 or 27 of the teams in the league right now - and he's only 23 and plays great defense.

BNM

 

[THE HCP]

Wow, really??? I LOVE Nic and I'm happy he's on our team, but I'd gladly trade him straight up for Paul George, even with his bigger contract, 1 million out of 1 million times. Nic is arguably the 3rd or 4th best player on this team. Paul George would be the best player on this team. Hell, he'd be the best player on about 26 or 27 of the teams in the league right now - and he's only 23 and plays great defense.

BNM

I think Nic fits the chemistry here. I know talent usually prevails, but chemistry is a HUGE part of it.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Wow, really??? I LOVE Nic and I'm happy he's on our team, but I'd gladly trade him straight up for Paul George, even with his bigger contract, 1 million out of 1 million times. Nic is arguably the 3rd or 4th best player on this team. Paul George would be the best player on this team. Hell, he'd be the best player on about 26 or 27 of the teams in the league right now - and he's only 23 and plays great defense.

BNM

I've been one on Nic's biggest fans and was fully in support of matching the contract offer by the wolves. But I've got to agree with BNM, George is on a different level than Batum.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

I think Nic fits the chemistry here. I know talent usually prevails, but chemistry is a HUGE part of it.

What a crock of shit.

 

[BBert]

I've been a Batum fanboy since his first pre-season game at the Rose Garden. He's giving us exactly what I'd always hoped. But, yeah, I'd 'rather' have George over Batum at their respective salaries. Since that was never an option, I'm glad we still have Batum. Hibbert is the one that got away.

 

[OSUBlazerfan]

Comparing Batum to George? Hahahahaha

Thats like comparing Ryan Tannehill to Russell Wilson

 

[PapaG]

Like last year when he averaged 19/7/5

He crapped the bed in Game 7 against Miami and basically disappeared. He still has a lot to prove in the playoffs, but his improvement so far this year from last year is simply amazing. Rarely does a player who looks to be a 16-18 PER guy explode up to a 25. I wonder if he'll regress to his mean as the season develops. His history would suggest that he's not a 25 PER player over the course of a season. He's only at a 16.8 career PER right now, and that's with his hot start to this season.

 

[Boob-No-More]

I think Nic fits the chemistry here. I know talent usually prevails, but chemistry is a HUGE part of it.

Seriously, chemistry will only get you so far. Would you take Nic over LeBron?

When you combine his offense (4th in scoring) and defense (led the league in Defensive Win Shares at 22) and age, you'd be hard pressed to find 5 players in the world better than Paul George right now.

It's a moot point, but you don't turn down that kind of talent because someone else is a good guy and liked by his teammates. The NBA is a start driven league and Paul George is a star who is just starting to shine. He will only get better.

BNM

 

[Boob-No-More]

He crapped the bed in Game 7 against Miami and basically disappeared.

So did George Hill and David West. At least Paul George was still rebounding and handing out assists...

He still has a lot to prove in the playoffs, but his improvement so far this year from last year is simply amazing. Rarely does a player who looks to be a 16-18 PER guy explode up to a 25. I wonder if he'll regress to his mean as the season develops. His history would suggest that he's not a 25 PER player over the course of a season. He's only at a 16.8 career PER right now, and that's with his hot start to this season.

But, it's not unusual for a young player to show significant improvement about 200 games into their NBA career. There are plenty of examples of "late" bloomers who saw significant improvement from PERs in the mid-teens to mid-twenties at similar stages in their careers (John Stockton, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitski, Jermaine O'Neal, Scottie Pippen, etc.), but given his young age and lack of significant college experience, I'd equate Paul George's development as similar to guys like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett that went straight from high school to the NBA. Even guys like Kevin Durant (PER = 15.8 as a rookie, 26.2 in his 3rd season) and Derrick Rose, who had a year of significant college experience, saw their PERs rise from mid-teens to mid-twenties from their 1st to 3rd season's in the league. And while his rise wasn't as meteoric s Paul George's, Brandon Roy saw his PER jump from 18.0 to 19.4 to 24.0 over the first three years of his NBA career. And, Roy had 4 years of major college experience, was much older than George and was thought to be NBA ready with little upside when he was drafted.

Will George maintain his PER = 24.7 for the entire season? Perhaps not, but this kid has talent and a great work ethic. His improvement is not completely out of line with other players of similar age and talent. He's going to be a superstar for years to come.

BNM

 

[PapaG]

So did George Hill and David West. At least Paul George was still rebounding and handing out assists...

Nobody is saying that Hill or West are max contract/MVP-type players.

But, it's not unusual for a young player to show significant improvement about 200 games into their NBA career. There are plenty of examples of "late" bloomers who saw significant improvement from PERs in the mid-teens to mid-twenties at similar stages in their careers (John Stockton, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitski, Jermaine O'Neal, Scottie Pippen, etc.), but given his young age and lack of significant college experience, I'd equate Paul George's development as similar to guys like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett that went straight from high school to the NBA. Even guys like Kevin Durant (PER = 15.8 as a rookie, 26.2 in his 3rd season) and Derrick Rose, who had a year of significant college experience, saw their PERs rise from mid-teens to mid-twenties from their 1st to 3rd season's in the league. And while his rise wasn't as meteoric s Paul George's, Brandon Roy saw his PER jump from 18.0 to 19.4 to 24.0 over the first three years of his NBA career. And, Roy had 4 years of major college experience, was much older than George and was thought to be NBA ready with little upside when he was drafted.

Will George maintain his PER = 24.7 for the entire season? Perhaps not, but this kid has talent and a great work ethic. His improvement is not completely out of line with other players of similar age and talent. He's going to be a superstar for years to come.

BNM

We'll see. I have a hard time anointing a guy as a superstar after an 18-game hot streak that is at a level high above his previous 3 years in the league. By superstar, I mean LeBron James/Kevin Durant/Tim Duncan/Chris Paul level, and not a 'superstar' like Deron Williams or Paul Pierce.

That said, his improvement over one summer has been a joy to watch, because after Game 7 last year, I didn't think much of him.

 

[noknobs]

We'll see. I have a hard time anointing a guy as a superstar after an 18-game hot streak that is at a level high above his previous 3 years in the league. By superstar, I mean LeBron James/Kevin Durant/Tim Duncan/Chris Paul level, and not a 'superstar' like Deron Williams or Paul Pierce.

That said, his improvement over one summer has been a joy to watch, because after Game 7 last year, I didn't think much of him.

His ppg average has gone 7.8, 12.1, 17.4 and so far 24.9. It's not hard to tell he's improved drastically every year to date. This isn't just an 18-game hot streak.

He was an NBA all-star, the NBA Most Improved Player, All-NBA Third Team and NBA All-Defensive Second team (meaning he's excellent at both ends of the floor). That was last year. He's 23. Everything points to him being a budding super-star, and nothing suggests otherwise.

 

[Boob-No-More]

That said, his improvement over one summer has been a joy to watch, because after Game 7 last year, I didn't think much of him.

Too bad you are basing so much of you're opinion on such a small sample size. LeBron had trouble closing out game 7s early in his career, too. What did you think of his performance in game 6? Without out him there wouldn't have even been a game 7.

Did you watch the game last night? As I said in my first post, that wasn't just a shooter getting hot. His performance last night can be directly attributed to the work he put in over the summer. And, that's what impresses me the most. The kid was an all-star, 3rd team all-NBA and 2nd team all-defense at 22. A lot of guys would be happy with that and might let up a bit. In George's case, he seems more driven than ever to keep improving.

BNM

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Too bad you are basing so much of your opinion on such a small sample size. LeBron had trouble closing out game 7s early in his career, too. What did you think of his performance in game 6? Without out him there wouldn't have even been a game 7.

Did you watch the game last night? As I said in my first post, that wasn't just a shooter getting hot. His performance last night can be directly attributed to the work he put in over the summer. And, that's what impresses me the most. The kid was an all-star, 3rd team all-NBA and 2nd team all-defense at 22. A lot of guys would be happy with that and might let up a bit. In George's case, he seems more driven than ever to keep improving.

BNM

I corrected BNM!!!!

 

[Boob-No-More]

I corrected BNM!!!!

Fuck, I must now hang my head in shame and lurk anonymously on the board. Or, maybe I'll just change my username and pretend I'm not me. Maybe something like BoobGrantFan or Booblito.

BNM

 

[BBert]

Fuck, I must now hang my head in shame and lurk anonymously on the board. Or, maybe I'll just change my username and pretend I'm not me. Maybe something like BoobGrantFan or Booblito.

BNM

 

[PapaG]

Too bad you are basing so much of you're opinion on such a small sample size. LeBron had trouble closing out game 7s early in his career, too. What did you think of his performance in game 6? Without out him there wouldn't have even been a game 7.

Did you watch the game last night? As I said in my first post, that wasn't just a shooter getting hot. His performance last night can be directly attributed to the work he put in over the summer. And, that's what impresses me the most. The kid was an all-star, 3rd team all-NBA and 2nd team all-defense at 22. A lot of guys would be happy with that and might let up a bit. In George's case, he seems more driven than ever to keep improving.

BNM

I thought a guy with a 16.6 PER in the playoffs and a 16.8 PER in the regular season was being overhyped. I don't think that's a completely invalid opinion. I want to wait and see how this season goes for him before I crown him a superstar. Those shots he was pulling out of his ass last night were an anomaly. As I said, he's fun to watch, but he took 30 shots, with half of them being 3 pointers. I'd let him to shoot those guarded threes all game long.

 

[Boob-No-More]

I thought a guy with a 16.6 PER in the playoffs and a 16.8 PER in the regular season was being overhyped. I don't think that's a completely invalid opinion. I want to wait and see how this season goes for him before I crown him a superstar. Those shots he was pulling out of his ass last night were an anomaly. As I said, he's fun to watch, but he took 30 shots, with half of them being 3 pointers. I'd let him to shoot those guarded threes all game long.

So, the guy who was selected to the all-star game by the coaches, voted 3rd team all-NBA, Most Improved Player and 2nd team all-defense is overhyped? And those votes were cast by people more knowledgeable than you or I. Keep in mind, he led the entire NBA in defensive win shares last season. But that was last season, he vastly improved this year.

Those shots he made last night weren't an anomaly. He's a very good shooter. His current FG% is .476, which is great considering how many 3-pointers he takes. He's 4th in the league in ppg and 7th in PER. He's 11th in the league in offensive win shares, once again leads the league in defensive win shares is second in the league, trailing only LeBron James in total win shares and 3rd in WS/48 (trailing only LeBron and CP3) and doing it while leading his team to the best record in the league. His advanced stats at 82games.com are equally impressive - more so actually. Thanks to his great defense, he has the 4th highest Net Production and the highest Simple Rating in the entire league. His own PER at small forward is 24.4 and he holds his opponents to PER = 9.7.

That begs the question, what exactly is your definition of a superstar?

BNM

 

[Run BJM]

I thought a guy with a 16.6 PER in the playoffs and a 16.8 PER in the regular season was being overhyped. I don't think that's a completely invalid opinion. I want to wait and see how this season goes for him before I crown him a superstar. Those shots he was pulling out of his ass last night were an anomaly. As I said, he's fun to watch, but he took 30 shots, with half of them being 3 pointers. I'd let him to shoot those guarded threes all game long.

Have you seen him play before last night? He DOES hit crazy, clutch fucking shots. Last night was incredible, but I've seen him hit several similar ridiculous 3 pters at the end of games just in the couple of playoff series I've seen of his.

I was saying from the beginning of this thread (gotta get my poster cred since this shiet got bumped) that when you see George play you can just tell hes a star even if the numbers make him look Rudy Gay-esque. Put down the ESPN PER rankings and watch the games.

 

[Boob-No-More]

And the accolades just keep coming...

Evidently, everyone but PapaG got the memo: Paul George is a superstar and one of the best players in the league.

BNM

 

[Draco]

I think Nic fits the chemistry here. I know talent usually prevails, but chemistry is a HUGE part of it.

Its doesn't make sense that you say statements like this but project us to only have 46 wins even after our win streak.

 

[Draco]

That said, his improvement over one summer has been a joy to watch, because after Game 7 last year, I didn't think much of him.

What a stupid opinion. Kevin Durant/Duncan/Parker never won playoff series against the Heat either. Only one team wins a title. Were you one of the idiots who though LeBron was disappointing in Cleveland because he didn't carry a team by himself to a title?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Evidently, everyone but PapaG got the memo: Paul George is a superstar and one of the best players in the league.

BNM

There can only be one "PG". Papa's clearly not OK with the trademark infringement.

 

[Voodoo]

He crapped the bed in Game 7 against Miami and basically disappeared. He still has a lot to prove in the playoffs, but his improvement so far this year from last year is simply amazing. Rarely does a player who looks to be a 16-18 PER guy explode up to a 25. I wonder if he'll regress to his mean as the season develops. His history would suggest that he's not a 25 PER player over the course of a season. He's only at a 16.8 career PER right now, and that's with his hot start to this season.

PapaG I think I may be misunderstanding, but aren't you saying that through the first 18 games of this season where PG is playing at a 24+ PER too small of a sample size to judge whether he is a superstar or not? But you're counter argument for why he is not a superstar is merely a single game, IE game 7 of last years ECF? Isn't 1 game an even smaller sample size than 18? Shouldn't the 18 games where he is averaging a 24+ PER weigh higher than a single game?