The Indiana Pacers have won seven consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NBA right now. They have claimed the seventh place in the East after spending most of the year out of the playoff picture, something that wasn't expected since superstar Paul George was supposed to be out all season after breaking a leg during his time with Team USA this past summer. Since then, George has made strides in his recovery and mentioned that he could be ready to return sooner than expected.
Paul George is worried he’d ‘slow down’ Pacers by returning this season
George is afraid that he won’t be able to perform at a high level on the defensive end.
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Adding a player of his talent to a team that is already clicking could only make the Pacers more dangerous, right? Not according to George, who recently said to the Indianapolis Star that he is “on the fence” about playing this season:
“Part of me is (thinking), they’re playing so well, they’ve come together, to shake up the chemistry and add another body, another player in there ... I don’t want to be that guy that destroys what these guys have going.”
It's possible George is hesitant because the Pacers had chemistry issues in the past after making mid-season additions, most notably the bad experiences with Andrew Bynum and Evan Turner. While the core remains the same, Indiana has added some players that haven't played with George. During the seven-game streak, the team has relied on balanced scoring spearheaded by the superlative play of newcomer Rodney Stuckey. Adding another wing that needs touches could disrupt the flow of the offense.
Yet it’s actually defense that is George’s biggest concern.
“Defensively, these guys have been special the past month,” George said. “So that’s where I think the confidence will have to come from, where I can be thrown out there and not miss a beat with these guys.”
The Pacers truly have been great on defense, regaining the edge on that end that made them a contender in years past. During the streak, they have allowed under 90 points per 100 possessions, a terrific mark that would lead the league if sustained. George was one of the league’s best defensive players when healthy but he might not have his strength and quickness fully back yet.
Paul says his pain is “minimal” and has been optimistic about returning in March in the past, so this change of heart is surprising but understandable. He hasn’t made any definitive decisions yet, but this is a sign he might take his time in the end. Hopefully he continues to progress and reassesses his decision, because the NBA is better off with Paul George on the court.
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