Paul George was probably the biggest surprise pick in the 2010 NBA Draft lottery, getting drafted by the Indiana Pacers at number 10. The 6’9” wing’s stock steadily climbed during the draft process, as his size and athleticism had GM’s raving.
Now that he has found a home with Indiana, he is looking to prove he was worthy of his selection. The Pacers are currently in the middle of the 2010 AirTran Airways Pro Summer League and George’s on court performance has been up and down. The flashes are there, but he’s yet to put together a complete game.
On Monday, the Pacers faced the Orlando Magic in their first game of the week, and George’s nerves were evident. The Pacers managed to win the game, but it was mostly due to fellow rookie Lance Stephenson’s outstanding play (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists). George finished with 12 points shooting a sub-par 29 percent from the floor.
“I had some nerves at first. But once the game got going and I was able to make a couple of plays running up and down the court a little the nerves eventually started to die out a little,” said George in his Indiana Pacers blog. “In the beginning, trying to find my place within the game, the nerves were going so I didn’t want to make too many mistakes or anything.”
In Day 2, the Pacers faced the Nets where George struggled from three-point range. He ended up missing all seven attempts, and has missed a total of eleven in a row. He’s having trouble adjusting, but that’s the purpose of summer league.
Tonight he’ll take on the Jazz in his third game in as many nights. There he’ll be matched up with Gordon Hayward, who went 9th to the Jazz. Many think Hayward lacks the athleticism to guard the elite wings, so expect George to be more aggressive as he gains confidence.
Click here to see Paul George’s latest post on his Indiana Pacers blog.
UPDATE: Since the original publish date of this article, Paul George and the Indiana Pacers beat the Utah Jazz 83—74 in Day 3 of the 2010 Orlando Summer League. George ended the game with 15 points and nine rebounds. He also broke his three-point miss streak, going one of two from long range.
Paul George was probably the biggest surprise pick in the 2010 NBA Draft lottery, getting drafted by the Indiana Pacers at number 10. The 6’9” wing’s stock steadily climbed during the draft process, as his size and athleticism had GM’s raving.
Now that he has found a home with Indiana, he is looking to prove he was worthy of his selection. The Pacers are currently in the middle of the 2010 AirTran Airways Pro Summer League and George’s on court performance has been up and down. The flashes are there, but he’s yet to put together a complete game.
On Monday, the Pacers faced the Orlando Magic in their first game of the week, and George’s nerves were evident. The Pacers managed to win the game, but it was mostly due to fellow rookie Lance Stephenson’s outstanding play (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists). George finished with 12 points shooting a sub-par 29 percent from the floor.
“I had some nerves at first. But once the game got going and I was able to make a couple of plays running up and down the court a little the nerves eventually started to die out a little,” said George in his Indiana Pacers blog. “In the beginning, trying to find my place within the game, the nerves were going so I didn’t want to make too many mistakes or anything.”
In Day 2, the Pacers faced the Nets where George struggled from three-point range. He ended up missing all seven attempts, and has missed a total of eleven in a row. He’s having trouble adjusting, but that’s the purpose of summer league.
Tonight he’ll take on the Jazz in his third game in as many nights. There he’ll be matched up with Gordon Hayward, who went 9th to the Jazz. Many think Hayward lacks the athleticism to guard the elite wings, so expect George to be more aggressive as he gains confidence.
Click here to see Paul George’s latest post on his Indiana Pacers blog.
UPDATE: Since the original publish date of this article, Paul George and the Indiana Pacers beat the Utah Jazz 83—74 in Day 3 of the 2010 Orlando Summer League. George ended the game with 15 points and nine rebounds. He also broke his three-point miss streak, going one of two from long range.