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Paul George Player Preview: The Thunder’s jack of all trades

By Lawrence George

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 10: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder drives to the basket against Wilson Chandler #21 of the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on October 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 10: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder drives to the basket against Wilson Chandler #21 of the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on October 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 10: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on October 10, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 10: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on October 10, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder have never had a two-way player quite like Paul George. After impressive showings in preseason, PG13 looks every bit of a max contract player. With plenty on the line, George will look to pace the Thunder on both sides of the ball.

Paul George is a legitimate two-way star. Touted as a defensive minded shooting guard, few predicted PG to blossom into the offensive force he is today. George’s cool, calm and collected demeanor is the perfect complement to Russell Westrbook‘s rage and aggression.

His willingness to operate off the ball is crucial to OKC’s success as both Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony are ball dominant players. We have all heard the noise regarding their fit, but if preseason is any indication they’ll be just fine by the end of the regular season.

The Thunder’s success rides largely on how George adapts to his new role. Is he the second banana on offense or the third? This is Westbrook’s team and he won’t be “the man” here. However, his game bridges the gap between Russ’ drive heavy offense and Anthony’s jump shooting prowess. PG actually plays defense regularly – I suspect Westbrook and Melo will lock in on defense more than ever because of his presence.

Lets take a look at what PG13 will bring this season and how his play will facilitate success for OKC.

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