Thunderous Intentions
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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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Paul George strips the ball
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 10: OKC Thunder forward Paul George (13) and Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5) battle for a loose ball during the first quarter on October 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado at Pepsi Center. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

Defensive intensity

If you are unsure of PG’s ability to defend, check out his resume. Selected to the All-NBA First Team in 2014 and multiple selections to the All-NBA Second Team (2013, 2016), George is a defensive stud. At 6’9, 214 pounds and armed with exceptional athleticism, George is considered one of the toughest defenders in the league. Averaging a career 1.7 steals per game, his 6’11 wingspan and high IQ allows him to play the passing lanes effectively and force turnovers.

In the clip below, PG13 displays excellent instincts and positional awareness.

He is a perfect match with defensive minded players in Andre Roberson and Steven Adams in the starting line-up, forming a formidable defensive trio.

“We” defense

Its not very often Shaquille O’Neal says something intelligent, but Shaq-Fu makes an excellent point below.

(skip to 2.58)

Great teams know defense extends beyond steals, blocks and rebounds. It includes trapping players in double teams, niggling opposing players off the ball, employing active hands and offering help from the weak side when team mates are beaten off the dribble.

PG ticks all the boxes.

Related Story: George expects the Thunder to be a top defensive team

His commitment to defense should drive OKC to finally realize their potential. Oklahoma City has been one of the longest, most athletic teams in the league since their inception. Yet they have never had a top three defensive team. Melo and Westbrook have shown a willingness to defend in preseason. If they buy in whole heartedly, Oklahoma City has a real shot at ending the season as a top three defensive team.

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