In the final installment of OKC Thunder Preseason Previsions; TI examines how injuries could result in Paul George winning the NBA’s most coveted award.
OKC Thunder forward Paul George has never been a true MVP candidate, his highest finish in voting, was ninth in 2013-14. However, thanks to a perfect storm that narrative could change this season for PG. Russell Westbrook and Andre Roberson are both out indefinitely. Russ is set to be reevaluated on October 10, with no guarantee of being cleared. Whereas, Roberson has no confirmed public timetable at this time.
Due to the Thunder’s starting backcourt being injured George will have an opportunity to carry the team both offensively and defensively. Assuming that, Westbrook and Roberson miss extended time. George has the pedigree and experience to carry a team, given his history in Indiana. The question is, does George have what it takes to carry a team in a stacked Western Conference? The answer could be revealed on October 16, 2018.
Paul George on returning to Oklahoma City in free agency: “In a sense, I can go back to just playing ball and enjoying the game.”
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) September 24, 2018
Deja Vu for Thunder Nation
The last time Oklahoma City had an MVP not named Westbrook, is when Kevin Durant won the award in 2014. Coincidentally, Westbrook had a left knee procedure ahead of training camp during the 2013-14 season also, forcing Westbrook to miss the first two games of the regular season.
Those were not the only games Westbrook missed, the Brodie had another knee left knee procedure in December 2013, forcing him to miss 27 consecutive games. During those 27 games, Durant was magnificent, which pushed KD to the forefront of the MVP conversation.
If George can put together his own MVP stretch, perhaps he too can force his name into the MVP discussion.