Sixers Newcomer Paul George Already Being Forced To Shoulder Load: ‘I’ll Be Better’

November 8, 2024

It’s early days in Philadelphia, but Paul George’s return is already under the microscope, and for good reason. The 76ers, who are struggling to keep their heads above water with a 1-6 start, find themselves in dire need of a savior — and George is the guy thrust into that spotlight.

As Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer laid out, George is still shaking off the rust after a bone bruise kept him sidelined. But with Joel Embiid serving a suspension and Tyrese Maxey now nursing a hamstring injury, there’s no luxury of time for George to ease back in.

You could see the flashes of brilliance in his numbers: 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals across his first two games back. Those aren’t shabby at all, especially considering his recent layoff. A 7-for-9 shooting performance in Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers?

That’ll catch your eye. But as any veteran will tell you, the story goes beyond the box score. George’s 10 turnovers in two games speak louder than a smooth stat line. They tell you he’s still feeling out his handle, his timing, his chemistry with a team that desperately needs him at his sharpest.

And George isn’t shying away from that reality.

“I’m still trying to get my body back,” he said. “These are really, like, my first real, real, real live situations playing these games.”

It’s a clear nod to the pressure that’s already bearing down on his shoulders.

The Sixers are in rough shape, with their MVP center sidelined until Tuesday and not expected to play in back-to-back sets. George knows the weight of the ask, even if he’s not at 100%.

“I’ll be better,” he vowed.

That’s not just hope; that’s necessity if Philadelphia wants to pull itself out of the basement of the East.

So, the burden is clear, and the stakes are high. George has to turn this ship around—sooner rather than later. In Philly, patience is already running thin, and for Paul George, that means the time to be better is now.