Afrigather 
Featured Columnist IVOctober 12, 2024
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE through Getty Photographs
The Philadelphia 76ers misplaced Friday’s preseason sport in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-111, however the closing rating would not actually matter this time of yr.
However Paul George trying able to play a starring function for his new workforce does matter.
George completed with 23 factors, six rebounds, two assists and one steal whereas capturing 8-of-15 from the sphere and 4-of-9 from deep in his preseason debut. He led the 76ers in scoring with Joel Embiid sitting out, though Tyrese Maxey additionally impressed with 21 factors and two assists behind 7-of-14 capturing from the sphere and 4-of-7 from deep.
Philadelphia took an opportunity on George this offseason partially as a result of it believed he may thrive alongside Embiid and Maxey, and he did simply that subsequent to the guard Friday.
And social media had loads of response:
Josh Reynolds @JoshReynolds24
I do not assume individuals understand simply how large of a deal it’s that the Sixers changed Tobias Harris with Paul George
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
While you watch Paul George in particular person, you possibly can inform why so many younger guys emulate and idolize him. The ability degree is solely uncommon, mixed with the scale
Hoop Central @TheHoopCentral
Paul George tonight:
23 PTS – 6 REB – 53% FGTyrese Maxey tonight:
21 PTS – 50% FG – 4/7 3PMThis duo goes to be an issue. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mZjaTuSw2A
Paul Hudrick @PaulHudrick
Paul George tried eight threes within the first half. The man he is changing within the beginning lineup tried eight threes in a whole sport 4 instances final season.
Geo @sixersgeo
Paul George we pouring cheesesteak sauce on you goat
Kenlovehoops @Kenlovehoops
Paul George is the third choice btw
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey and Paul George have been very efficient of their run within the third quarter. It is simple to see how nicely George can complement each Maxey and Joel Embiid on the offensive finish. #Sixers
dazekobane @dazekobane
If Paul George continues to play like this … Groups could also be in hassle with Philly
There was a component of danger for the 76ers when it got here to signing George to a max deal this offseason. In spite of everything, he has performed greater than 56 video games only one time within the final 5 seasons, which is regarding since Embiid has additionally handled accidents so typically throughout his profession.
Nonetheless, the workforce wanted so as to add one other impression choice if it will compete with the likes of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and others in an Japanese Convention that’s notably deep with playoff threats.
George is a six-time All-NBA choice, nine-time All-Star and four-time All-Defensive choice who can guard a number of positions, assault the basket off the bounce and hit from past the arc when defenses collapse on Embiid and Maxey.
The 76ers will want him to play as much as his potential all through the season if they will dwell as much as expectations, and Friday’s preseason efficiency might be a touch at what’s to return.
