The Philadelphia 76ers made waves this summer by landing Paul George with a hefty four-year, $212 million contract.
George, a seasoned veteran with 14 NBA seasons under his belt, brings an impressive resume to his fourth team.
The nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection has maintained a solid 20.8-point average throughout his career.
Friday night marked a pivotal moment as George donned the Sixers jersey for the first time, facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves at a neutral venue.
Joining a starting lineup that included Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, Caleb Martin, and Andre Drummond, George wasted no time showing why the 76ers invested so heavily in him.
Despite a 121-111 loss to the Timberwolves, George’s preseason debut was nothing short of spectacular.
He led the Sixers with 23 points, sinking 8 of 15 shots in his 26 minutes on the court.
His sharp-shooting was on full display as he knocked down four 3-pointers, while also contributing six rebounds and two assists.
Paul George’s first half in 76ers debut:
18 points
0 turnovers (!!!)
6/12 FG
4/8 3PPG-8 is COOKIN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dOJbgr85hV
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 12, 2024
The 76ers’ decision to sign George to a max deal wasn’t without risk.
His recent history of injuries – playing more than 56 games only once in the past five seasons – raised some concerns, especially considering Joel Embiid’s own injury track record.
However, the team recognized the need for another star player to compete in the fiercely competitive Eastern Conference.
With powerhouses like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers vying for dominance, the 76ers are banking on George to elevate their game.
If his preseason performance is any indication, it seems their gamble might just pay off, potentially propelling them into serious contention in the playoff-packed East.
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