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Indiana Pacers: Paul George’s Stat Prediction

By Colby Giacubeno

Mar 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) reacts to scoring late in the game against the Golden State Warriors at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State defeats Indiana 98-96. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) reacts to scoring late in the game against the Golden State Warriors at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State defeats Indiana 98-96. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) acknowledges the fans as he checks into the game for the first time against the Miami Heat in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) acknowledges the fans as he checks into the game for the first time against the Miami Heat in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Production

It’s safe to assume that George won’t pick right up where he left off during the 2013-14 season. Even with the entire summer to continue rehabbing his leg, the mental scars may take a few games for George to put past him. That being said, he will still gain all the attention from opposing defenses from the get go.

The stats that will be examined are from the 2013-14 season. Due to the six-game sample George had last year, it’s not enough to judge just how great of a player he was becoming before the injury. In no way, he is a one-dimensional type of player on the offensive side of the floor. George can kill you from anywhere on the court and is able to adjust his style of attack to how the defense in playing him.

Although George will have his chances in isolation sets this season, there is a bigger concern with how he can play alongside George Hill and Monta Ellis. The Pacers have designed their roster in able to switch to the small-ball style of play, meaning George will see significant minutes at the power forward position. That being said, it leaves driving lanes for Hill and Ellis to attack for possible kick-outs to George on the perimeter.

In 2013-14, George knocked down 49 percent of his corner three’s. For the season, he shot 36.4 percent, which isn’t exactly lights out, but he has the ability to hit a couple in a hurry when he’s feeling it.

George will also look to take advantage of his athleticism and speed at the stretch four. In most situations, bigger players will be closing out on him while he gets kick-outs from the guards. It is then where he can use his quick first step to either pull up for a mid-range shot (in which he shot 39.2 percent), or drive all the way to the basket looking to finish at the rim (which he shot 59.7 percent).

Either way George looks to attack, there’s a good chance that the end result will be in some type of point productions for the Pacers. He also averaged 3.5 assists per game, so it isn’t like he doesn’t know how to get other players involved either.

Look for George to attempt more three’s than he did during the 2013-14 season, mostly because of the new offensive system being put into place. If he can improve his percentage even to the 38-39 range, it will open up endless driving opportunities for him.

Next: Defensive Prowess

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