Indiana Pacers: Paul George’s Stat Prediction

Defensive Prowess

Before the injury, George was known to be arguably the best perimeter defender in the league. The league itself agreed, naming him to NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2014. His relentless energy and anticipation would give the opposing team’s star player fits, and it’s not often you see a player with George’s ability on the offensive side give as much energy on the defensive side.

Next season, more of the same is expected from George. His skills defensively had a lot to do with his athleticism and instincts for sure, but there is also a huge part of film and studying your opponent’s game. Knowing what moves the other player likes to do and where he will look to create his own shots is huge when trying to gain the upper-hand defensively, and George is elite doing so.

One thing that will be interesting to see is how George will do guarding bigger players at power forward. If the other team keeps a big lineup in, he may struggle playing defense in the post. But in any other situation, George will shine just like he has his entire career.

With the small lineup and no real defensive presence in the paint (unless Myles Turner plays like he did in summer league), the Pacers’ options to gamble on a pass may be limited. George on the other hand is pretty efficient to when he is going to tip a pass, he’s more than likely going to come up with it. He will also be key conference match ups against teams like the Cavaliers and New York Knicks in trying to shut down LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

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