NBA Player Power Rankings: Draymond Green Surging

7. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Last Rank: No. 10

Position: Forward

Age: 25

Slash Line: .418/.401/.839

Season Averages: 35.8 MPG, 24.6 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.1 ORPG, 3.9 APG, 1.7 SPG, 3.1 3PM

December was as rough a month for Paul George as November was brilliant. He still posted strong numbers, but the two-time All-NBA honoree converted just 37.1 percent of his field goal attempts and committed 3.9 turnovers per game.

It’s been less than a handful of games, but George has already begun to right the ship in the New Year.

Starting with a 31-point eruption on 8-of-13 shooting on New Year’s Eve, George has begun to find his MVP-caliber form again. He dropped 32 points and 14 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons, and added another 32 in a three-point loss to the Miami Heat.

Three straight 30-point games can go a long way towards silencing critics.

George followed that stretch by posting 20 points on 5-of-13 shooting against the Orlando Magic. All things considered, he proved that December was simply a rough month that fails to represent what promises to be a sensational season.

George was a legitimate MVP candidate after November, and he’s on pace to return to that standing if he can continue to perform at this level.

Next: Mr. West Was Right After All