Hoops Habit
Fansided

Prediction: Paul George Will Win MVP Next Year

By Sai Mohan

Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) hangs on the rim after dunking against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) hangs on the rim after dunking against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Paul George (13) is entering his prime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Paul George (13) is entering his prime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Taking It Up A Notch

Paul George is about to take his game to the next level. Historically, most wing players enter their prime post the age of 26. The likes of Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant are prime examples. All those players took it up a notch after their first 6-7 seasons in the league.

More from Indiana Pacers

Like Kawhi Leonard, scoring never came naturally to the Pacers forward. Having said that, George has improved leaps-and-bounds as a two-way player. He’s still not the most efficient shooter but George’s low usage rate and ability to thrive off the ball make him a coachable superstar.

Last year, he finished sixth in the league in three-point field goals made. He finished seventh in the league in points per game. This is the same player who in his sophomore season took less than 10 shots a game. By next season, George is projected to average between 25 and 27 points per game.

As stated before, James needs a foe in the East and George has never shied away from the challenge. During the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals, George averaged 24 points, five rebounds and four assists while James averaged 22.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

In 2014, James cited the ‘competitive’ aspect while addressing his blossoming rivalry with George.

"“I sent out that Instgram post when Paul George got hurt, saying, you know, I need him back on the court. I need it for our competitive games. I’m going to miss that. Paul George is one guy when he’s out on the floor you got to account for because he’s really good.”"

Last season, James didn’t get the best of Paul George. However, James will likely get his wish next year since there aren’t many wings in the East who can go toe-to-toe with the four-time MVP.

During the postseason, George reminded everyone that cohesive units enjoy solid regular seasons but superstars win playoff games. Those who saw George scorch the Raptors will know that the Pacers star is destined for great things next season.

More hoops habit: Indiana Pacers: 2016 Offseason Grades

Prediction: Indiana Pacers finish with the second seed (56-26) and Paul George wins the MVP. George will finish with a career-high tally of 26.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

Home/Indiana Pacers