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NBA: Top 10 Active Players From Mid-Majors

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 30, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) fight for a loose ball during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Golden State won in overtime 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) fight for a loose ball during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Golden State won in overtime 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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July 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USA forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball against China in the first half during an exhibition basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USA forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball against China in the first half during an exhibition basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

School: Fresno State Bulldogs (Western Athletic Conference)
Position: Small Forward
Age: 26 (5/2/1990)
2015-16 Slash Line: .418/.371/.860
2015-16 Season Averages: 34.8 MPG, 23.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.6 3PM
Accolades: Most Improved Player (2013), 3x All-NBA Third Team, All-Defensive First Team, 2x All-Defensive Second Team, 3x All-Star

One could make a case that Paul George is already the best two-way player in Indiana Pacers history. That would only be accounting for the NBA years, but George’s defense compares to any and every contemporary great.

In recent seasons, the former Fresno State Bulldogs star has emerged as one of the best scorers in the NBA, as well.

During the 2016 NBA Playoffs, George averaged 27.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.6 3-point field goals made. He did so on an efficient slash line of .455/.419/.953 as he nearly led the Pacers to an upset of the No. 2 seed Toronto Raptors.

That was the solidification of George’s star status, as if his three All-NBA, All-Defensive Team, and All-Star Game appearances weren’t enough.

George’s status as a proven postseason performer provides significant elevation up these rankings. His regular season inefficiency has been an issue, but he’s nothing short of sensational in the playoffs.

With two Eastern Conference Finals appearances on his resume at 26 years of age, George is close to being great enough to win an NBA championship.

Next: Borderline Superstar