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NBA Player Power Rankings: Dark Horse MVP Candidates Emerge

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 31, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after a shot during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after a shot during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 29, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Position: Small Forward
Age: 26 (5/2/1990)
Experience: 7th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .451/.385/.926
2016-17 Season Average: 35.7 MPG, 22.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.3 3PM

Paul George has been on the outside looking in of the Top 20 for the entirety of 2016-17. Clearly a Top 20 player on talent and resume alone, George’s inconsistency has been the story of the regular season for George and the Indiana Pacers.

As George has stabilized his efforts, so too have the Pacers, which are now 26-22 and riding a four-game winning streak.

George scored at least 30 points in three of the Pacers’ four wins, as well as four straight games in general. He put up 32 point and five assists in a 109-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves that snapped Indiana’s three-game losing streak.

George then poured in 33 points in a 115-111 victory over the Sacramento Kings, and posted 33 points and nine rebounds in a signature win over the Houston Rockets.

George struggled in Indiana’s final outing of the week, but stepped up defensively to help his team win. Indiana is now back in the hunt for a Top 4 seed and sits just 4.5 games back of the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Myles Turner grades better in the advanced metrics, but it’s George who commands double teams and closes out games for the 26-22 Pacers.