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NBA Player Power Rankings: Mid-March MVP Rankings

By Maxwell Ogden

May 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) defends in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) defends in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) calls a play on the court in the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana Pacers beat the Charlotte Hornets 98-77.Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) calls a play on the court in the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana Pacers beat the Charlotte Hornets 98-77.Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Position: Small Forward
Age: 26 (5/2/1990)
Experience: 7th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .451/.386/.924
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.4 MPG, 22.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.4 3PM

Paul George has suffered a statistical decline from 2015-16 to 2016-17, but that’s all relative. He’s producing lower numbers across the board, but he’s also putting forth the most efficient scoring season of his seven-year career.

This past week, George reminded the masses of how dominant he can be when he’s focused, aggressive, and in tune with the system.

George began this past week by recording 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and three steals against the Milwaukee Bucks. He followed with 28 points and 10 rebounds during a win over the Miami Heat, and tallied 22 points and 10 boards against the New York Knicks.

What pushed George into the Top 20, however, was his performance against the Charlotte Hornets: 39 points on 15-of-21 shooting from the field.

With Indiana back above .500, George is in control of his own destiny. Playing up to his All-NBA standards would entail helping the Pacers get back into the playoffs, and at that point, anything is possible for a player who’s already made two Eastern Conference Finals appearances.

George had trouble adjusting to the new system early in 2016-17, but he appears to be coming into his own under head coach Nate McMillan.