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NBA: 10 best players of calendar year 2019

By Josh Cornelissen

Toronto Raptors Kawhi Leonard Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo. Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
Toronto Raptors Kawhi Leonard Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo. Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /
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NBA LA Clippers Paul George
LA Clippers Paul George. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

7. Paul George, SG/SF, Oklahoma City Thunder/LA Clippers

The first player we come to who has changed teams during the year, Paul George brought top-10 level play to both of his teams this year. In Oklahoma City he was an offensive juggernaut, picking up Russell Westbrook’s slack and finishing top-three in MVP voting. A shoulder injury hampered his production in the postseason as the Thunder unraveled against the Portland Trail Blazers.

That MVP finish is not easily overlooked, as George was experiencing something of an offensive Renaissance, bombing often and accurately from deep. That production has carried over to his new team, and PG-13 ranks third in the league in points per game since the start of the year.

His sudden trade request and move to the LA Clippers moved him from a middling situation to a great one. After missing the start of the season due to injury he has returned and been excellent, cementing the Clippers’ status as a contender, and perhaps title favorite.

George rises above the players behind him on the list because of his two-way ability. Together with Kawhi Leonard and Patrick Beverley he forms the most terrifying wing defense in the league. Playing alongside Leonard he is unlikely to push much higher, but he is in the perfect place to maximize his efficiency and postseason impact en route to the first title of his career.