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Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-22 season: 20-11

By Corey Rausch

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts in the second half of game five of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 123-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts in the second half of game five of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 123-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players ranked: 12. Paul George

Previous Rank: 22

Long mocked for giving himself a regrettable nickname and seemingly being one of the least self-aware players in the league, Paul George was able to rewrite his own narrative last season. Kawhi Leonard missing much of the postseason and will miss most if not all of this season as well. Now is George’s time to shine. If last season was an indication, the LA Clippers are in for some fun.

George was the best player for the Clippers for the majority of last season. He settled in with solid numbers, averaging 23.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He drilled 41.1 percent of his shots from distance and fit the role of leader better than any of his doubters could ever have imagined. Then in the postseason, he was even better.

While pushing the Clippers to their first Conference Finals appearance in franchise history, George averaged 26.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game. This will need to be the level of play he shows this season if the Clippers hope to make any sort of noise without Leonard this season. While that standard is quite high, at this point George finally feels like he is home. That level of comfort can go a long way.