Career Low: What’s Wrong with Paul George This Season?

Paul George has long been regarded as one of the most versatile two-way players in the NBA. A perennial All-Star with a smooth offensive game and elite defensive instincts, George has built a reputation as a reliable contributor on teams with championship aspirations. However, his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers is painting a drastically different picture. The 34-year-old forward has struggled mightily, and his recent performances are raising serious concerns about whether these issues are temporary or indicative of a more permanent decline.

A Tough Night in Boston

In the 76ers’ Christmas Day showdown against the Boston Celtics, George’s struggles were once again on full display. Philadelphia managed to pull off an impressive 118-114 road victory, but George’s individual performance left much to be desired. Playing 34 minutes, he shot a woeful 4-for-15 from the field, including 0-for-7 from three-point range, finishing with just 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

While George showed flashes of his defensive prowess—limiting Al Horford and Jaylen Brown to a combined 1-for-6 shooting when matched up against them—his offensive production was abysmal. In the second half, George failed to make a single field goal, going 0-for-7 from the floor. His -16 plus/minus rating was the worst among all 76ers players, and the team managed to outscore the Celtics by 20 points in the 14 minutes he spent on the bench.

A Broader Struggle

George’s subpar performance in Boston is not an isolated incident. Over the last five games, the 76ers have gone 4-1, but George has been a shadow of his former self. Excluding a strong showing against the Charlotte Hornets—where he shone in front of his admirer, rookie Brandon Miller—George has averaged just 11.8 points on 29% shooting from the field and a dreadful 16% from beyond the arc. His true shooting percentage over this stretch is a dismal 38.7%.

Looking at the season as a whole, George’s numbers are equally concerning. In 18 games, he is averaging 15.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting 40.6% from the field, 31.0% from three-point range, and 80.4% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage is 51.5%, a far cry from his career average and a sharp decline from last season, when he posted a stellar 61.3%.

Comparing to Past Seasons

For context, George’s performance this season marks a significant drop-off from his usual standards. Last season with the Clippers, he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 47.1% from the field, 41.3% from three, and 90.7% from the free-throw line. His offensive box plus/minus (OBPM) was +2.9, compared to -0.2 this season. During his peak years with the Thunder, George’s OBPM soared as high as +5.6.

High-efficiency scorers like George rarely see such drastic declines without underlying causes, and his struggles have undoubtedly impacted the 76ers. When George is on the court, Philadelphia scores just 103 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 107.8, resulting in a net rating of -4.8. In the minutes he’s off the floor, the team fares slightly better, scoring 108 points per 100 possessions and posting a net rating of -4.5.

Is Age Catching Up?

At 34 years old, George is no longer in the prime of his career, and age-related decline is an inevitable reality for all athletes. However, the speed and severity of George’s downturn this season are startling, particularly given the context of his contract. The 76ers signed George to a four-year, $212 million maximum contract in the offseason, a deal that will pay him $54.1 million at age 36 and $56.6 million at age 37. Critics of the deal questioned the risk of committing such a significant investment to a player of George’s age, and the early returns on that gamble have not been encouraging.

Signs of Hope?

Despite the alarming numbers, it’s too early to write George off entirely. Shooting slumps are not uncommon, even for the league’s best players, and George has a track record of bouncing back from adversity. His defensive effort remains strong, and his basketball IQ ensures that he can still contribute in ways that go beyond scoring.

The 76ers, currently sitting at 11-17 and 11th in the Eastern Conference, still have time to find their rhythm. With Tyrese Maxey emerging as a star, Joel Embiid playing through pain to lead the team, and role players like Cody Martin stepping up in big moments, the team has shown glimpses of its potential. If George can rediscover his offensive touch, the 76ers could become a dangerous playoff contender.

A Critical Season for George and the 76ers

For Paul George, this season is about more than individual redemption—it’s about legacy. Despite his numerous accolades, including multiple All-NBA selections, George has yet to win an NBA championship. Philadelphia’s front office signed him with the hope that his experience and scoring ability would help push the team to its first Finals appearance since 2001.

If George can regain his form, he could still play a pivotal role in making that dream a reality. However, if his struggles persist, the 76ers will face tough questions about the direction of their franchise and the wisdom of their investment. For now, all eyes are on George as he fights to prove that he can still be the star player his team desperately needs.