The Fastest Decline in the NBA? Just How Bad Has Paul George Been This Season?

Paul George, once considered one of the most reliable two-way stars in the league, is now facing a wave of criticism like never before. Entering the All-Star break, his performance has been underwhelming, to say the least. While injuries have played a role in his struggles, fans and analysts alike are questioning whether he can still be the player the Philadelphia 76ers expected when they handed him a four-year, $212 million contract.

A Nightmare Performance Before the Break

The tipping point for George’s critics came in the final game before the All-Star break, when the 76ers faced off against the Brooklyn Nets. With both Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey sidelined, this was supposed to be George’s moment to shine. Instead, he delivered one of the worst performances of his career.

In 36 minutes, George shot 1-for-7 from the field, 0-for-5 from beyond the arc, and finished with just 2 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. While his defense remained solid (2 steals, 3 blocks, and a team-high +8 plus-minus), his complete lack of offensive impact was jarring.

To put things into perspective:

• His 7 shot attempts were the third-fewest he’s taken in a game all season.
• His 2 points tied his season-low.
• His 14.3% shooting was his worst of the year.

The backlash was immediate. Fans were outraged at how passive George looked, especially given the circumstances. It wasn’t just an off-night—it was an unacceptable performance from a player of his caliber.

The Injury Excuse—Valid or Convenient?

Shortly after the game, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that George had been dealing with a torn ligament in his left pinky finger. According to the report, George had been receiving injections for the past four or five games just to stay on the court—something typically reserved for the playoffs, not the regular season.

George himself showed reporters his injured finger, explaining that the pain affected his ability to even catch the ball at times. While this provided some context for his struggles, it didn’t silence the critics. Many fans believed the injury report was nothing more than an attempt to deflect blame from George’s poor form. After all, the information conveniently surfaced right after his abysmal showing against Brooklyn.

There’s no denying that George has battled multiple injuries this season. Before the finger issue, he also dealt with knee hyperextension and a bone bruise—both of which can significantly impact a player’s explosiveness and confidence. But does that fully excuse his level of play?

The Statistical Collapse

Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that George has taken a dramatic step back this season.

• 2022-23 Paul George: 22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 61.3% true shooting
• 2023-24 Paul George: 16.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 42.6% FG, 36.3% 3PT, 54.0% true shooting

His scoring has dropped by over six points per game, his efficiency has plummeted, and he no longer looks like the All-Star-caliber player he was just last season.

When compared to other players, the decline is even more glaring:

• Norman Powell (2023-24): 24.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 63.3% true shooting
• Tobias Harris (2023-24): 13.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 55.3% true shooting

Powell, a player who wasn’t even viewed as a primary option, has outperformed George in nearly every offensive category this season. Meanwhile, Harris, the player Philadelphia let go in favor of George, has been thriving with the Detroit Pistons, helping them climb to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings—while the 76ers sit at 11th.

A $212 Million Problem

The biggest issue isn’t just George’s numbers—it’s the contract attached to them.

At 34 years old, everyone expected some level of decline. The 76ers were well aware of the risks when they signed him, but the hope was that he could give them at least two strong years before age became a major factor. The goal was to push for an NBA Finals appearance, or at the very least, an Eastern Conference Finals run.

Instead, George has fallen off a cliff in Year 1 of his new deal. Right now, he’s playing at a level that isn’t even worth half of his $50 million annual salary. With Joel Embiid already struggling with injuries, the last thing the 76ers needed was another aging star on the decline.

Looking ahead, the road doesn’t get any easier. The Eastern Conference is stacked with rising teams like the Celtics, Knicks, Cavaliers, Pacers, Pistons, and Magic. Philadelphia was supposed to be a contender, but as things stand, they can’t even be considered a playoff lock.

What’s Next for George?

The harsh reality is that Philadelphia doesn’t have many options. They’re financially committed to George, and trading him isn’t realistic given his contract. Their only hope is that his injuries truly are the reason behind his struggles and that he can turn things around in the final stretch of the season.

If George’s injuries are as bad as reported, he should sit out and fully recover instead of pushing through and playing at a subpar level. But if he insists on staying on the court, he has to perform—plain and simple. The fans won’t accept anything less.

This isn’t just about this season. It’s about George proving that he still has enough left in the tank to be a difference-maker. Because right now, he looks like one of the fastest-declining stars in the NBA. And if that doesn’t change soon, the 76ers’ championship hopes will be over before they even began.