Following rumors that Paul George could be the Philadelphia 76ers primary target this summer, one team insider recently warned against the move due to a belief he would be a bad fit with a tough Philly fanbase.
Heading into the NBA games today the 76ers are on a roll. They have won six straight and are now just a game away from having to compete in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The best part of it all is that team leader and reigning MVP Joel Embiid is back in the fold and they seem primed to make some noise in the 2024 NBA playoffs.
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- Paul George stats (2023-24): 22.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 41% 3PT
However, for as good as this 76ers team is there are questions about whether they have enough to overcome rivals like the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks before they can even reach an East Finals clash with the Boston Celtics. In the minds of many NBA observers, Philadelphia is one big piece away from being a serious title contender.
That is why there have been rumors in recent weeks that the organization is expected to target Paul George this summer. On paper, the move seems to check off a lot of boxes. However, in a recent chat with Sportsnaut, Philadelphia Inquirer NBA reporter Keith Pompey explained why the 76ers are interested in the nine-time All-Star, but also warned that it probably isn’t a good fit for the organization.
Philadelphia 76ers insider has doubts if Paul George can deal with tough Philly fanbase
“The Sixers are going back to doing the star hunting. But if you look at it, unless things sour OG Anunoby going to re-sign with the Knicks. You look at Pascal Siakam he’s probably going to re-sign with Indiana. When you look at it, outside of Paul George there’s not a lot of free agents that make you say, ‘Hey, I’ve got to go get this guy’ and is a name player,” Pompey said.
“But I am with you, I have some concerns because of his injury history. [Also] how’s he going to deal with playing in a city where if you’re down and you’re struggling in the first quarter they are booing you off the court? It’s going to be a tough psychological thing for him to come here,” he added. “I don’t know if he’s a good fit for them.”
George is one of the best swingmen the league has seen over the last decade, but similar to teammate Kawhi Leonard, injuries have become a major part of his career narrative since he joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019. While he has suited up for 73 games this season — just in time for his impending free agency — he has not played in 60 or more games since 2018-19.
He also turns 34 years old next month.
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