The Philadelphia 76ers made bold moves in the offseason, headlined by acquiring Paul George on a max contract. Daryl Morey, the Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations, orchestrated a complex plan that began last summer. The team traded James Harden to gain flexibility, acquired expiring contracts, and secured draft picks. Morey aimed to pair George with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, creating a formidable trio to compete for an NBA championship. Knowing the injury history of Embiid, Paul George was also signed as a safety net by the 76ers front office, a last-resort move when things are going south.
Paul George is Being Used in Last-Resort Safety Net Role
George represented the Sixers’ vision of an elite two-way wing who could step up in crucial moments. The plan was risky, but Morey embraced the challenge, believing it was the best way forward.
“A risky plan doesn’t mean it’s a bad plan,” Morey said.
A New Role for Paul George Without Embiid
Injuries have tested the Sixers’ aspirations. Embiid’s health has remained a concern since he tore his left meniscus last season. Adding to the challenge, rookie Jared McCain, a bright spot this season, is now out indefinitely with a torn lateral meniscus.
George has stepped into a pivotal safety net role in Embiid’s absence. Across eight games without Embiid this season, George is averaging 18.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. Initially, George struggled to adapt to his new team, posting 14.8 points and 6.2 assists on 39.4 shooting from the field in the first five games with Embiid.
However, George has elevated his play in the last three games without Embiid, averaging 27.7 points and 8.3 assists. A key factor in this surge is his improved three-point shooting. Over these games, he has hit 14-of-25 from beyond the arc, a blistering 56%.
George’s Shot Creation Keeps Sixers Afloat
The Sixers’ success without Embiid hinges on George’s ability to create offense. Morey prioritized acquiring a player who could take on this responsibility. George’s shot creation, particularly from deep, allows Philadelphia to remain competitive during Embiid’s absence.
Maxey has also stepped up, but George’s experience and versatility provide a stabilizing presence. His ability to play within any system has proven essential. George himself acknowledged his evolving approach to the game.
“I know what I can do and what I’m capable of, and I can play off any player,” he said.
The Road Ahead Without Embiid and McCain
With Embiid and McCain sidelined, the Sixers face a critical stretch. Embiid’s history of injuries has made his availability unpredictable, and the team must prepare to win without him. Last season, Philadelphia went 31-8 with Embiid but faltered without him, eventually landing in the Play-In Tournament.
George’s role becomes even more crucial now. The Sixers will need his scoring, playmaking, and leadership to stay competitive. Alongside Maxey, George must shoulder the load to keep the team afloat during this challenging period.
The 76ers are Using Paul George as a Safety Net as Predicted
The Sixers’ gamble on George is paying off, especially in Embiid’s absence. George’s ability to adapt and elevate his play has provided the team with a much-needed safety net. As the Sixers navigate injuries and build chemistry, George’s performance could determine their fate in the regular season. Philadelphia’s bold offseason plan may still bear fruit, but for now, it’s George keeping the team’s hopes alive.
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