Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George has been criticized throughout this offseason by prominent members of the basketball community. Although George is an NBA veteran and arguably one of the top two-way players in his prime, he has been unable to live up to expectations over the past few seasons.
While he certainly had the talent around him to win an NBA championship during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, George could not help them contend and eventually signed a lucrative contract with the 76ers.
Kendrick Perkins is a former NBA star who won a title with the Boston Celtics. He recently discussed the 76ers and took a shot at George in the process.
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Kendrick Perkins Questions Paul George and Calls Out His Commitment to the Philadelphia 76ers
After failing to reach an agreement with the Clippers regarding a contract extension, George ended up joining the 76ers and signed a four-year contract worth $212 million. At the time, many wondered if this move was a step in the right direction for the 76ers.
George ended up playing in just 41 games last season, averaging 16.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds. While those numbers are serviceable, they fall below George’s lofty career standards. Additionally, his knee and adductor injuries sidelined him for half the season.
Although George has been unable to win an NBA title, he has certainly found a fair amount of success. In fact, the NBA star hosts a popular podcast and has various other interests beyond basketball.
While there is nothing wrong with that, Perkins believes that it would make more sense for the 76ers to build around Tyrese Maxey as opposed to George. The former NBA star turned quite a few heads by claiming that George appears to have lost his love for the game of basketball.
“Again with Paul George….We don’t know where Paul George heart is at when it comes down to this hoop sh*t. I don’t think Paul George still loves the game. I think he love it…Let me correct that. I think he love it. I don’t think he in love.”
Perkins concluded by pointing out that the 76ers also have other problems, “As far as Philly every single year I’m high on Philly. Oh yeah they gonna do something. Joel Embiid, special as* talent. It’s not there…”
Since the 76ers have built their current roster around two injury-prone players, Embiid and George, there is no way to tell if they will be able to get through an 82-game regular season, acquire 16 postseason wins, and secure a championship. Fans are left hoping that the team can remain healthy throughout the 2025-26 season.