The sample size is way too small, but it looks like Paul George is in much better form this season. While he took time to recover from offseason surgery, the good thing is that the Philadelphia 76ers actually waited for him to undergo extensive rehab to ensure his absence could be mitigated in the future.
George’s return opens up a world of possibilities for the 76ers on the hardwood. Now that he’s functioning in a modified role that still makes full use of his gifts, people have come to think highly of his ability to get this team over the hump. That said, it doesn’t seem like anyone has talked about how he can positively impact the team in the locker room, especially in regards to Joel Embiid.
No, the supposed connection between George and Embiid does not hinge on trauma bonding due to injuries. These are true veterans who share a much deeper bond born from common experiences: the experience of playing second fiddle as their careers progressed. That’s exactly the area where the nine-time All-Star could have a big ripple on Embiid.
Paul George can show Joel Embiid the path to playing Robin for the 76ers
Tyrese Maxey does grew into an MVP-caliber player so far this season, and with Joel Embiid still missing games as expected, the 76ers appear to have already embraced cementing the former as their No. 1 not only this season, but in the future as well.
But despite that unavoidable factthe 76ers still appear conflicted in strengthening that pecking order when Embiid is on the floor. This is where George comes into the equation – no, not to confuse it further, but to help Embiid fully come to terms with it.
George experienced being the franchise player when he was with the Indiana Pacers, but since leaving Circle City he has moved into situations where he was the clear No. 2.
In Oklahoma City, he was nominally the Robin to Russell Westbrook’s Batman, despite being their best player for a long time. When he went to the LA Clippers, he explicitly accepted being second fiddle to Kawhi Leonard, who was coming off a championship when they formed that team.
Embiid still has the talent to be the alpha for the 76ers, but that shouldn’t be the case. It is no longer physically feasible for him to take on that garb, and he must accept it not only off the field, but on the hardwood as well.
Luckily for the former MVP, George can be his voice of reason in that regard. After all, accepting that new reality will help him extend his career while increasing the 76ers’ chances of glory.
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