Paul George Explains Why He Watches Kobe Bryant Video Instead of Current NBA Players
Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Paul George is a student of the game, but he suggested Thursday that he has no interest in applying what current players do to his own skill set.
Speaking on Podcast P with Paul George, presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment, PG-13 divulged that his preference is to learn from legendary players of the past, including Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady:
"I don't watch any current players. I don't watch current players now to be, like, working on my game. I watch a ton of Kobe s--t. I watch a ton of T-Mac s--t. And honestly, that's it. Just for me, it's the mentality. I watch the mentality of what Kobe would do in situations. And then watch the footwork, watch the, you know, just his attack angles. He might do one dribble and then go left. Or raise up over a smaller defender. Or he spots where the open space on the floor is."
George, 34, has long been one of the best two-way players in the league, and he is coming off the ninth All-Star season of his career.
As part of a veteran superstar trio with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.3 three-pointers made and 1.5 steals per game.
Also, his 74 games played were his most in a single season since the 2018-19 campaign when he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
George is a four-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, and while Kobe and T-Mac were both primarily known for their offensive abilities, they were both fierce competitors who rarely gave an inch to their opponents.
In many respects, George is similar in that regard, which is likely a big reason why he has enjoyed so much success over the years.
For as great of a player as George has been for Indiana Pacers, Thunder and Clippers, however, playoff success has largely eluded him, as he has never reached the NBA Finals, let alone won a championship.
McGrady never won a title either, but Kobe was one of the greatest playoff performers in NBA history, winning five championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards.
Despite securing the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference this season, George and the Clips experienced an early playoff exit, falling to the Dallas Mavericks in six games in the first round.
Now, George enters a pivotal time in his career, as he can opt out of his contract and become a free agent this offseason if he so chooses.
Bryant remained loyal to the Lakers throughout his career and it worked out in his favor, but with George nearing the twilight of his career, he has a tough decision to make in terms of where to pursue a title.
Regardless of where George ends up, the team will be getting a complete player who has the desire to follow in the footsteps of some of the all-time greats.
