Dr. J Gives Paul George Major Props After Game 4 Victory over Heat

Unless you're holding that $590 million Powerball jackpot ticket, Indiana Pacers star Paul George is probably having a better month of May than you are.

The former Fresno State star has been putting the finishing touches on his breakout, All-Star season by guiding his team farther than the franchise had ventured in the playoffs since 2004.

He opened the postseason with a triple-double (23 points, 12 assists, 11 rebounds), then added two more 20/10 games to his resume before the Pacers sent the Atlanta Hawks fishing after six games.

He was tasked with stopping the reigning scoring champion, Carmelo Anthony, in the next round and helped hold the versatile offensive weapon to 43.3 percent shooting for the series. And his defensive duties didn't keep him from stat-sheet-stuffing performances, as he torched the New York Knicks for 19.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

Up next on his assignment sheet was none other than LeBron James, MVP in four of the past five seasons. George needed less than two games to draw some on-court praise from the King, who walked away from Miami's bench after the end of the third quarter for a handshake that seemed to symbolize the third-year player's arrival to the elite ranks, via SportingNews.com.

But George's year got even better on Tuesday night, and that had nothing to do with Indiana's 99-92 Game 4 win to even the Eastern Conference Finals with the defending champion Miami Heat.

Drawing praise from a peer, even one as dominant as James, is one thing. But earning recognition from an all-time great has to be a new high for the soaring Pacers star who may never come down after this:

"

Dr. J told Paul George he "really admires his game." Talk about a 'feather in the cap' moment.

— NBA Guru (@NBAGuru) May 29, 2013"

George is a rare breed in today's game. He's a blossoming star on both ends of the floor, and one whose humility leaves him perfectly suited to shine in the Circle City.

But after getting props from the legendary Julius Erving, he's certainly earned a few minutes to think about just how good it is to be Paul George.

On second thought, George might even be pacing that lottery winner at this point.

After all, there are some things that money can't buy.