Paul George’s standing in the NBA has steadily declined since his early days with the Indiana Pacers, the team that selected him in 2010. Since his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, George has been frequently criticized for his inability to lead teams deep into the playoffs. This criticism persisted through his stint with the Los Angeles Clippers starting in 2019, and worsened after his 2024 transfer to the Philadelphia 76ers, who suffered one of the franchise’s poorest regular seasons in history. The focus keyword, Paul George struggles and Carmelo Anthony defense, is central to understanding the narrative around George’s performance struggles.
Injuries and Setbacks Hindering George’s Potential
Throughout his career, Paul George has faced multiple injuries that have significantly limited his growth and consistency. His troubles began with a devastating leg fracture during a Team USA showcase in 2014, an incident that dramatically changed his trajectory. Since then, setbacks have continued to interrupt his progression, with the 2023-24 season proving no different. George suffered a hyperextended knee in the preseason followed by a torn adductor muscle, which forced him to miss the remainder of the season after appearing in just 41 games. These injuries played a major role in dampening his impact on the 76ers and contributed to the team’s difficult season.
Carmelo Anthony Shares Personal Insight on Injury Struggles
Despite never enduring an injury as severe as George’s, Carmelo Anthony spoke out in defense of PG13 during a recent episode of Podcast P. Melo revealed that he underwent knee surgery during the 2015 season but chose not to disclose it to fans due to fear of negative reactions. This experience gave Anthony a firsthand understanding of the mental and physical challenges players face while recovering.
Anthony described how returning to play immediately after surgery left him physically limited, explaining that his range of motion was restricted and he could no longer rely on certain moves he once used. He admitted mentally adjusting to this new reality was difficult, forcing him to incorporate less familiar techniques into his game to compensate for his reduced mobility.
“Went to go get surgery, nobody knew. Came back next year, I wasn’t-I knew I wasn’t- there was no way I was 100%,
—Carmelo Anthony
“You can’t work out, so you start visualizing the game. Then you get back to certain sh*t that you only can do, but you gon look nasty dong it. Then you gon get frustrated with yourself, so you start compromising other sh*t and doing other sh*t.”
—Carmelo Anthony
Explaining How Uncertainty Impacted George’s Season
Anthony emphasized that uncertainty surrounding George’s health and role with the 76ers during the offseason likely weighed heavily on him. Coming off a period where he was undervalued by the Clippers, George faced the dual challenge of adapting to a new team system while managing ongoing injury recovery. According to Melo, this combination can severely affect even the strongest competitors mentally and physically.
He stated,
“You can’t really control the injuries, the front office, so basketball is what you really running to! For him (PG), I’m sure it was coming into a season, like, the uncertainty of where you gonna be at, that weighs heavy on you. Even though you train, you don’t know what they training on, you don’t know what system you gon be in.”
—Carmelo Anthony
The hostile environment in Philadelphia, where fans have displayed frustration and hostility toward George’s underperformance, added further pressure. Melo suggested that instead of physical intensity alone, George must begin to rely more on his experience and basketball IQ to navigate these challenges. At 15 years in the league, George possesses the knowledge to outthink defenders rather than solely depend on physical athleticism.
Looking Ahead: Expectations and Role for Paul George with the 76ers
With the Philadelphia 76ers holding the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, much will depend on how Paul George rebounds from his difficult season. As one of the team’s veteran leaders, his ability to adapt and lead will be crucial moving forward. Carmelo Anthony’s defense sheds light on the unseen hurdles George faced behind the scenes and the mental adjustments required to return to form. George’s recovery and strategic evolution could determine whether he revives his career and provides the stability Philadelphia needs.