Although the Philadelphia 76ers are not participating in this postseason, team forward Paul George remains engaged, recently sharing his opinions on the Eastern Conference Finals through his podcast. On May 29, George lavished praise on Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, calling him a superstar and highlighting his multifaceted impact on the court.
“In my eyes, I think he is a superstar,”
George remarked on Podcast P with Paul George.
“He’s the face of the NBA. He is the number one option. He’s a set-up point first, but he can be your late-game scorer. He’s been a clutch performer late in games. He can be an isolation player, that’s just not his calling. I want to see him continue to do this, which I know he will.”
Haliburton has rapidly emerged as one of the league’s elite offensive guards, blending playmaking and scoring ability. George, who spent seven seasons in Indiana, clearly admires what Haliburton brings to the Pacers. Should the Sixers recover from their disappointing 2024-25 season, a potential matchup between George’s team and Haliburton’s Pacers in the 2026 playoffs promises to be an intriguing battle, particularly under coach Nick Nurse’s system.
Paul George Highlights Ace Bailey’s NBA Potential
Paul George also shared encouraging comments about Ace Bailey, a rookie prospect who could soon join the 76ers through the upcoming draft. George emphasized Bailey’s knack for taking control in crucial moments and his potential to develop into an All-Star scorer.
“But I look at Ace Bailey and how he played this season, and I think his game translates as a go-getter, you know what I mean? All-star, you know, put the ball in my hand, last seconds. I’m like, I want those moments. He’s ISO ball ready.”
During his season at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 46% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. His ability to score and rebound effectively makes him a strong candidate for Philadelphia’s young core.
Survey Shows Sixers Could Pick Ace Bailey in Upcoming Draft
A recent mock draft by Cyro Asseo de Choch on HoopsHype projects the 76ers selecting Ace Bailey with the third overall pick. The analysis highlighted Bailey’s blend of size, smooth shooting, and explosiveness on the break.
“Bailey blends elite size with a smooth shooting stroke (34.6% 3P on 5.1 attempts) and explosive transition scoring (1.258 PPP, 91st percentile),”
Asseo de Choch wrote.
“While his raw numbers and off-ball movement shine, his shot selection is erratic –over-relying on contested mid-range jumpers and struggling to create separation off the dribble due to a high handle and slight frame.”
With George’s endorsement of Bailey, the rookie’s potential fit within the Sixers locker room appears promising. George’s experience and leadership would serve as a valuable mentor role as Bailey adjusts to the NBA’s pace and intensity. Furthermore, Bailey would gain a strong advocate within the franchise, which could boost his opportunities for playing time.
The Sixers face challenging decisions on draft day, as Bailey is one of several talented prospects available. Additionally, Philadelphia may consider trading their third pick for proven players. Nonetheless, if general manager Morey prioritizes building around young stars like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, Bailey stands out as a strong candidate to enhance the team’s future.
Looking Ahead: Impact of Haliburton and Bailey on the NBA Landscape
Paul George’s recognition of Tyrese Haliburton as an NBA superstar underscores the guard’s rising influence in the league. Haliburton’s versatile skill set and clutch performances make him a player to watch in upcoming seasons, particularly as he manages high expectations as a franchise cornerstone for Indiana.
Meanwhile, Ace Bailey’s development and potential arrival in Philadelphia could add another dynamic player to the Sixers’ trajectory. With George’s optimistic outlook and Bailey’s proven college production, Philadelphia’s young talent pool is shaping up to be exciting and competitive. The upcoming seasons may well feature memorable matchups and key moments that define both players’ careers and the fortunes of their respective teams.