After three substantial trades happened in rapid succession from February 12th to 14th, you could hear mimes blinking over any noise NBA trade season was generating. All-Star Weekend came with barely any rumors at all, but on February 19th, a Greek fire was thrust into all the NBA front offices. Suddenly, Demarcus Cousins was traded to the Pelicans for 3 iPods and 2 chargers. Then, all hell broke lose as 3 trades (and counting) happened in an even more rapid succession! I had at least one significant rumor popping up on my phone after every class period for the last few days- and the craziness is just beginning. Almost nobody is off the table as of now, even Indiana's biggest hero since Peyton Manning, Paul George. The Pacers are reportedly looking into trading him, as they fear he may be leaving to join up with the Lakers in 2018. PG-13 is a superstar who would jumpstart the Nuggets into a dominant team for years to come, but the Nuggets only have one day to figure out how to get him. How good would Paul George be on the Denver Nuggets?
Stats
In all aspects of the word, Paul George is elite. George averages 22.3 PPG (22nd overall), 6.2 RPG (8th among Small Forwards), 3.3 APG (T-7th among Small Forwards), and 1.5 SPG (7th among Small Forwards). He has made one of the All-Defensive Teams 3 times, which automatically makes him an upgrade over what Denver currently has. This has actually been an off-year for George, as many of his career highs came last season. Sometimes offense is the best defense, especially in George's case. Pull up George's shot chart and you'll see that he only shoots below average in 2 small areas of the court, while he shoots average or above (mostly above) in the paint, inside the arc, and in three-point land. Shooting 38.3% from 3 and 47.9% from anywhere inside the arc, George is an offensive threat opposing teams must take seriously. These numbers have been single-handedly carrying the Pacers to a playoff spot this whole season.
Fit
Carmelo Anthony has great offensive stats, but he'd be an atrocious fit in the Nuggets' system, so what makes Paul George any different? First of all, George is only 26 years old, so he barely fits the timeline the Nuggets have planned. At 26, he has at least 8 more great seasons ahead of him, and it may only take 2 more seasons for the Nuggets to be a real contender. Also, George is a player that allows for very effective offensive spacing. Ever since Jameer Nelson replaced Emmanuel Mudiay in the starting lineup, Denver's offense has become much better because teams are forced to pick up Nelson almost immediately, usually leaving the wings or Nikola Jokic open. When Jokic gets the ball, Gary Harris cuts, blowing right by his overplaying defender to the basket. Jokic throws one of his poetic passes, which lands right in Harris' hands for the easy layup. With George, defenses would have to pick up two players immediately, and the latter would work even smoother. Even if defenses start to prevent that play, that leaves either Nelson or George open, and you know what happens when knockdown shooters are left wide open.
George brings yet another intangible to the table, and this time it's something the Nuggets don't possess on their roster as of now: being a go-to guy. Very few people have been as clutch as Paul George this season- just take a look at this shot chart. When the clock is breathing down your neck, Paul George is your guy. He will take the shots necessary to dig out of a hole- he isn't afraid. If the Nuggets had George previously this season, we definitely could've won at least 2 more games, each of which we coughed up big leads in the final minutes. If we make this trade, undoubtedly Nuggets fanfare would become insanely popular overnight, and the sellout crowds with a deafening roar would be back again. Did I mention that Paul George is a Broncos fan too?
Although George's current contract will expire at the end of next year, I know Tim Connelly would be able to lock him down long term (He almost lured Wade to Denver). The Nuggets culture is a great one of heart and hustle, and I see nothing but success if Paul George happens to find himself in Denver. If you're reading this, @nuggets, please make this trade so my post is relevant after 1:00 PM tomorrow! Nuggets Nation wants you, Paul.
Comment some valid trades you think would work for Paul George!
