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The Oklahoma City Thunder's All-Star forward in Paul George has had to give up a lot of his go-to scorer responsibilities upon coming to this star-studded team via a blockbuster offseason trade, but he has shined as a defender, leading the league with 2.19 steals per game this regular season.
George has become an absolute hawk, not only taking the toughest defensive assignments but getting into passing lanes and blocking shots.
Despite making three All-Defensive teams, George hasn't been the Defensive Player of the Year, but he “absolutely” hopes to become one.
“Defense is a side of the ball I take pride in. So, why not want to be rewarded for something that you do?” George said, according to Fred Katz of The Norman Transcript. “I’m not out here to play defense to try to win it, but that’s just who I am.”
George has been the Lexicon definition of a stellar three-and-D player, shooting the three at a career-best 43.1 percent clip, while committing major theft and managing the highest steal average of his eight years in the league.
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“He always wants to guard the other team’s best player. That’s something he wants,” coach Billy Donovan said. “In talking to him, he feels like his engagement in the game is much more predicated on his defense than it is his offense. He feels like he’ll get shots or be able to make some plays and whether the ball goes in or out, he understands it's part of the game.”
George has definitely turned it up a few notches this season in terms of his two-way brilliance, proving his ability to integrate himself effectively on a team that is bannered by reigning MVP Russell Westbrook.
With the Thunder currently sitting in fifth place in the tough Western Conference playoff race, George is well underway to get eyes for this prestigious award.
