NBA Playoffs: Paul George Superstar?

by Rodney Fisher

Paul George dunks on Birdman. Photo credit NBA 

As the old saying goes, "the playoffs are were stars are born", Paul George of the Indiana Pacers may be this year's breakout NBA star.

George was selected 10th overall in the 2010 NBA draft from Fresno State. That year the draft was saturated with small forwards causing Paul to be selected after Wesley Johnson, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Gordon Hayward. The Indiana Pacers did there homework before drafting him. In his freshman year he was named one of the top 15 freshman scorers in the NCAA. His sophomore season, he became Fresno State's second most effiecent free throw shooter in history, but it was Paul's defense that caught the attention of the organization.


After spending his rookie season, 2010-11, hidden on the Pacers bench, George decided in 2012 to compete in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando. Fans may remember him dunking over Dahntay Jones and Roy Hibbert.

Last year, George averaged 12.1 points per game during the season, but during the Pacers playoff run he only contributed 9.7 points per game. The Pacers held a 2-0 series lead over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals before the went on to lose four straight to end their season.

Flash forward to 2013. In the absence of Danny Grainger, head coach Frank Vogel begins working in the offseason with George to become the offensive fire power needed. The result was George become the Most Improved Player and a first time NBA All-Star.

After a breakout year, we are now witnessing him becoming a breakout star in the Eastern Conference Finals. Playing in Indiana for the season is playing outside of the realm of most common basketball fans, however the NBA playoffs provide the platform to make you a household name. He has answered the bell during this playoff run averaging 19.9 points per game.

"I love challenges and going up against LeBron its no better stage, its no better competition. I'm a competitor and for me its an opportunity to come out and really let the world know who I am...", says George after his 22 point performance in Game 2 to even the series 1-1.

Superstars are made in the playoffs by memorable moments. The "Spectacular Move" by Michael Jordan or the Magic Johnson hook-shot for example. Last night was on of those moments for Paul George has he beat LeBron James off the dribble and posterized Chris "Birdman" Anderson. 

The Pacers are undefeated at home in this year's playoff run, while the Miami Heat have not lost a road game. The stage is set, the lights are bright, and the right players are in place for Paul George to become a superstar.