Oklahoma City Thunder: Paul George Just Earned My Respect
What is NBA Free Agency all about? Is it the money, happiness, desire to win or join the greatest team ever? For Paul George and the Oklahoma City Thunder, what it boiled down to was winning. Yes, the $137 million I’m sure had a lot to do with it but in the end, George made the right decision despite what many will think.
For two years, the speculation was that Paul George would return to his hometown and play for the Los Angeles Lakers. Well, George stunned the NBA world when he chose to opt-out then resign with the Thunder. What does that really mean?
For starters, its time to stop blaming Russell Westbrook for chasing players away. Secondly, it means that George realized that the Lakers would not be the team to beat if he were to join.
Smart Decision For George To Stay With Oklahoma City Thunder
If the rumors are true, then Paul George could have easily taken the low road and joined Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James. But George wanted something different. He wanted to finish what he starred with Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and for that, he has earned my respect.
While the rest of the NBA world awaits the LeBron James’ decision, George would have no part of it. He made his choice not caring what others will do. It didn’t matter if he LeBron and Kawhi are friends. He made the decision based on basketball and not personal feelings. How do I know this? It’s simple. How many players actually get a chance to play where it all started after speaking about his desire so publicly? All he had to do was sign on the dotted-line and he would’ve been a Laker. But he wanted more, he wanted to win above all else.
While James is steady chasing the next Super Team, Paul George said he wants to create one from scratch with guys he’s been in the trenches with and not strangers just to be a part of some NBA history question on Jeopardy.
[BXReporter]
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
