Former NBA journeyman says he helped Paul George land with Sixers

Paul George was the biggest name available on this years free agent market. The L.A. Clippers undoubtedly wanted to re-sign one of their star players, but George was also drawing interest from the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers. Ultimately, the nine-time All-Star opted to head back to the Eastern Conference to team up with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

Former NBA forward Quincy Pondexter says he played a significant role in luring George to the Sixers. Pondexter noted how his friendship with Embiid helped set the wheels in motion for what turned out to be a successful recruiting pitch. 

"Joel's one of my best friends," Pondexter said on a recent episode of the "#thisleague UNCUT" podcast. "And so how Joel got Paul's number to start trying to pitch it to him was through me. ...I don't even know how much the Sixers know this, but quietly one of the biggest — I hate to say this — one of the biggest pieces in that was me being like: 'Yo, Joel, you got to keep recruiting [George], you gotta try to get him, you gotta get him, you gotta talk to him, you gotta, you know, whatever it is."

George's addition to the Sixers has positioned the team as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. Nick Nurse now has a roster capable of playing high-level basketball on both sides of the floor. However, there should still be concerns about the franchise's chances of success, as both George and Embiid have struggled with multiple injuries in recent years.

Nevertheless, George provides a two-way presence on the wing that can help combat Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics. 

Still, it is interesting to know that a former NBA talent who never played in Philadelphia was a driving force behind George's move. It shows how relationships around the league can help create opportunities for players to team up in new places and potentially contend for a championship. 

Sixers fans may want to hold off on writing those thank-you cards, though. George's move to Philadelphia will only be deemed a success if the team finally makes it to the conference finals for the first time in the Embiid era.