Paul George Unsure If The Pacers Will Retire His Jersey

Paul George, the former star of the Indiana Pacers, finds himself in a contemplative state regarding the potential retirement of his jersey by the franchise where he began his NBA journey. 

"Honestly, you think about the guys, there’s only what, 4 guys that’s retired there. But when you think about, again, the guys that are up there, Reggie, what, 18 years?" 

"I think for them it’s a longevity that stands out in that arena. I just didn’t play enough play long enough there."

Despite his impactful seven seasons with the Pacers, George remains uncertain if his contributions warrant such an honor. With only four players having their jerseys retired by the Pacers, George reflects on the longevity and sustained excellence exemplified by legends like Reggie Miller, whose 18-year tenure with the team stands out prominently.

During his tenure with the Pacers, George swiftly ascended to stardom, earning numerous accolades and leading the team through multiple playoff appearances. His statistics, averaging 18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game over seven seasons, underscore his significant on-court contributions. Despite facing setbacks like a season-ending injury in 2014-15, George's impact on the team and the city of Indianapolis was profound.

However, George's departure from the Pacers in 2017, following a trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder, left lingering questions about his legacy with the franchise. While George acknowledges the possibility of his jersey retirement, he emphasizes the importance of longevity and sustained success in earning such recognition. He candidly admits that his time with the Pacers, though impactful, may not have reached the level of permanence and significance required for jersey retirement.

As George prepares to return to Indianapolis for the NBA All-Star Game, he anticipates a mixed reception from Pacers fans, acknowledging both the love and scrutiny he may encounter. Despite the uncertainties surrounding his legacy with the Pacers, George remains grateful for the opportunity to have begun his professional career in Indianapolis and cherishes the memories and relationships forged during his time with the organization.

Pacers Didn't Trade Paul George To Cleveland As They Were Rivals

The potential partnership between Paul George and LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017 remained a tantalizing 'what-if' scenario, as revealed by former Cavaliers swingman Dahntay Jones on George's podcast. 

Jones recounted how he initiated the recruitment of George to Cleveland, recognizing the need for another wing player on the team. Despite initial skepticism from others, Jones pursued the idea of bringing George on board, highlighting his talent and potential fit with the team.