Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Paul George

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Paul George made an impact.

Paul George, nicknamed "PG-13", is a prominent American professional basketball player currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Renowned for his all-around game, George has achieved significant accolades, including nine NBA All-Star selections and six All-NBA Team selections. He is also recognized for his defensive prowess, having been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team four times. His career is marked by consistent performance on both offense and defense, solidifying his place as one of the NBA's elite players.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Last Postseason Triple-Double

In 2013 NBA playoffs first-round series versus the Atlanta Hawks, it was the first postseason triple-double by a Pacers player since Mark Jackson had one in the 1998 playoffs.

2004: Eastern Conference Finals Trip

In 2013, Paul George led the Indiana Pacers to their first Eastern Conference Finals trip since 2004.

2007: AAU Tournament Participation

During the summer of 2007, recruiters began noticing Paul George when he competed in AAU tournaments.

November 18, 2008: SportsCenter "Play of the Day"

On November 18, 2008, Paul George recorded 25 points and 10 rebounds, making an impression with his one-handed slam dunk over Mickey McConnell that earned him SportsCenter's number 1 "Play of the Day".

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February 9, 2009: Career-High 29 Points

On February 9, 2009, Paul George scored a then career-high 29 points to lead the Fresno State Bulldogs to an 88–82 victory over Boise State.

March 31, 2010: Declares for NBA Draft

On March 31, 2010, Paul George announced that he would forgo his final two seasons of college eligibility at Fresno State and enter the 2010 NBA draft.

May 2010: Mock Draft Prediction

By May 2010, mock drafts such as Draft Express, ESPN.com, and The Hoops Report predicted that Paul George would be selected 12th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies.

July 1, 2010: Signs Rookie Contract with Pacers

On July 1, 2010, Paul George signed his rookie contract with the Indiana Pacers, a two-year guaranteed deal worth $3.9 million.

2010: NBA Debut

In 2010, Paul George made his NBA debut against the San Antonio Spurs, playing 23 minutes and scoring 4 points.

2010: Drafted by Indiana Pacers

In 2010, Paul George was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 10th overall pick in the NBA draft and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.

2011: All-Rookie Second Team

In 2011, Paul George was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 7.8 points in his first season.

2011: Finished Season with Averages of 12.1 Points

In 2011-12, Paul George finished the lockout-shortened season with averages of 12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 44% shooting, starting all 66 games for the Pacers in the season.

February 3, 2012: 30 Points, 7 Three-Pointers, 9 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 5 Steals, and 1 Blocked Shot

On February 3, 2012, Paul George recorded 30 points, 7 three-pointers, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, and 1 blocked shot in a win against the Dallas Mavericks.

November 21, 2012: Career-High 37 Points

On November 21, 2012, Paul George scored a career-high 37 points, including nine three-pointers, in a victory against the New Orleans Hornets.

2012: George improves ball handle with Jerry Powell

During the 2012 off-season, Paul George worked on his ball-handling skills with trainer Jerry Powell. He also participated in the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest.

2012: George participates in 2012 Slam Dunk Contest

In 2012 Paul George participated in the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. In addition to his athleticism, he has developed a reputation as a high-flyer.

February 13, 2013: First Career Triple-Double

On February 13, 2013, Paul George recorded his first career triple-double in a victory over the Charlotte Bobcats, finishing with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists.

May 14, 2013: Game 4 Win Against the Knicks

On May 14, 2013, Paul George led the Pacers with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks in a 93–82 victory.

September 25, 2013: Contract Extension with Pacers

On September 25, 2013, the Indiana Pacers extended Paul George's contract, electing him to be their designated player.

December 2, 2013: Career-High 43 Points

On December 2, 2013, Paul George scored a career-high 43 points, along with 3 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 106–102 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

2013: NBA Most Improved Player and All-Star Selection

In 2013, Paul George was named the NBA Most Improved Player and earned his first All-Star selection, leading the Indiana Pacers to their first Eastern Conference Finals trip since 2004.

February 10, 2014: George called the best two-way player in the game

Following the Pacers' win over the Denver Nuggets on February 10, 2014, Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw, called Paul George "the best two-way player in the game".

2014: Contract Extension Starts

In 2014, Paul George's contract extension with the Indiana Pacers started.

2014: Playoff Run and All-NBA Third Team Selection

In 2014, the Pacers, led by Paul George, eliminated the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards in the first two rounds of the playoffs. George scored a then playoff career-high 39 points in game 4 against the Wizards. The Pacers were later eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat for the third straight year. Paul George was named to the All-NBA third team, and All-Defensive First Team.

April 16, 2016: First Playoff Game Since 2014

On April 16, 2016, Paul George played in his first playoff game since 2014, scoring 33 points in a Game 1 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

October 26, 2016: Season Opener Performance

On October 26, 2016, in the Pacers' season opener, Paul George scored 25 points in a 130–121 overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks.

2016: Joined United States National Team for Summer Olympics

Following the 2015-16 season, in 2016 George joined the United States national team for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

2016: NBA All-Star Game Appearance

In 2016, Paul George competed for the Eastern Conference in the NBA All-Star Game in Toronto. He started and was the game's leading scorer with 41 points, finishing one point shy of the All-Star game record set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.

2016: All-Star and Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Paul George recovered to become an All-Star again and won an Olympic gold medal.

January 29, 2017: 33 Points in Win Over Rockets

On January 29, 2017, Paul George scored 33 points in a 120–101 win over the Houston Rockets, matching a career high by topping the 30-point mark for the fourth straight game.

March 15, 2017: 39 Points Against Hornets

On March 15, 2017, Paul George made six three-pointers and scored 27 of his season-high 39 points in the second half of the Pacers' 98–77 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

April 2, 2017: 43-Point Effort Against Cavaliers

On April 2, 2017, Paul George had a 43-point effort in a 135–130 double overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

July 6, 2017: Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 6, 2017, Paul George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.

October 19, 2017: Thunder Debut

On October 19, 2017, Paul George debuted for the Thunder, scoring a team-high 28 points in a 105–84 win over the New York Knicks.

November 10, 2017: Season-High 42 Points

On November 10, 2017, Paul George scored a season-high 42 points in a 120–111 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

2017: George signs with Nike

In 2017 Paul George signed with Nike as a rookie and had a signature footwear and apparel line.

2017: Trade to Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2017, Paul George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

January 20, 2018: 36-Point Game Against Cavaliers

On January 20, 2018, Paul George had a 36-point effort in a 148–124 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

February 1, 2018: Season-High 43 Points

On February 1, 2018, Paul George scored a season-high 43 points in a 127–124 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

April 11, 2018: 40 Points in Regular Season Finale

On April 11, 2018, in the Thunder's regular season finale, Paul George scored 40 points in a 137–123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

July 1, 2018: Impending Free Agency

Leading up to July 1, 2018, when free agency began, Paul George decided to stay with the Thunder and never arranged a meeting with the Lakers.

July 10, 2019: Traded to the Los Angeles Clippers

On July 10, 2019, Paul George was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Los Angeles Clippers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round draft picks, and the rights to swap two other first-round picks.

November 14, 2019: Clippers Debut

On November 14, 2019, Paul George made his Clippers debut against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 33 points in a 132–127 loss.

2019: Trade to Los Angeles Clippers

In 2019, Paul George was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.

December 10, 2020: Contract Extension with the Clippers

On December 10, 2020, Paul George signed a four-year, $190 million contract extension with the Clippers.

October 29, 2021: Season-High 42 Points

On October 29, 2021, Paul George scored a season-high 42 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a 92–111 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

2021: Conference Finals Appearance with Clippers

In 2021, the Los Angeles Clippers, featuring Paul George, made their first trip to the Conference Finals.

March 29, 2022: Return from Injury

On March 29, 2022, in his first game back from injury, Paul George scored 34 points, with six assists and four steals, in a 121–115 comeback victory over the Utah Jazz.

October 22, 2022: George scores 40 points against Kings

On October 22, 2022, Paul George scored 40 points, along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists, in the Clippers' 111-109 win over the Sacramento Kings, marking the 20th time in his career he has scored at least 40 points.

2022: End of Paul George's Signature line with Nike

In 2022, Paul George's signature footwear and apparel line with Nike ended.

March 5, 2023: George posts 42 points and 11 rebounds

On March 5, 2023, Paul George posted 42 points and 11 rebounds in a 135–129 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

October 28, 2023: George scores 36 points against Jazz

On October 28, 2023, Paul George scored 36 points and went 15 for 15 from the free-throw line in a 120–118 loss against the Utah Jazz.

January 12, 2024: George scores 37 points against Grizzlies

On January 12, 2024, Paul George scored 37 points on 12-of-18 shooting, 7-of-10 from three, 6-of-6 from the free throw line in a 128–119 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

June 29, 2024: George opts out of Clippers contract

On June 29, 2024, Paul George opted out of his $48.7 million contract with the Clippers for the 2024–25 season, becoming a free agent.

July 6, 2024: George signs with the Philadelphia 76ers

On July 6, 2024, Paul George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, choosing jersey number 8 in tribute to Kobe Bryant. This signing formed a star trio with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

2024: Nike to re-release George's earlier sneaker models

In 2024, Paul George announced that Nike would re-release his earlier sneaker models.

2024: Signs with Philadelphia 76ers

In 2024, Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

2024: George struggles with injuries in the 2024-2025 season

In the 2024–2025 season, Paul George struggled with injuries, missing the first five games due to a bone bruise. On November 4, he debuted with the 76ers, scoring 15 points in a loss. On December 16, George put up 33 points in a win over the Charlotte Hornets.

March 17, 2025: George to miss remainder of season due to injuries

On March 17, 2025, it was announced that Paul George would miss the remainder of the season due to adductor and knee injuries, having averaged 16.2 points in 41 games. His season was described as disappointing.

2025: 76ers expected to be contenders for the 2025 NBA Championship

In 2025, after Paul George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, The 76ers were expected to be contenders for the 2025 NBA championship.

2025: George surpasses Vince Carter for ninth in all-time three-pointers made

On December 28, 2024, in a game against the Utah Jazz, Paul George surpassed Vince Carter for ninth in all-time three-pointers made with 2,291 three-pointers.