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 highly accomplished American professional basketball player currently with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. He has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including nine NBA All-Star selections, six All-NBA Team selections, and four NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He is considered one of the premier two-way players in the league.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Pacers' Eastern Conference Finals Trip

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

February 9, 2009: Career-High Points Against Boise State

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: NBA Draft Announcement

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

May 2010: Mock Draft Predictions

In May 2010, mock drafts predicted that Paul George would be selected 12th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies.

July 1, 2010: Signed 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, with team options for a third and fourth year.

2010: NBA Debut

In 2010, Paul George made his NBA debut against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 4 points in 23 minutes. He averaged 7.8 points in his first season.

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: End of the year statistics

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

February 3, 2012: Performance against Dallas Mavericks

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

November 21, 2012: Career-High Points and Franchise Record

On November 21, 2012, Paul George scored a career-high 37 points and made nine three-pointers against the New Orleans Hornets, breaking the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a single game.

2012: Off-Season Training with Jerry Powell

During the 2012 off-season, Paul George worked with trainer Jerry Powell to improve his ball-handling skills and ability to create shots for himself.

2012: Participated in Slam Dunk Contest

Paul George participated in the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest, establishing himself as a high-flyer in the NBA.

2012: 2012-13 Campaign

To cap off a great 2012–13 campaign, George was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

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: Performance Against 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 with a potential 5-year extension.

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, also leading the Pacers to their first Eastern Conference Finals trip since 2004.

2014: Playoffs

In the 2014 playoffs, the Pacers eliminated the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards in the first two rounds. In game 4 against the Wizards, George scored a then playoff career-high 39 points. The Pacers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat for the third straight year. For his efforts, George was named to the All-NBA third team, which qualified him for the full 30% extension and All-Defensive First Team.

2014: Start of contract extension

The contract extension for Paul George with the Indiana Pacers was set to start in 2014 at the end of his rookie contract.

April 16, 2016: First Playoff Game Since 2014

On April 16, 2016, 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

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

2016: Joins US National Team

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

2016: NBA All-Star Game

In 2016 George competed for the Eastern Conference in the NBA All-Star Game in Toronto, where he started and was the game's leading scorer with 41 points.

2016: All-Star and Olympic Gold Medal

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

January 29, 2017: Matching Career High

On January 29, 2017, 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: Season-High Points

On March 15, 2017, George 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

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

July 6, 2017: Trade to Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 6, 2017, 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, 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, George scored a season-high 42 points in a 120–111 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

2017: Signature footwear and apparel line with Nike

In 2017, Paul George had a signature footwear and apparel line from Nike.

2017: Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder

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

January 20, 2018: 36-Point Game

On January 20, 2018, George scored 36 points in a 148–124 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

January 27, 2018: Named All-Star Replacement

On January 27, 2018, George was named as a replacement for the injured DeMarcus Cousins on Team LeBron for the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.

February 1, 2018: Season-High 43 Points

On February 1, 2018, 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, George scored 40 points in a 137–123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the Thunder's regular season finale.

July 1, 2018: Free Agency Decision

Weeks before free agency began on July 1, 2018, George decided to stay with the Thunder and did not arrange a meeting with the Lakers.

July 10, 2019: Traded to the Clippers

On July 10, 2019, George was traded from the Thunder to the Clippers.

November 14, 2019: Clippers Debut

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

2019: Traded to Los Angeles Clippers

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

December 10, 2020: Contract Extension

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

October 29, 2021: Season-High 42 Points

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

2021: Conference Finals Appearance with Clippers

In 2021, Paul George helped the Los Angeles Clippers reach their first Conference Finals.

March 29, 2022: Return from Injury

On March 29, 2022, George returned from injury, scoring 34 points in a 121–115 victory over the Utah Jazz.

October 22, 2022: Scored 40 Points Against Kings

On October 22, 2022, Paul George scored 40 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and had 6 assists in an 111–109 win over the Sacramento Kings. It marked the 20th time in his career, including playoffs, where he scored at least 40 points, and his fifth as a member of the Clippers.

2022: End of Signature Line with Nike

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

March 5, 2023: Posted 42 Points and 11 Rebounds Against Grizzlies

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

October 28, 2023: Scored 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: Scored 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: Opted Out of Clippers Contract

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

July 6, 2024: Signed with the Philadelphia 76ers

On July 6, 2024, Paul George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and chose to wear jersey number 8 as a tribute to Kobe Bryant. The George signing gave the 76ers a star trio of George, center Joel Embiid, and guard Tyrese Maxey.

2024: Plays for the Philadelphia 76ers

As of 2024, Paul George plays for the Philadelphia 76ers.

2024: Nike to Re-Release Sneaker Models

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

2024: Injured in the Preseason

In 2024, Paul George struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness, missing the first five games of the season due to a bone bruise from a hyperextended knee during the preseason.

2024: Clippers Lost to Mavericks

In the first round of the 2024 playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, the Clippers lost the series 4-2.

March 17, 2025: Season-Ending Injury Announcement

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