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 playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. He is recognized as a nine-time NBA All-Star, a six-time All-NBA Team selection, and a four-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, highlighting his exceptional offensive and defensive skills throughout his NBA career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Mark Jackson's Playoff Triple-Double

In Game 1 of the Pacers' 2013 NBA playoffs first-round series versus the Atlanta Hawks, George recorded his first career playoff triple-double, tallying 23 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in a 107–90 win. It was the first postseason triple-double by a Pacers player since Mark Jackson had one in the 1998 playoffs.

2004: Pacers to Eastern Conference Finals

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

2007: AAU Tournaments

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

November 18, 2008: SportsCenter's Play of the Day

On November 18, 2008, Paul George made an impression with his one-handed slam dunk over Mickey McConnell during a game against Saint Mary's, earning him SportsCenter's number 1 "Play of the Day".

February 9, 2009: Career High 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: Declared 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 Predictions

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: Signed Rookie Contract

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 was drafted into the NBA.

2010: Drafted by Indiana Pacers

In 2010, Paul George was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 10th overall pick of 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, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in his first season.

2011: Rising Stars Challenge

In 2012, Paul George was selected to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest and Rising Stars Challenge during the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend.

February 3, 2012: 30 Points Against 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 37 points

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

February 13, 2013: First 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, 12 assists and 2 steals.

May 14, 2013: Game 4 Win 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

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

December 2, 2013: Scored a 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

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

2014: Contract Extension Start

Paul George's contract extension with the Indiana Pacers was scheduled to start at the end of his rookie contract in 2014.

April 16, 2016: First Playoff Game Since 2014

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

October 26, 2016: Season Opener Overtime Win

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, Paul George joined the United States national team for the Summer Olympics.

2016: NBA All-Star Game

In 2016, Paul George competed for the Eastern Conference in the NBA All-Star Game in Toronto, starting and becoming the game's leading scorer with 41 points.

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: Fourth Straight Game Scoring Over 30 Points

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: Scored Season-High 39 Points

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 in Double Overtime Loss

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

April 14, 2017: Named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for April

On April 14, 2017, Paul George was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for games played in April. He averaged an NBA-high 32.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, leading the Pacers to a 5-1 record and a playoff spot.

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, in his debut for the Thunder, Paul George scored a team-high 28 points in a 105–84 win over the New York Knicks.

November 10, 2017: Scored a 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 from 2017 to 2022.

2017: Trade to Oklahoma City Thunder

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

January 20, 2018: 36-Point Effort Against Cavaliers

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

January 27, 2018: Named All-Star Replacement

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

February 1, 2018: Scored 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: Scored 40 Points Against Grizzlies

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: Re-signed with the Thunder

Weeks before free agency began on July 1, 2018, Paul George decided to stay with the Thunder, and never arranged a meeting with the Lakers.

July 10, 2019: Traded to the Clippers

On July 10, 2019, Paul George was traded from the Thunder to the 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: Signed Contract Extension with 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 with Clippers

In 2021, Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers appeared in the playoffs, including 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 in win over 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. This marked the 20th time in his career, including playoffs, that he scored at least 40 points, and the fifth time as a member of the Clippers.

March 5, 2023: George scores 42 points and 11 rebounds in win over 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: George scores 36 points in loss 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 in win over Grizzlies

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

June 29, 2024: George opts out of contract with Clippers

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 and chose to wear the jersey number 8 as a tribute to Kobe Bryant.

2024: Plays for Philadelphia 76ers

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

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

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

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, after averaging 16.2 points in 41 games. His season was described as "disappointing" and "disastrous".