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 an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. A nine-time NBA All-Star and six-time All-NBA Team selection, his career also includes being a four-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. He is known for his all-around game and scoring ability.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Pacers Eastern Conference Finals trip

In 2004, the Indiana Pacers made their first Eastern Conference Finals trip, before Paul George led them to another one in 2013.

2007: AAU Tournament

In the summer of 2007, Paul George competed in AAU tournaments, which led to recruiters noticing his potential.

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

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

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: Declaration for NBA Draft

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

By 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.

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 the 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: Named to NBA 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: Finished the season with averages of 12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists

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

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 37 Points and Franchise Record

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

2012: Worked on ball handle with trainer Jerry Powell

During the 2012 off-season, Paul George worked on his ball-handling skills with trainer Jerry Powell.

2012: Paul George NBA Campaign

Paul George had a great 2012-13 campaign and was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

2012: Participated in Slam Dunk Contest

Paul George participated in the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest.

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 13, 2013: Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team

On May 13, 2013, Paul George was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

May 14, 2013: Led Pacers in Game 4

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 "5/30" designated player extension starting in 2014.

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: Named NBA Most Improved Player and All-Star Selection

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

August 2014: Changed uniform number to 13

In August 2014, Paul George changed his uniform number from 24 to 13, leading to the moniker PG-13. He then donated all of his old jerseys to his high school in Palmdale, California.

2014: Contract Extension Start

In 2014, Paul George's contract extension with the Indiana Pacers was set to start, with the possibility of a 30% extension if he met certain criteria.

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.

2016: Joins United States National Team

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

2016: NBA All-Star Game

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

2016: All-Star Selection and Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Paul George recovered from his leg injury, became an All-Star again, and also won an Olympic gold medal.

July 6, 2017: Traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder

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

2017: Trade to Oklahoma City Thunder

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

2017: Signed with Nike and had a signature line

Paul George signed with Nike as a rookie and had a signature footwear and apparel line starting from 2017 until 2022.

July 1, 2018: Free Agency Decision

Weeks before free agency began on July 1, 2018, Paul George decided he would 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, the Thunder traded Paul George 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: Contract Extension with the Clippers

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

2021: Clippers First Conference Finals

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

October 22, 2022: Scored 40 points against Sacramento Kings

On October 22, 2022, Paul George scored 40 points, with 6 rebounds and 6 assists in a win against 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.

2022: End of his signature footwear and apparel line with Nike

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

March 5, 2023: Posted 42 points and 11 rebounds against Memphis Grizzlies

On March 5, 2023, Paul George scored 42 points and had 11 rebounds in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

October 28, 2023: Scored 36 points against Utah Jazz

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

January 12, 2024: Scored 37 points against Memphis Grizzlies

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

June 29, 2024: Opted 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: Signed with the Philadelphia 76ers

On July 6, 2024, Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers and chose to wear jersey number 8 as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, since his previous numbers were retired by the team.

2024: Signing with the Philadelphia 76ers

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

2024: Nike to re-release earlier sneaker models

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

2024: Played in the 2024 playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks

In 2024, Paul George played in the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks. In game 3, he struggled, scoring only 7 points. In game 4, he had 33 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals. Ultimately, the Clippers lost the series 4–2.