Paul George’s reputation took a major dip this season, especially in the NBA bubble in Orlando. He went from being the Los Angeles Clippers’ second star, one of the best two-way players in the world, and a guy that could help them get over the hump, to a choker.
People called out Paul George for all the talking he did before the playoffs and how poorly he performed when it mattered the most. More than that, he threw shade at other players and was far from humbled when people pointed the finger at him.
And, now that the Clippers’ epic meltdown ended up in Doc Rivers being fired, it seems like George hasn’t learned from his mistakes at all. If anything, he put up even more excuses when he was asked about the matter.
Paul George Calls Out Doc Rivers, Says He Wasn’t Used Properly And The Clippers Didn’t Practice
George recently made an appearance in ‘All The Smoke’ with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson and instead of giving his coach – and former father in law – his flowers, George claimed that Doc Rivers didn’t use him properly:
Paul George on Doc Rivers: “Coach was trying to play me as a Ray Allen or as a JJ Redick, all pin downs. I can do it, but that just ain’t my game.” (via All The Smoke Podcast)
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 2, 2020
“Coach was trying to play me as a Ray Allen or as a JJ Redick, all pin downs. I can do it, but that just ain’t my game.I need some flow, I need some mixes of some pick-and-rolls, post ups, diff. touches. Last season was hard,” George said.
Paul George shared his thoughts on why the Clippers blew a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets:
“During that whole process, we never worked on adjustments. We never worked on what to do differently.”
(via All the Smoke, @SHOsports) pic.twitter.com/8rVjrdslZT
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 3, 2020
Moreover, PG-13 admitted that the Clippers deserved to lose when they blew that 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets because they barely practiced or made any kinds of adjustments. Needless to say, the internet didn’t take his comments likely and called him out for not holding himself accountable for the team’s struggles.
Yes it’s Docs fault you completely choked and hit the side of the backboard on a 3 during game 7
— basketball mediator (@BBallAddictFan) December 2, 2020
“JJ Reddick” pic.twitter.com/UqeqtRAWxv
— boston sports fan (5-6) (@michaelgscott24) December 2, 2020
Let’s see – his teammates hate him – he always was late for practice. And he blames others for his horrible playing.
— David (@eaglecaphiker) December 3, 2020
Never says, “I didn’t perform”
— Yujean (@yujeanonymous) December 3, 2020
“coach was trying to play me like two highly successful guys. that just ain’t my game.”
— Mike Roberts (@mikroberts) December 2, 2020
Dude is just a journal of excuses.
— John Murray (@Caddy0386Ya) December 3, 2020
Paul George has:
– Cheated on Doc Rivers daughter with a stripper
– Hit the side of the backboard in Game 7
– Got Doc Rivers fired because of his terrible play
– Blames Doc for not using him rightThe Rivers family gotta jump this man.
— BLACK ADAM SCHEFTER (@B1ackSchefter) December 2, 2020
Paul George something else man
Just say you played bad and move on
The excuses are ridiculous
1st it was injuries (after you said you were fine), now it’s how the coach used you, what’s next?
— Jason Maples (@JJMaples55_MST) December 2, 2020
Paul George is the same dude that said that he was 100% healthy and that the Clippers were “stacked” for the bubble.
Now he wanna come out with all of these excuses.
— Baby Boy �������� (@trey32brown) December 2, 2020
First team all-excuses at forward- Paul George pic.twitter.com/aBIuePnpj8
— M (@____mxbl) December 2, 2020
Paul George: “Doc was trying to play me as a Ray Allen. I can do it, but that ain’t my game” pic.twitter.com/HX1yk19kN2
— �������� �� (@Three_Cone) December 2, 2020
Paul George on All The Smoke pic.twitter.com/geQTJQyIH5
— Master (@MasterTes) December 2, 2020
some eye-popping confirmations from Paul George here
3:17 “we never worked on adjustments. we never worked on what to do differently. we just had the same shit happen over & over”
3:45 “the convo should have been we need to change this”
4:12 “we didnt practice the whole year” https://t.co/aKmu6wVfb3
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) December 2, 2020
Interesting comment. Paul George finished 33% of his total plays using the pick-and-roll, which was a career-high. The prior high was 25% in OKC, via @SynergySST stats. That’s very different from a Ray Allen or JJ Redick style role. https://t.co/w0n1UDrx1p
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 2, 2020
At the end of the day, Paul George is still one of the best two-way players on earth and the Clippers have a strong chance of bouncing back next season. Then again, he should also take the blame for how poorly he played when it mattered the most rather than always blaming someone or something else.
