One of the most dynamic small forwards in the NBA, Paul George has been an inspirational athlete since he entered the league in 2010. George’s work ethic and impressive athleticism have allowed him to become one of the best two way players in the NBA. His coveted intangibles combined with his vast on the court skill set are the components that have garnered the superstar forward immense popularity and rightfully so. Given George’s dominance on the court, the question remains of how much is the versatile athlete actually worth?
Paul George’s Net Worth as of 2017: $52.4 Million
How did the gifted NBA talent get there? And how have George’s various accomplishments allowed him to garner this type of wealth? Let’s find out.
2010-2014
After being selected tenth overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, George came into the NBA as a intriguing rookie with a well-developed defensive skill set. Although George was not a prolific scorer at this time, he was consistently effective as a tenacious defender as he led his team in steals-per-minute. While the Pacers would go on to lose to the Chicago Bulls in five games in the first round of the NBA playoffs, George was one of two rookies to be on a starting line up in the post season and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors for his defensive prowess during the season.
During a lockout-shortened 2011 season, George started his transformation into becoming a viable offensive threat. Most notably, George raised this three-point scoring percentage from 29.7% in 2010 to 38.5% in 2011. Along with his improved offensive abilities, George was able to maintain his aggressive defensive style as he average 1.6 steals per game during the regular season. Despite George’s statistical improvements on offense, he struggled with his shooting accuracy during the playoffs as he made just 19 of 52 field goals.
2012 was a decisive turning point in George’s career as his he finally took a major step in blossoming into a prolific offensive threat. He set career highs in points per game (17.4), rebounds per game (7.6) and assists per game (4.1), all the while averaging nearly two steals per game during the regular season. Unlike last season, George was much more effective during the Pacers impressive playoff run as he averaged 19.2 points per game while making 43% of his shots from the field. Although the Pacers lost to the Miami Heat in a thrilling seven game series in the Eastern Conference Finals, George’s now dynamic abilities earned him the award of Most Improved Player in the NBA.
If 2012 was George’s coming out party as a offensive weapon, 2013 was the year George cemented his identity as one of the best two way players in the NBA. He averaged 21.7 points per game and was instrumental in leading the highly competitive Pacers to a overall record of 56-26. Once again, George was locked in during the post season as he averaged 22.6 points and 2.2 steals per game. However, George’s concerted efforts on both offense and defense were not enough for his team to dispatch the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals for the third year in a row.
During the offseason in 2014, George was selected by the US National Team to participate in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. However, George suffered a compound fracture in both bones of his lower right leg during a scrimmage in Las Vegas, effectively ending his chances of playing in the World Cup while missing most of the NBA regular season. While George made a triumphant return by the end of the season and played in six games, the Pacers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
He reportedly earned $3.2 million in 2014
2015-Present
After being sidelined in 2014 with a debilitating injury, George came into the 2015 season determined to get his team back into the post season picture. The fiery competitor did not disappoint. Picking up right where he left off before his injury, George was able to emphatically display his abilities as a dominant force on both sides of the ball. Setting a career high in points per game (23.1), George had established his dominance as the Pacers go to scorer, a feat that seamed nearly unfathomable during his rookie season. Although the Pacers lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs to the Toronto Raptors in seven games, George left everything on the court during the series as he averaged 27.3 points and 2 steals per game.
This past season, George continued to display his versatile abilities on the court as he averaged 23.7 points per game and set a career high in field goal percentage at 46.1%. Unfortunately, George’s prolific statistical output was barely enough to earn the Pacers the seventh seed in the NBA playoffs. Going up against a talent laden Cleveland Cavaliers team, the Pacers fought hard in every game but were ultimately swept in the first round.
When looking back over any NBA superstars career, it’s essential to see development and immense improvement from season to season. In this regard, George is one of the most impressive NBA assets as he was determined to be a vital contributor in every way imaginable to lead his team to new heights in both the regular season and in the playoffs. While George and the Pacers came extremely close to making the NBA Finals early on in his career, it seems that George’s best efforts are no longer enough to help this team become serious post season contenders. Given that George becomes a free agent next year, it seems inevitable that the determined athlete will look to more competitive franchises to have a chance at earning his first championship ring.
He reportedly earned $18.3 million in 2017.
