Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is past his physical prime at 34 years old but can still make a superstar impact.
He is hoping to win the first title of his career in Philadelphia alongside former MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey. To prepare properly, George is reportedly studying and speaking with some of the greatest NBA players of all-time about the keys to success at an older age.
"As he's gotten older, he's watched the guys before him," TNT broadcaster Kevin Harlan shared. "How the late Kobe Bryant and others have adjusted their game, I think he's talked a lot to LeBron [James], Michael [Jordan], and I think he has really watched and studied how the great ones who could do anything in their 20s and kind of slacked off when they hit 30 now in their mid-30s have to adjust their game, and I think he's really followed that path well."
Studying arguably the top-three players in league history is a smart tactic, and it makes you wonder why all veterans don't do so. While some learn from greats on a smaller scale, George's production in Philadelphia may encourage others.
George's most physically gifted years came during his tenure with the Indiana Pacers from 2011 to 2017. However, none of those were the most productive of his career, but rather his second season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He finished third in MVP and Defensive Player of the Year voting, thriving through strong health and efficiency. Although the injuries are more of a concern than before, both of these attributes can remain relatively intact with the Sixers.
