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What's the story?
Russell Westbrook’s public support of Paul George’s All-Star candidacy might have made George’s decision very easy when free agency hits at the end of this season.
In case you didn't know...
The Oklahoma City Thunder engineered a blockbuster trade that got them Paul George from the Indiana Pacers on a 1-year contract in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.
The heart of the matter
Paul George was highly impressed by the support he received from Westbrook as he told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols (via ESPN.com’s Royce Young) on Wednesday:
“Russ is the reason why this decision is becoming even more easier to make, is the character Russ [has],” George said. “A stand-up guy, and he has his teammates back. It was awesome for a teammate to have your back and to stand up. And to be honest, he should be a starter. He’s been the MVP, been the best player at his position. He should’ve been a starter. But that’s another story. But the fact Russ had my back, that’s my guy forever, and it’s more apparent what his decision needs to be made when it comes down to it.”
Westbrook shared his thoughts on George being left out of the All-Star reserves. “Unbelievable. I think it’s outrageous in my opinion.” Westbrook said, per Young. “I don’t know who else made the team, but I know you got guys with four people from one team. You got guys complaining about getting snubbed so they get in. You got guys that just talking about it all the time, but the guys that deserve it, should be in, is not. I just don’t understand. It doesn’t make any sense a guy that leads the league in steals, compete every night, top two in his position, it don’t make any sense regardless of anything else.”
George has proved to be a natural fit alongside Westbrook. The Thunder have outscored opponents by 7.7 points per 100 possessions when they both are on the court, as per NBA.com’s lineup data.
What's next?
The Thunder had a rough 8-12 start to the season but have meshed of late and are now 27-20 with five straight wins now. They play the Washington Wizards on Thursday.
Author's take
Paul George’s decision will totally depend upon how the Thunder performs come Playoff time, but adjusting and getting used to playing alongside Westbrook during the season does factor into the decision making.
