For the first time since March 4, Paul George was back on the NBA floor. Having suffered a freak injury during a workout in the offseason, PG13 underwent surgery on his left knee. It was only a few days ago that he got the clearance from doctors. However, George is still not quite up to his best yet.

It’s common. Returning after 8 months, the former Pacers forward had a rough shooting night. Nick Nurse contemplated running a few sets for him once George nailed his first triple. But the head coach decided against it, letting the 76ers star settle in on his own and wait until he is “ready”.

“I was debating whether we would run some stuff for him or but we didn’t. We just decided to see what would happen. And you know he got some opportunities. He was getting to some spots that he probably going to make those shots but not quite ready to yet,” Nurse said about George’s season debut.

The veteran forward added nine points, shooting 2-9 from the field. Paul George felt he was ‘rusty’ having only returned to full practice in October. Yet, the 76ers felt his impact instantly in their fight back against the Clippers. Tyrese Maxey noted how PG13 can help the team in more ways than just scoring the ball.

“He’s able to do a lot of different things on the basketball court. I think his biggest asset to us right now like today, was his defense. Just like defending, guarding multiple possessions… Just get deflections, get some blocks. So that was big for us,” said the 76ers’ talisman.

The nine-time All-Star managed to block two shots in the 76ers’ narrow win against the Clippers. But since he was on a minutes restriction throughout the night, Paul George felt he ‘forced’ a lot to get the most out of his minutes. But it’s great news for Philly to have the seasoned forward back in their rotations.  It’s a gradual process to integrate him. However, his presence on the court could benefit a lot of their other players.

Paul George is an integral piece for the 76ers

At 6’8”, George is still one of the most versatile defenders in the league. He may move as smoothly as in his prime. But the 76ers have utilized their defensive intensity to break out on offense. VJ Edgecombe is a ball hawk, and with George’s size and athleticism, they appear to be complete.

The aim will be to have his scoring game turn up soon. But for now, the 76ers don’t need that punch. They have Tyrese Maxey, who is a walking 30-point scorer. Alongside Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes, Philly’s backcourt provides the team with the offensive balance they needs to compete.

But George also isn’t somebody defenses can leave wide open. Tonight, Nick Nurse felt he was “out of rhythm” with it being his first game back. Yet, as a scoring pillar, defenses will react to the 35-year-old on the court. That helps the 76ers gain more spacing and create better possessions for others. And George is still a great decision maker.

“I thought he did a really good job of defensive rebounding, and also as soon as he got it, he was throwing ahead, and we were getting going in transition. So, pretty good. Pretty good, I think,” Nurse said of his debut. For now, the Philadelphia 76ers’ focus with Paul George won’t be to take over the offense.

The priority is to gradually ramp up his minutes and avoid another injury risk. With Joel Embiid also on the sidelines, the team just needs a little help and experience on the floor. Like George pushing the ball in the fourth quarter, getting two assists to aid the 76ers’ comeback tonight.

So far, it’s all going to plan with Paul George having a positive impact on the team’s overall performance. With time, the 9-time All-Star can be a genuine two-way threat again. To Philly, giving him and Embiid time to fully recover and gain confidence is key with the postseason in mind. As for the regular season, they have started well and have the assets to stay in the hunt.