In the NBA, Paul George has built a fantastic career for himself. In fact, the eight-time All-Star was chosen as the GOAT in the 2023 NBA Draught by Brandon Miller, the No. 2 overall choice, ahead of Michael Jordan, the previous owner of his team. Although George undoubtedly inspired a generation, his injuries might have long since put an end to his professional career.
The former MVP frontrunner discussed this very aspect of his life with the Golden State Warriors guard, Klay Thompson. Having gone through something very similar not so long ago, Thompson knew exactly what goes on in such situations. On George’s podcast, “Podcast P”, Thompson said, “You gotta get a little lucky in this league, I’ve learnt too, you gotta get some breaks with injuries, I mean Paul and I have been through it....I have no complaints, like I’ll do it all over again. Injuries and all, because we’re here“.
Paul heartbreakingly said, “D**n that hurt!” He went on to add, “I had 6 surgeries….got nothing to show for it. You got rings to show for.”
However, Thompson immediately consoled George, also hailing the Clippers forward. “I couldn’t wait to tell you bro, like you really inspired me, I was there when that happened, bro. I saw you,” he said. Replying to George’s “rings to show for” statement, the 5-time All-Star said, “Yeah, but I never had to carry a franchise like you, bro.”
In his early years, Paul George was regarded as one of the league's most promising players. The world was stunned at the time by his astonishing ascent to the top. But a USA Basketball exhibition game in 2014 brought about a sea shift. When George accidentally smashed his foot into the base of the backboard stanchion during the scrimmage, he suffered one of the most terrible injuries in basketball history. His tibia, or lower leg bone, snapped and bent at a 90-degree angle as a result of the hit.