Paul George's Truth: 76ers Fans In Denial
The Philadelphia 76ers' pursuit of Paul George in 2017 is a tale of what could have been, a story that continues to haunt the franchise and their fanbase. While some fans cling to the notion that the deal was "too risky" or that "it's better to have Embiid and Simmons," the reality is that George would have transformed the 76ers into a true championship contender.
The Missed Opportunity: A Look at the Numbers
The 2017-18 season saw the 76ers narrowly miss the playoffs, finishing with a 34-48 record. This was the year before the rise of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, a period where the team desperately needed a star to propel them forward.
George, at the time, was a proven All-Star, averaging 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game for the Indiana Pacers. He was a defensive force, a capable playmaker, and most importantly, a player who could take over games and create his own shot.
Imagine him playing alongside a young, developing Embiid and a budding star like Simmons. The potential for dominance was undeniable.
The Denial: Refusing to Accept the Truth
So why did the 76ers balk at the trade? Fear of losing valuable assets? A belief that the core of Embiid and Simmons would be enough? Whatever the reason, the decision to pass on George has left a permanent scar on the franchise's history.
While the 76ers have since experienced some success, their inability to win a championship continues to haunt them. It begs the question: Would things be different if they had embraced the opportunity to build a truly dominant team with George as the third piece?
The answer, unfortunately, will forever remain hypothetical. But one thing is clear: 76ers fans who insist that the George trade was the wrong move are living in denial. They are clinging to a narrative that conveniently ignores the potential that George would have brought to the team.
The Future: Facing the Reality
It's time for 76ers fans to acknowledge the truth: the missed opportunity to acquire Paul George was a major turning point for the franchise. While the current roster has its strengths, it's impossible to ignore the tantalizing possibility of a team featuring George, Embiid, and Simmons.
The future of the 76ers remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: the ghost of Paul George will continue to haunt the franchise until they finally achieve the success that was so tantalizingly close.
