The Oklahoma City Thunder traded for Paul George last summer knowing he came with the risk of losing him the subsequent year. General manager Sam Presti made a move with this in mind, hoping a year with the reigning MVP, Russell Westbrook, and a chance at a deep postseason run could stave off a George/Los Angeles reunion.
It was revealed this week George would be left without a spot in the All-Star game, despite having a season that has him in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.
Westbrook, in defense of his teammate, told the media that George should have made the All-Star Team, and called George’s absence “outrageous.”
Russell Westbrook says Paul George not being named an all-star is 'unbelievable' and 'outrageous'…
He notes one team got 'four people' and a player complaining about getting 'snubbed' but still getting in ?
(via @royceyoung) pic.twitter.com/O55pJaagSj
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) January 24, 2018
During an interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, George expressed his appreciation for having a teammate stand up for him the way he did.
Following from Royce Young,
“Russ is the reason why this decision is becoming, even more, easier to make, is the character Russ [has],” George said on Wednesday. “A stand-up guy and he has his teammate’s back.”
…
“It was awesome for a teammate to have your back and to stand up,” he said. “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 this decision needs to be made when it comes down to it.”
These comments are everything nervous Thunder fans have wanted to hear from the 27-year-old wing. It further helps the Thunder are currently in the middle of a league-high five-game winning streak with a 27-20 record, good for fifth in the west.
However, no contracts can be signed in January. Only time will tell if George is genuinely impressed enough to re-sign in July when he’s a free agent. It seems, however, George is happy with his current situation.
