As the 2024-25 NBA season inches closer, fans can anticipate the goals and ambitions of players and teams heading into the league's 79th season. One player with a clear goal is Paul George , who has made many headlines this summer.
Ambitions in Philly
One of the biggest news stories this off-season was George moving from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Philadelphia 76ers . The nine-time All-Star confirmed he never wanted to leave Los Angeles; however, the two parties couldn't agree on a suitable offer.
Other franchises, like the Golden State Warriors , poked their nose to sign the small forward. Still, eventually, the Sixers won the bid. As he gears up for his 15th year in the league, PG has set his sights on a singular, high-stakes goal: winning at the highest level and securing a championship in Philadelphia, which has been missing for 41 years.
"Just win; that's my personal goal; just win," George commented on his goals for the new season. "Win at the highest level; win in Philly; they ain't have nothing else but winning, and I'm fully aware of that. So that's the only thing on my agenda."
The All-Star is stepping into Philly as the franchise seeks to secure a title. Despite the array of stars who have played for the Sixers, including Allen Iverson and Joel Embiid , there hasn't been enough to get over the finish line. A.I. led them to their last finals appearance in 2001, but they have failed countless times to make the postseason since.
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A new big 3
George inked a four-year, $212 million deal with the Sixers, making him the newest addition to a talented roster. Joining him in Philly's revamped lineup is Embiid, a perennial MVP candidate, and Tyrese Maxey, the Most Improved Player from a season ago.
Together, they're set to form a powerhouse in the East and dethrone the Boston Celtics.
George's departure from the Clippers came after he turned down an initial $30 million option for two years, a deal he described as "disrespectful." The Clippers upped their offer to $48.8 million for the 2024-2025 season, but it just wasn't enough to convince him.
This new-look 76ers have what it takes to compete at the highest level. The 34-year-old can bring his impressive playoff performances like earlier this year. In Game 4 of the 2024 playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, Paul put on a show with 33 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals, including a clutch corner three-pointer late in the fourth quarter. However, they eventually fell in six games.
Like his new partner Embiid, the former Clippers star's injury history remains a huge concern. His 74 games last season were his highest total since the 2018-19 season, something to keep an eye on as health has been his biggest derailer in recent years.
Related: Charles Barkley on why Paul George is set to shine in Philly: “He’s only got to be the third-best player on the team”
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