Paul Clifton Anthony George Sr. Bio
Paul Clifton Anthony George Sr. is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a small forward and power forward for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association. Nicknamed “PG-13,” George has established himself as one of the premier two-way players in the NBA since being selected tenth overall in the 2010 NBA draft. His career includes nine NBA All-Star selections, six All-NBA Team honors, and four NBA All-Defensive Team selections. George previously played for the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Clippers before joining the 76ers in 2024. He won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Early Life and Background
Paul George was born on May 2, 1990, in Palmdale, California, located in Los Angeles County. He is the son of Paul George and Paulette George. George grew up with two older sisters: Teiosha, who played basketball at Pepperdine University, and Portala, who played volleyball at CSU-San Bernardino. His sister Teiosha proved to be a formidable basketball opponent during their childhood, as George spent much of his free time playing one-on-one against her at the park. George idolized Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and grew up cheering for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
George attended Knight High School in Palmdale, where he began his sophomore year on the junior varsity team before being promoted to varsity. College recruiters began noticing his potential during the summer of 2007 while competing in Amateur Athletic Union tournaments. As a senior, George led Knight to the Golden League championship and earned Golden League Most Valuable Player honors. He was also named Antelope Valley Press Player of the Year and selected to the Daily News All-Area Boys Basketball Team. George averaged 23.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game during his senior season.
Despite his standout high school performance, George was not considered a major college prospect. Rivals.com ranked him as a three-star recruit and listed him 20th among California prospects. He initially verbally committed to Santa Clara before decommitting, then committed to Pepperdine before decommitting again after a coaching change. George ultimately chose Fresno State because it was closer to home, allowing his family to attend his games.
Path to Basketball
At Fresno State, George played two seasons for the Bulldogs from 2008 to 2010. In his college debut, he scored 14 points against Sacramento State. He made an immediate impression with a one-handed slam dunk over Mickey McConnell that earned SportsCenter’s number one “Play of the Day” on November 18, 2008. George led the Western Athletic Conference in minutes played and finished second in three-point shooting at 44.7%, steals, and steals per game during his freshman year. He started all 34 games, averaging 14.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
During his sophomore season, Sports Illustrated named George one of the top 16 most entertaining players in college basketball. He scored a career-high 30 points in a win over New Mexico State and finished the season averaging 16.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He earned All-WAC Second-Team honors and ranked second in the conference in free throw percentage and steals. Fresno State retired George’s number 24 jersey on November 10, 2019. After his sophomore year, George declared for the 2010 NBA draft, forgoing his final two seasons of college eligibility.
Paul George Career
Indiana Pacers (2010–2017)
George was selected tenth overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA draft, becoming the highest NBA draft pick in Fresno State history. He signed his rookie contract on July 1, 2010, a two-year guaranteed deal worth $3.9 million. George made his NBA debut on October 27, 2010, scoring 4 points against the San Antonio Spurs in 23 minutes of play. During his rookie season, he averaged 7.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while starting 19 of his 61 games. The Pacers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Chicago Bulls, and George was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team at season’s end.
The 2011-12 season saw George establish himself as an emerging talent. He recorded his first 30-point game against the Dallas Mavericks in February 2012 and participated in the Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend, showcasing a 360-degree windmill dunk. However, he lost the competition to Jeremy Evans. That season, George averaged 12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while starting all 66 games during the lockout-shortened season. The Pacers advanced past the Orlando Magic in the first round before falling to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2017–2019)
On July 6, 2017, George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Despite his stated preference to join the Los Angeles Lakers, George decided to remain with the Thunder and signed a four-year, $137 million contract extension on July 6, 2018. During the 2017-18 season, he scored a season-high 42 points against the Los Angeles Clippers and finished the regular season averaging 21.9 points per game. He earned his fifth All-Star selection and helped the Thunder secure the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. In Game 1 of the first round against the Utah Jazz, George set an Oklahoma City playoff record with eight three-pointers while scoring 36 points.
The 2018-19 season represented the peak of George’s individual accomplishments with the Thunder. He averaged 28.0 points per game while ranking third in both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year voting. George recorded multiple 40-point performances throughout the season, including a career-high 10 three-pointers against the Miami Heat. He earned Western Conference Player of the Month honors for February and was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career. However, the Thunder were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Portland Trail Blazers in five games.
Los Angeles Clippers (2019–2024)
On July 10, 2019, George was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a blockbuster deal that also helped the team sign Kawhi Leonard. After missing the first eleven games while recovering from shoulder surgeries, George made his debut on November 14, 2019, scoring 33 points against the New Orleans Pelicans. He scored a season-high 46 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves in December 2019, becoming the first Clippers duo to each score 40 points in a single game alongside Leonard. The Clippers reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history during the 2020-21 season, with George scoring a playoff career-high 41 points in Game 5 against the Phoenix Suns.
During the 2021-22 season, George suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during a December game against the Portland Trail Blazers and missed significant time. He returned for the 2022-23 season and posted multiple 40-point games, including 45 points against his former team, the Indiana Pacers. The 2023-24 season saw George average 22.6 points per game while helping the Clippers make the playoffs. He scored a season-high 41 points against the Charlotte Hornets and 39 points in a comeback victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder that marked the greatest comeback in Clippers franchise history. The Clippers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks in six games.
Philadelphia 76ers (2024–Present)
On July 6, 2024, George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. At 34 years old, he joined a roster featuring center Joel Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey, forming a new star trio for the franchise. George chose to wear jersey number 8 as a tribute to Philadelphia native Kobe Bryant, whose numbers 8 and 24 had been retired by both the Lakers and, symbolically, by other franchises. The signing positioned the 76ers as expected contenders for the 2025 NBA championship.
Driving Style and Strengths
George has established himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, combining elite athleticism with sharp instincts. His offensive game centers on his three-point shooting, mid-range scoring, and ability to create his own shot. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall with a 7-foot wingspan, George guards multiple positions effectively. He has participated in multiple Slam Dunk Contests, showcasing his vertical leap and finishing ability. Following a 2014 game, Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw called George “the best two-way player in the game.”
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, George has reached numerous milestones. He broke the Pacers franchise record with nine three-pointers in a single game during the 2012-13 season. In the 2016 NBA All-Star Game, he scored 41 points, finishing one point shy of Wilt Chamberlain’s All-Star game record of 42 points set in 1962. George has surpassed 2,290 career three-pointers, moving into the top ten all-time in NBA history. His dramatic buzzer-beater victories and signature performances against elite competition have defined his career.
Paul George Career Wins
George has accumulated impressive statistics across his NBA career spanning from 2010 to the present. His career includes over 18,000 total points, 6,000 rebounds, 4,000 assists, and 2,290 three-pointers made. His career average of 20.8 points per game ranks among the best in NBA history for players through their first 14 seasons.
NBA Highlights
George’s most decorated season came in 2018-19 with the Thunder, when he earned All-NBA First Team honors and finished third in MVP voting while leading the league in steals per game. He has been named to nine NBA All-Star Games and has earned All-NBA Team honors six times. His Most Improved Player award in 2013 marked his emergence as a franchise cornerstone. George’s four All-Defensive Team selections demonstrate his consistent impact on the defensive end throughout his career.
Other Achievements
Beyond his NBA accomplishments, George won an Olympic gold medal as a member of Team USA at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. He earned All-WAC Second Team honors during his college career at Fresno State, where his number 24 was eventually retired. His Slam Dunk Contest appearances in 2012 and 2014 showcased his athleticism to a national audience early in his career.
Paul George Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
George comes from an athletic family with basketball running through his bloodline. His father is Paul George Sr., and his mother is Paulette George. His older sister Teiosha George played basketball at Pepperdine University, reaching the NCAA Tournament and playing in Midnight Madness events. His other sister Portala George competed in volleyball at CSU-San Bernardino. Their household fostered competitive spirit, with young Paul frequently challenging his older sisters in various athletic competitions.
Personal Life
George is married to Daniela Rajic, whom he wed in June 2022 after getting engaged in November 2020. Together they have two daughters and a son named Paul George Jr. George hosts a podcast called “Podcast P with Paul George” alongside actor Jackie Long and AAU teammate Dallas Rutherford, with various NBA players appearing as guests. He signed with Nike as a rookie and had a signature footwear and apparel line from 2017 to 2022, with Nike re-releasing his earlier sneaker models in 2024. George remains active in his hometown community in Palmdale, California, where he has maintained connections since his youth.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season presented significant challenges for George and the Philadelphia 76ers. After missing the first five games of the season due to a bone bruise in his knee sustained during the preseason, George made his 76ers debut on November 4, 2024, recording 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. Despite early struggles, he showed flashes of his abilities with a 33-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets on December 16, moving past Jason Terry for tenth place on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list. He later surpassed Vince Carter for ninth place.
George’s production dipped significantly during his first season with the 76ers, averaging 16.2 points per game, his lowest scoring average since his early career seasons. The 76ers struggled to a 23-45 record at the time of his season-ending announcement. On March 17, 2025, the team announced that George would miss the remainder of the season due to adductor and knee injuries. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in July 2025. Despite the difficult season, George returned to score 39 points against the Washington Wizards on April 1, 2026, demonstrating his continued ability to contribute at a high level when healthy.