When you look at paul george career stats, you aren't just looking at a spreadsheet. You're looking at a survival guide for the modern NBA superstar. It’s wild to think that a kid from Fresno State, someone who wasn't even the most hyped recruit in his own state, basically became the blueprint for the "prototypical" wing.
He’s the guy every GM wants. Tall. Shoots the lights out. Defends the best player on the other team. Honestly, his career has been a rollercoaster of "What ifs" and "Oh my gods," and the numbers actually back that up.
The Indiana Breakout and the Leg That Changed Everything
Paul George didn't start as "PG-13." He started as a 7.8 points-per-game rookie on a gritty Pacers team. By 2013, he was the Most Improved Player, averaging 17.4 points and basically going toe-to-toe with LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Finals.
People forget how athletic he was. He was a pogo stick. Then came 2014. That horrific leg injury during a Team USA scrimmage in Las Vegas. Most players would have been done. Career over.
But check this out: he came back and somehow got better. In 2015-16, his first full season back, he averaged 23.1 points. He traded some of that raw, explosive vertical for a more refined, surgical offensive game. He basically re-learned how to dominate.
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That 2018-19 Season in OKC Was Actually Historic
If you want to win an argument about Paul George’s ceiling, just pull up the 2018-19 stats. He was 3rd in MVP voting and 3rd in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
- PPG: 28.0
- RPG: 8.2
- SPG: 2.2 (Led the NBA)
- 3PM: 3.8 per game
He joined a very short list of players—think Jordan, Kobe, LeBron—who could carry an entire offensive load while being the primary disruptor on the other end. He was a thief on the perimeter. That version of Paul George was a nightmare.
The Clippers Era: Efficiency vs. Availability
The move to LA was supposed to be the coronation. While the "Kawhi and PG" era didn't result in a ring, George’s efficiency actually stayed remarkably high. People talk about "Playoff P" like he's a liability, but he carried the Clippers to their first-ever Western Conference Finals in 2021 when Kawhi went down.
During that 2021 playoff run, he averaged 26.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over 19 games. Those aren't "choker" numbers. They're superstar numbers.
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The real issue has always been the games played column. Since 2019, he's rarely cleared the 60-game mark in a regular season. It’s the "availability" tax. When he's on the floor, he's a 41% three-point shooter who demands a double team. When he’s not, he’s a massive cap hit on the bench.
Current Chapter: Philadelphia and the 2,500 Milestone
As of early 2026, George is navigating his mid-30s with the Philadelphia 76ers. The role is different now. He’s the veteran presence alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
His scoring has dipped—hovering around 15.8 to 16.2 points per game—but he’s still a threat. He's actually closing in on 2,500 career three-pointers. Only a handful of players in the history of the game have ever done that. LeBron James reached it recently, and George is right on his heels.
Paul George Career Stats by the Numbers (Regular Season)
- Total Points: Over 18,900 and counting.
- Career Average: Roughly 20.5 PPG.
- Shooting Splits: A very healthy 44/38/85.
- Defense: 4x All-Defensive selections and a steals title.
He’s transitioned from a "slasher" to a "sniping playmaker." His assists per game actually trended upward during his time in LA, showing he’s willing to facilitate more as his first step loses a tiny bit of its zip.
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What Most People Get Wrong
The narrative on PG-13 is usually about his health or a few bad playoff games. But look at the advanced stats. His VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) and Win Shares consistently rank him in the top tier of small forwards.
He’s also one of the best "off-ball" stars ever. You don't need to give him the ball for 20 seconds to get a good shot. He can catch and shoot, or he can run a pick-and-roll. That versatility is why he’s survived so many different eras and team builds.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking Paul George's career for fantasy basketball, sports betting, or just pure fandom, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the "Back-to-Backs": At this stage of his career with the Sixers, the "DNP - Rest" is a real factor. His per-game stats are elite, but his total season volume is a gamble.
- Look at the 3PT Volume: He is still one of the most prolific shooters in the league. If he gets 8+ attempts from deep, he's likely having a 25-point night regardless of his age.
- Defensive Gravity: Even if he isn't getting 2 steals a game anymore, his "Defensive Box Plus-Minus" remains positive. He still knows where to be.
Paul George’s career is a masterclass in adaptation. From a skinny kid in Indiana to a gritty comeback story, to an MVP candidate in OKC, and now a veteran stabilizer in Philly. The stats tell the story of a man who refused to let a broken leg define his legacy.
Next time you see a "washed" comment on social media, just look at the shooting percentages. The guy hasn't missed a beat in over a decade.
Actionable Next Steps:
To get the most out of following PG’s final seasons, monitor his Usage Rate in Philadelphia. When Embiid is off the floor, George's scoring output typically jumps by 15-20%. If you're looking for a deep dive into how his playstyle compares to other aging stars, check out the league-wide True Shooting Percentage rankings—George consistently stays in the top 20% for his position.