Brandon Miller, the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, revealed that his role model and “GOAT” is Paul George.
While many of his generation idolize LeBron James or Stephen Curry, Miller is inspired by George’s smooth shooting, limitless range, incredible dunks, footwork, and ability to make big plays.
This declaration initially faced criticism but has resonated with a growing number of younger players and veterans who admire George’s skills.
George’s blend of size, skill, and smoothness has influenced a new generation of tall wings, both on and off the court. Miller believes that George is the ideal player to study in the current NBA landscape.
Even players like Aaron Gordon and Karl-Anthony Towns have analyzed and attempted to emulate George’s moves. George’s style of play has even led to the creation of online highlight videos set to Erykah Badu’s “Didn’t Cha Know” as a tribute to his smoothness.
Paul George game is just beautiful to watch. The fluidity at that height is rare. pic.twitter.com/4z4peTw96N
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) March 15, 2024
George himself noticed the admiration from the younger generation during his 2015-16 season in Indiana when he began receiving praise and recognition from players who looked up to him. During that time, George showcased his ability to get past defenders and run an offense effectively.
Gordon, who helped the Nuggets win the NBA Finals last season, attributes his improved approach to breaking down defenders to an encounter he had with George during the 2016-17 season.
While playing for the Orlando Magic, Gordon met George after a game against the Pacers, and George took the opportunity to give him a rare tutorial on the court.
He taught Gordon how to slow down, change the tempo of his drives, and manipulate defenders with his dribble moves. George noticed how defenders were guarding Gordon’s crossover and showed him how to switch up his cadence to catch opponents off guard.
Gordon credits George with teaching him to go fast and then slow down to lull defenders to sleep before attacking.
George’s willingness to share his skills reflects his reputation among other players as someone they want to play with due to his easygoing temperament and all-around game. Clippers guard Brandon Boston Jr. even watched a highlight video of George’s Pacers days to learn his moves and incorporate them into his own game.
George’s popularity is also evident among young players, with many trying to emulate him in the popular NBA 2K video game. George himself has encountered players who have created characters that resemble him, and he regards them as pretty good at imitating his style.
GG Jackson, a rookie for the Memphis Grizzlies, grew up in South Carolina with a desire to be smooth like George. However, his awkward moments as a kid, even with his flashy Nike PGs, couldn’t hide the fact that he was picked on in middle school.
Despite this, Jackson found inspiration in George’s Pacers highlights, admiring his crazy in-game dunks and complete skills. During his college season at South Carolina, Jackson tried to emulate George’s moves but with little success.
Drafted as the No. 45 pick last summer, Jackson split his rookie season between the Grizzlies and their G League affiliate. During a game against the Clippers, he unexpectedly got called up and was pressed into action when Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane got injured.
Jackson made a memorable debut, scoring four points and five rebounds, and even had the chance to meet his idol, George, after the game. Since then, Jackson has become a standout player, averaging 15.3 points per game and even becoming the youngest player to score 25 points off the bench since Kobe Bryant in 1997.
In a rematch against the Clippers, Jackson had to remind himself to stay focused while guarding George. He knew that if he showed any hesitation, it would be an advantage for George.
Despite the challenges, Jackson has built a name for himself and continues to excel in a difficult season for the Grizzlies, making his own mark just like his idol.
Soon after Miller publicly praised George, the NBA veteran received numerous messages about the comments. George reached out to Miller, who had made the remarks on a podcast.
George reassured Miller, saying that people were poking fun at him for calling George the greatest of all time. George advised him to be himself and embrace his feelings, explaining that it’s about who inspires him and that George knows he is not the GOAT.
George can sympathize with being ridiculed as well, having faced criticism for his playoff performances. He mentioned the trolling on social media during the 2020 playoffs, which led to him experiencing depression.
George expressed that the bubble experience was the worst period of his career. Miller and Jackson, two young players, appreciate George’s vulnerability and find him relatable.
These are the stats for The Best Pound-For-Pound Defenders thats height ranges from 6’6-6’8.
Paul George reigns The Best Defender with a +1.7 Impact Rating and 79 PTS Saved. pic.twitter.com/Rzq9aeDOQD
— ⚡️ (@LandOfPG) March 27, 2024
George recently spoke about being praised by a top-ranked recruit, and he expressed gratitude to have supporters instead of those who mock his career. George also mentioned his outreach having a positive impact on a diverse range of people, including children worldwide.
Overall, George’s ability to impact and influence other players both on and off the court is evident, making him a highly respected figure in the NBA.
Fans reacted as follows.
Nothing about Paul George is fluid
— H Will (@HWill86) March 15, 2024
Too fun to watch, his bag is top 5 in the NBA easily
— Geeski McNair 🇩🇴💵 (@GEExMONEYY) March 16, 2024
I’ll say this, a guy can never win a chip in the NBA but as long as hes got a “middy” or a “beautiful game” this guy will tweet about it. It’s funny how he tweets about guys that never have really won anything. Outside of Kd, I guess if u got the middy it’s All that matters
— Matthew Hatten (@MattHatten0623) March 15, 2024
People constantly call him a “liability on defense”
— ⚡️ (@LandOfPG) March 27, 2024
it's the rest of the team that can't defend besides pg, kawhi, russ and zu
— Dylan🦎 (@xcninja5) March 27, 2024
