Paul George Looks Like a Bust for the Philadelphia 76ers
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Paul George is facing heavy criticism for his underwhelming performance with the Philadelphia 76ers. While the team’s instability isn’t entirely his fault, George’s max contract and role demand better results. His 4-year, $212 million deal is becoming harder to justify as the season progresses.
In seven games, George has surpassed the 20-point mark just once, shooting under 40% overall and a dismal 28% from three-point range. Excluding his standout game against the Knicks, where he shot 7-for-11 from beyond the arc, his numbers are alarmingly poor. The Sixers, already in a difficult position, need George to step up and lead them out of their struggles.
Karl-Anthony Towns Cancels Out His Brilliance
Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) continues to be a force offensively but remains a major liability on defense for the New York Knicks. While his offensive contributions rank among the best in the league, his defensive metrics are among the worst. Teams shoot 14% better at the rim when KAT is on the court, putting him in the lowest percentile of defenders.
With Mitchell Robinson out, KAT is forced to play more as a center, exposing his defensive shortcomings. Though he punishes smaller lineups offensively, his inability to guard bigs or provide help defense puts undue pressure on teammates like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Until Robinson returns, Towns must improve his defense to at least a passable level to balance his contributions.
Golden State Warriors’ Free-Throw Struggles Could Be Their Undoing
The Golden State Warriors are atop the Western Conference with a 10-3 record, but their free-throw shooting is a glaring weakness. At 69.7%, the team ranks dead last in the league, and this issue has already cost them games, including a close loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Beyond Stephen Curry (94.3%) and Buddy Hield (85.7%), the rest of the roster’s free-throw percentages are concerningly low:
- Andrew Wiggins: 72.3%
- Draymond Green: 69.7%
- Jonathan Kuminga: 60.7%
- Trayce Jackson-Davis: 54.5%
When 10 out of 12 rotation players are shooting 72% or worse, the issue is undeniable. If the Warriors fail to fix this problem, it could haunt them in tight games against tougher opponents.
Critical Issues Across the NBA
From Paul George’s underperformance to KAT’s defensive woes and the Warriors’ free-throw shooting, these key concerns could derail ambitions this season. Immediate improvements are essential for these players and teams to reach their full potential and compete at the highest level.
