Paul George’s loser mentality about getting doubled sums up the 76ers’ issues.
The Philadelphia 76ers entered this season as one of the presumed NBA title contender heavyweights. Instead, at the time of this writing, they are just 2-11, with Tyrese Maxey openly calling out Joel Embiid’s lacking leadership in a recent team meeting. Woof.
But in case you thought Embiid was the 76ers’ only issue, it sure seems like they might have a Paul George problem, too.
In a snippet from a recent episode of George’s podcast, Podcast P with Paul George, George openly complains about JJ Reddick telling the Los Angeles Lakers to double-team him during a 116-108 win over the 76ers on Friday, November 8.
Why was George frustrated by the double-team strategy?
Because, and I’m not making this up, George said he was still on a minutes restriction from an early-season injury. He didn’t appreciate the extra-hard competition because he was concerned about getting back into a good rhythm and flow rather than seeing his life on the court get more strenuous against a team trying to, you know, win.
C’mon, man. That’s a loser mentality if I’ve ever heard it:
Honestly, what did George expect? Both Embiid and starting point guard Tyrese Maxey didn’t play in that game against the Lakers. So of course George — a nine-time All-Star — will get double-teamed to ideally get the ball out of his hands. Los Angeles owes absolutely nothing to George’s or the 76ers’ vision for his injury recovery.
The Lakers are trying to win a game. Period.
And George complaining about it after the fact is very telling about his mindset. Based on the laughing emoji in his podcast’s promotional tweet for the snippet, you can assume he thinks that saying this in public is funny and “viral,” too. (Hey, it worked to get this article out there, didn’t it? Just probably not what George intended).
Buddy, admitting you were bothered by an opposing team taking you seriously because you didn’t want to compete that hard is a problem in any context. Especially when your team is nine games under .500 in mid-November. Now was not the time for that kind of humor. No one was going to laugh.
Because the 76ers reside in the miserable Eastern Conference, all their dreams of a good season with their new big three remain intact.
But when I see their MVP-caliber center getting called out by teammates only a few weeks into the year, followed by another supposed team “leader” complaining about competition, I feel pretty comfortable asserting they won’t turn anything around.
The 76ers are handling their Joel Embiid and Paul George plan in the worst possible way.
The Philadelphia 76ers are committed to conserving Joel Embiid and Paul George as much as they possibly can for a hopeful deep postseason run. Which, as they should be. But after a troubling 1-2 start without their two best players, it seems head coach Nick Nurse might be getting a little fed up by the whole predicament.
On Tuesday, the 76ers released a statement that both Embiid and George would miss the team’s home matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. They will apparently be reevaluated later this week, but there is no set debut date in the books yet. (Note: Philadelphia does not play again until Saturday.)
As one should expect, Nurse naturally fielded questions about the health of Embiid and George at a press conference after the statement. I should say that he took two questions before passive-aggressively cutting everyone off and changing the subject.
Uh, testy much?
After this Sixers’ statement was released, Nick Nurse took two questions regarding the absences of his stars before cutting off questions on the subject. Full video of that first minute of his presser: https://t.co/toyRXP212Ypic.twitter.com/N9WFqsMXXl
Look, I understand Nurse’s frustration about repeatedly having a conversation that hasn’t had a resolution for over a week now. There are few things I think people are more annoyed by than having to repeat themselves over and over. From this regard, the testiness is warranted.
At the same time, as the 76ers relatively struggle, any questions about George and Embiid likely missing almost the team’s first two weeks of the season are reasonable. This entire rebuilt Philadelphia core is centered around those two playing and playing at a high level — even if it’s less than you might expect during the regular season.
All anyone is asking for is more transparency about the status of two All-NBA-caliber superstars. Philadelphia’s fans deserve as much, even if they’ve bought into the idea of their team trying to be ready for mid-April first.
Nurse should really be more cognizant of that dynamic instead of offering up touchy responses like this.
Here’s what we know about Joel Embiid and Paul George.
The Philadelphia 76ers begin one of the most anticipated seasons in their franchise history on Wednesday against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks. Unfortunately, it starts with a little bit of a damper, as star center Joel Embiid and newly acquired forward Paul George will both miss the opener with respective knee injuries.
Here’s what we know about their current status and when we might see Embiid and George share the floor together.
Embiid’s left knee ailment — where he tore his meniscus last year — is nothing new. He did not appear in Philadelphia’s preseason as part of an apparent 76ers load management plan to ensure he stays healthy throughout the year and is ready to go for the postseason.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Embiid is ramping up his activity this week with an undisclosed planned return sometime after.
George, on the other hand, is dealing with a hyperextended left knee that was unfortunately suffered earlier this preseason. There is no definitive timetable on George’s official debut with the 76ers as he is set to be reevaluated sometime this week.
Take heed and be patient, 76ers fans. Your team’s new and exciting era will begin soon enough … even if it’s a little delayed.
With both George and Russell Westbrook no longer on the roster and no splashy replacements, the Clippers may not be very good this year. Bad seasons happen, of course, but there is another reason why that is especially notable.
From previous trades, the Thunder are owed whichever pick is a better one between the Rockets and the Clippers. It has only become more probable that Houston outperforms L.A. this season.
If the Clippers miss the postseason in a competitive Western Conference and their pick is in the lottery, the ping pong balls could bounce in any number of ways.
The worst case scenario for the Clippers is that the pick lands at No. 1 overall and they would have traded the rights away to Oklahoma City.
This comes after the organization already traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and various other tremendously valuable draft capital to the Thunder to land George, who is no longer on the roster.
If that total also now includes the next No. 1 pick, which is likely going to become Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft, it would be unprecedentedly unfortunate for this franchise.
That would add a wildly impactful player to a Thunder team that is already projected to win the Western Conference this season, and is only young and getting better.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie and TikTok star Jared McCain spoke to USA TODAY’s For The Win.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain will bring his infectious energy from Duke to the pros during his NBA career.
McCain, who was selected with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is also widely known for his popular TikTok account. With more than 3 million followers on the social media platform, he often shares a fresh and candid perspective on his life as a professional basketball player.
“I think my social media persona displays a certain side of me,” McCain told USA TODAY’s For The Win. “But I’m a hard-working player doing what I need to do on the court to help my team win. So if that’s being a dog or however people see my game, I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team win.”
McCain isn’t yet sure how his TikTok presence will impact how other pros play against him.
But he is excited to find out when the regular-season begins and he is matched up against the elite of the elite.
“I don’t know how other NBA players view me,” McCain added. “But we will just see when we get out there and play.”
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
What can you share about your offseason?
(Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
McCain: I had to get a place in Philly and get moved in and do all the little things I had to do to move into my own spot. I definitely had to work on my game. I was watching film with coaches and by myself and stayed in the gym. I was doing stuff I will be doing this season: Catch and shoot, a lot of stuff I’ve been doing my whole life, but perfecting it as much as I can to play this season. Coming into the NBA, there is so much unknown. So for me, it’s doing a little bit of everything but mostly focusing on my main role as a catch-and-shoot guy in the corners when they go and double Paul George or Joel Embiid or Tyrese Maxey. I’m going to be able to make that catch-and-shoot shot. I’m obviously always trying to be a primary ball handler so I’m trying to perfect that and come off ball screens and make the right reads. I’m trying to learn as much as I can and get that catch-and-shoot perfected.
How were your workouts with your new teammates?
McCain: The workouts were really cool. It was really cool getting to know them and see how they actually work and how they play. We had some training with the team separately and then we played at the Rico Hines runs. It was really cool to get to know them and talk to them because these are people I will spend a lot of time with in this long season. So it was really cool to see Paul George catch the ball in the mid-post and shoot a jumper. That was cool for me. One of my strengths is being able to adapt to any situation so I’m excited to learn my role, whatever it’s going to be. Obviously, there are things you think will happen and it may not be that. But I’ll be ready. I have a quick release. If my man leaves to go double one of them, I’m ready to knock that down.
How was it meeting Paul George as a guest on his podcast?
McCain: It’s pretty crazy that he’s my teammate considering I’ve watched him since I was in middle school. It was pretty surreal to meet him before the podcast was recorded. I’ve watched his podcast before, so going on it was amazing for me. Sometimes, it doesn’t feel real that I’m in the NBA. I walk in the locker room and I see Joel Embiid’s locker or Paul George’s locker. It’s so crazy to me. But it’s obviously really fun getting to see them up close and learn from them. It will probably feel real when I’m in the locker room and putting on my Philadelphia 76ers jersey and getting ready for a regular-season game will be wild.
What are your expectations for Duke this season?
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
McCain: Oh yeah. I’m very excited to watch them. It’s so weird just being a fan now and not a player even though I was only there for a few months. But I’m really excited. The practices I’ve seen, they look good. I’m just super excited to watch them play this season. It’s basically like my second home. It’s not too far from Philly. Getting to know the other Duke players in the NBA when I was there, they would come back. Jayson Tatum would come play pickup with us. It’s so cool that there are so many Duke players in the NBA that I’m able to talk to and ask for advice.
Patrick Beverley gave you advice. What other advice have you received from pros?
(Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
McCain: A lot of stuff I’ve asked players, they say I need to continue to be myself. You don’t have to put on a show for anyone else. Always stay true to yourself. Have fun with it. That just reiterates what I always do for myself. I always try to have fun and joy on the court. So to have people who have been there and done that tell me that it’s exactly what I need to do gives me more confidence for sure.
Have you and Tyrese Maxey talked about bringing positivity to the backcourt?
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
McCain: We haven’t talked about that, specifically, but a lot of people have mentioned it to me throughout this facility being on the 76ers with him. It’s really cool to have someone positive like him who I can go to for any help and any advice I need. He has been through a situation like mine and he is someone who I am trying to emulate exactly, both with what he does and how he has done it.
What is something that inspires you about Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham?
McCain: Just watching somebody as young as he is dominate how he does, I always love that. He always does it with a smile on his face, too. The stuff he does off the pitch is really to see and something I’m trying to do as well. I love seeing young players thrive and have success early.
How have you liked your move to Philadelphia so far?
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
McCain: The city vibe is a little bit different. I haven’t had too much time to just explore yet but I’m excited to start doing that and see what Philly has to offer. I’ve tried some cheesesteaks. I’ve tried Angelo’s, which was really good. I tried a Chinese restaurant and I’ve probably already had it like five times. Once I get one place I like, I try to stick to it for a long time. I’m definitely willing to try some new things. I want to do more exploring.
If you could make a TikTok with anyone in the NBA, who would it be?
McCain: [Laughs] Probably Stephen Curry! It would be pretty cool to get Curry in a TikTok. Maybe I’ll see one day. I’d have to meet him and get to talk to him a little more about that.
You had a TikTok about journaling in Lyft cars. Do you actually do that?
McCain: It’s funny. Being in Philly, I’m not a big driver out there. It’s pretty easy being able to Lyft and journal in the car. I’m able to do that on the way back to my place or on the way to work. It’s my daily routine, which is journaling and meditation and breathing work and visualization. I also talk to a psychologist. I do all different types of things to help my mind and exercise my mind to get it in peak performance. I’ve said it many times: If my mental health is not right, I’m not going to play the best that I can. So I’m always trying to take care of my mental health, especially playing in the NBA. Everything you do is under a microscope.
Have you gotten recognized much around the city in a Lyft or otherwise?
McCain: That happens a bunch, actually. Especially when I’m going to the facility. It won’t say 76ers practice facility as a destination but it will say that once you get close. The drivers have sometimes said: “Wait, are you a player?” I’m like, uh, yeah. Then sometime they’ll know, like, exactly who I am. Then sometimes they’ll be like: “Oh my goodness!” and ask what number I am going to wear. It’s pretty funny when it happens but they’ve always been cool and it’s pretty easy and pretty nice.
Chet Holmgren opens up about Josh Giddey trade, said he was hurt over his exit.
After a busy offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for the 2024-25 campaign as a title favorite. They bolstered their depth with the additions of Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso.
Even though the improvements are no-brainers, that doesn’t mean the Thunder left the offseason unscathed. OKC made the tough — but right — decision to part ways with Josh Giddey.
After he refused to come off the bench for next season, the Thunder shipped the 21-year-old to the Chicago Bulls for Caruso. This marked the first major departure from the Thunder’s rebuild.
Giddey spent the last three seasons with the Thunder. After a strong first two years, he underwent his worst career campaign last season. A demotion in his role from a primary ball-handler to the fourth option led to that.
Despite this, Giddey remained a positive among his teammates. Chet Holmgren opened up about his departure in an appearance on Paul George’s “Podcast P” episode.
“I was f—ing hurt when I saw that Giddey wasn’t going to be on our team anymore,” Holmgren said. “We all rock with him. That’s our dog. Still is. He’s gonna go do great things in Chicago.”
Even though the Thunder replaced him with an easier fit in Caruso, that doesn’t mean the time spent among his teammates will be easy to wash away. Such is business in the NBA.
Chet Holmgren addresses rivalry with Victor Wembanyama, claims there’s no beef.
As new powerhouses emerge in the Western Conference, expect the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs to return to their glory days.
That also comes with the bonus of seeing Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama square it off in high-stakes environments.
Both seven-footers have been compared to each other throughout their basketball journeys. The similarities are astonishing. They are generational defensive talent who can handle and shoot the ball. They both went top two in back-to-back draft classes and headlined last year’s rookie class.
Despite that, Holmgren doesn’t believe his rivalry with Wembanyama is personal. It stays within the court as two highly-competitive individuals fight it out.
The 22-year-old addressed this in a recent Paul George’s “Podcast P” episode.
“I would just say us being competitors,” Holmgren said. “We played against each other before we were even in the NBA. People be like ‘Y’all got beef?’
“I’m like, ‘Beef? We’re out there competing, but beef means when I see you we’re fighting, you know what I mean?’ Why do I got beef with him? I honestly don’t even know the guy. We just play basketball against each other.”
Holmgren further explained that any animosity he might have toward Wembanyama is purely about trying to get wins. Both players have done an admirable job of avoiding taking shots at one another when given the opportunity.
“As competitors, neither of us wants to lose, and neither of us wants to let the other person get a bucket or anything,” Holmgren said. “We’re always going to compete and if people take it as we got beef, those people don’t really understand competing I guess.”
This is a pretty reasonable answer at one of the league’s juiciest rivalries. It’s evident how badly it wants Chet vs. Wemby to become a storyline as all three of the Thunder’s matchup against the Spurs will be on national television next season.
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton is considered a dynamic NBA big man by Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George that could unlock Trae Young.
The Brooklyn Nets are moving forward with their plan to rebuild around some of their younger players as they try to find their next group impact players in the NBA Draft. One of the players that Brooklyn has invest almost nine figures in this summer is being recognized for his ability to contribute on the floor.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George recently had Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young on “Podcast P with Paul George” and one of the topics discussed was how the Hawks could build around Young heading into the future. In the clip posted below, George mentions that what unlocks Young’s game is having a dynamic big man and the first name that comes out of his mouth is Nets center Nic Claxton.
“I think what unlocks your game so much is having a dynamic big… say you had like a Nic Claxton,” George said. While dynamic could have different meanings in terms of describing a basketball player, it seems that in this context, George means dynamic in terms of athleticism when he refers to Claxton.
“Dynamic roller, locks up, controls the paint, great screen-setter, you can just play shooters around you at that point,” George continued. To be clear, this conversation isn’t good George or Young suggesting that a trade happens so that Claxton and Young can play together, but it is notable that George’s first player that would be a good fit with Young is Claxton.
Heading into the upcoming 2024-25 season, Claxton will be coming in with some heightened expectations now that he is getting paid like the dynamic big man that George and others have dubbed him to be at this point of his career. Earlier this summer, the Nets re-signed Claxton to a four-year, $97 million contract, ranking him as the 12th highest-paid center in the NBA as of this writing.
Looks like Paul George recognizes Nic Claxton's ability as a dynamic big in the NBA. #Netshttps://t.co/SRjnJzjI9u
Hawks guard Trae Young, a three-time NBA All-Star, tells Paul George that Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard will be “a hell of an NBA player.”
Trae Young, a three-time All-Star with the Atlanta Hawks, openly admired Rockets guard Reed Sheppard during the Houston rookie’s sensational debut at the NBA’s 2024 summer league.
Now, nearly a month later, Young is doubling down on that praise in a new episode of “Podcast P” (presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment and hosted by longtime NBA superstar Paul George).
Here’s what Young said while commenting on the league’s 2024 rookie class, as captured by Chris Gorman:
Reed [Sheppard]… is gonna be a hell of an NBA player.
Young’s full comments on this year’s rookie class can be read here, and the complete George-Young podcast can be viewed below.
"Whether it's Reed, whose gonna be a hell of an NBA player…." – Trae Young
As for Sheppard, the No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2024 first round, he averaged a team-high 20.0 points (50.0% shooting), 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals in four summer-league games.
In his 2024-25 rookie season, Sheppard will compete for minutes in Houston’s backcourt behind incumbent starters Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green. Other reserve options for those minutes are likely to include Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and Aaron Holiday.
Carmelo Anthony details divorce with Thunder after lone season in OKC.
The Oklahoma City Thunder caught headlines in the 2018 offseason when they added Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. After Kevin Durant’s departure, they suddenly were seen as title favorites led by Russell Westbrook.
But alas, the trio only lasted one season. The Thunder underperformed and were a first-round exit via the Utah Jazz. After the season, OKC wanted to shake up its roster as it tried to pursue George to sign an extension.
The biggest change involved Anthony, who struggled in his new and smaller role with the Thunder. He was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks for Dennis Schroder, where he was bought out.
In a recent podcast appearance, Anthony revealed how his divorce from the Thunder went. The future Hall-of-Famer noted he was willing to come off the bench in his second year but wasn’t given the opportunity.
“I was working with Sam (Presti), we was about to figure a deal out,” Anthony said. “… Billy Donovan called me in Paris and he was like, ‘We want to start developing Jerami Grant into the lineup, he is younger.’
“I was like, ‘Okay cool, just tell me you want me to accept that role, I am willing to work with you.’ He was like, ‘Nah, we don’t think it is going to work here anymore.'”
George — who was on the podcast — was also surprised by the move. He thought Anthony would’ve attended his free agency party for his new deal with OKC. Instead, he quickly learned the Thunder were ready to move on.
Years later, the Thunder made the right call. Grant developed into a quality starter for the Thunder and Schroder enjoyed a pair of strong seasons off the bench for OKC.
Meanwhile, Anthony struggled to stay in one spot. He spent the rest of his career as an NBA journeyman who came off the bench for playoff contenders.
