76ers star draws inspiration from NBA legends

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George is no longer in peak physical shape at age 34, but he can still have a superstar impact.

He hopes to win his first career title in Philadelphia alongside former MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey. To properly prepare, George would study and chat with some of the greatest NBA players of all time about the keys to success at an older age.

“As he got older, he watched the guys before him,” TNT anchor Kevin Harlan shared. “How the late Kobe Bryant and others adjusted their game, I think he talked a lot to LeBron (James), Michael (Jordan), and I think he really watched and studied how great players who could do it all in their 20s and then let up a little bit in their 30s now have to adjust their game, and I think he’s really walked that path.”

Studying the three best players in league history is a smart tactic, and one wonders why all veterans don’t do it. While some learn from the greats on a smaller scale, George’s production in Philadelphia may encourage others.

George’s most productive years physically came during his time with the Indiana Pacers from 2011 to 2017. However, neither of those years were the most productive of his career, but rather his second season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He finished third in both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year voting, thriving on good health and efficiency. While injuries are more of a concern than they used to be, both of those attributes can remain relatively intact with the Sixers.