Paul George’s best 5 seasons

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Ahh, Paul George. Just the mention of his name stirs up a whirlwind of emotions, spanning from that "Holy Cow! Did he just do that?" vibe to the head-scratching "PG, what are you doing?" moments. If you’ve been riding the NBA rollercoaster long enough, you’d know PG-13’s had his fair share of climactic ups and cataclysmic downs. But when we talk about the cream of the crop of PG's seasons, there are five that stand out. And boy, do we have some stories to tell. Grab your popcorn, let's dive deep!

5. The Comeback Season (2015-2016)

Post-injury, everyone whispered, "Would he ever be the same again?" After breaking his leg in 2014, many believed that we'd never see the Paul George of old. In 2015-16, PG returned like Bruce Wayne in "The Dark Knight Rises" – out of the abyss and back into the limelight. He played 81 games, averaged 23.1 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. More importantly, his usage rate stood at a whopping 30.4%. No longer just a guy on the team, he was the Pacers. This wasn't just a comeback; this was a resounding statement.

4. The Rising Star (2012-2013)

Picture this: Young PG, not yet burdened by the weight of "Playoff P" jokes, blossoming like a wildflower in spring. It was 2012-2013, and the Pacers had found their next Reggie Miller, sans the iconic choke sign. PG averaged 17.4 points, but his 7.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists showcased his ever-evolving all-around game. Remember when he put the entire Eastern Conference on notice in the playoffs? Oh, and who could forget that dunk on Birdman? This was the year everyone said, “Okay, this kid's legit.”

3. The True Contender (2013-2014)

Now, if 2012-2013 was PG's entry into stardom, 2013-2014 was when he went Super Saiyan. This was his Michael Corleone season – he wasn’t asking for respect anymore; he was demanding it. Averaging 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, George's defense was also elite, just like a Gandalf at the bridge yelling, "You shall not pass!" The Pacers went toe-to-toe with LeBron's Heat in the ECF, and even in their loss, PG's stock skyrocketed. In my mental rolodex of "Players who could single-handedly change a game's outcome," PG was right there, just a notch below the LeBrons and Durants of the world.

2. The Clippers’ Renaissance Man (2019-2020)

Fast forward a bit, and we have PG pairing up with Kawhi in L.A., giving birth to every NBA fan's new favorite dynamic duo since Batman and Robin. With a stat line of 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, his shooting splits went through the roof at 43.9% from deep. It was like watching Martin Scorsese suddenly decide to direct Marvel movies - unexpected but utterly fantastic. However, with a playoff meltdown, this season leaves us with a classic PG conundrum: brilliant but with an asterisk. Classic Clippers, am I right?

1. MVP-Caliber PG (2018-2019)

Oh boy, 2018-2019. I can almost hear the echo of OKC fans chanting "MVP! MVP!" PG was putting up a godly 28 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His PER was a staggering 23.3, and he led the league in steals. It wasn't just about numbers; he had morphed into an on-court maestro, dictating games at will. Remember when he hit that game-winner against the 76ers and simply said, "I don't care what the situation is, I’m going to play hard"? This wasn't just Peak PG; this was peak NBA performance. Think of it as watching the "Shawshank Redemption" for the first time - you knew you were witnessing something special.

Now, there are those who'll question my rankings, and to them, I say: "Isn't that what makes sports debates so much fun?" PG's career, much like Tarantino’s movie list, offers a rich tapestry to pick from, dissect, and endlessly argue over.

Comparing PG's seasons is like analyzing different Bob Dylan albums – each one offers something unique, a reflection of where he was at that time, both personally and professionally. From Indy’s prodigal son to OKC's MVP contender to the Clippers' enigma, PG’s journey has been a cinematic rollercoaster.

And as we eagerly await the next chapter of Paul George's story, let's appreciate the seasons that have been, complete with their highs, lows, and utterly unforgettable moments. Here’s to more step-back threes, fierce dunks, and yes, even those nerve-wracking free throws. Cheers, PG-13!