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NBA 2016-17 Eastern Conference Roundtable: Cavs, Trades And Takes

By Michael Saenz

Oct 18, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against Washington Wizards in the first half at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against Washington Wizards in the first half at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Who Will Be The Best Player Not Named LeBron This Season In The East?

Saenz: Paul George.

Morton: Paul George.

Murray: Kyrie Irving… Paul George… Carmelo Anthony.

Polazzon: Paul George – Honorable mentions to Kyle Lowry, Kyrie Irving, John Wall and Paul Millsap but this spot is securely locked up by Indiana swingman Paul George. George is the only other player in the conference besides James that could garner MVP consideration, providing the Pacers perform well. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if George actually has a better statistical regular season than James given that he often rests a few games here and there.. There are a lot of great players in the East, contrary to some beliefs, but George is far and away the best player besides the King.

McFee:  Paul George – While the firing of Vogel and promotion of McMillan is still a head-scratcher to me, Bird at least got George some players to help alleviate the offensive workload. I think the Pacers could do what the Hawks did a few years ago and have just about every starter earn an All-Star berth. I think they’re going to be that good despite McMillan’s slow offensive pace. Teague, Ellis, and George are just too quick. I think PG13 benefits immensely and puts up big numbers.

Clark: Paul George. This could be his best year at the MVP award if he can maintain his energy through the full season, and not fall off like he did last season.

Staple Jr: Paul George. While PG didn’t show consistent efficiency from the field last season (41 percent), I think George will come back better than ever this season. His averages of 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game last season was his best season by far, and bear in mind that he was one game away from upsetting the Raptors after it was clear that he was the best player on either team.

Before his gruesome injury a couple of years ago, he was starting to form a rivalry with LeBron has had stepped up his game in numerous ways. With the improved roster by his side, he may elevate his play once again. Players such as DeMar Derozan, Carmelo Anthony and Jimmy Butler remain the cream of the crop for the Eastern Conference, but I think PG is beginning to separate himself from the pack.

Must Read: Can Any Team In The Eastern Conference Challenge The Cavs?

Webb: Paul George. It’s his time to put his name on Elite list. New look Pacers team that he will need him to be the man while the chemistry builds. PG13 will be in the MVP talks at seasons end.

Petree: If I was on one of those talking head shows, my biggest preseason claim would be PG-13 for MVP. Indiana is (on paper) a second seed, PG had an electric series against Toronto, and he’s a super likeable player. He may not be LeBron James, but no one else in the Eastern Conference comes close. Expect him to average a cool 26 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and play some upper echelon level defense.

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