7. Paul George, OKC Thunder
2017-18 stats: 21.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.0 spg, 0.5 bpg, 43% fg, 40% 3 pt, 82% ft
2018-19 stats: 28.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.2 apg, 2.2 spg, 0.4 bpg, 45% fg, 40% 3 pt, 84% ft
Before this season started, Paul George was universally recognized as a legit, two-way all-star. The guy could give you 20 a night while locking up on the other end. Now, while he remains a lockdown perimeter defender, his offense has reached new heights this year.
George is averaging almost 29 points per game and has established himself as the clear number one option on a 37-20 Oklahoma City Thunder team looking to compete in the West.
If the Thunder manage to make a deep run during the Western Conference playoffs, it will largely be due to the play and leadership of Paul George. There’s not many who could’ve seen that coming before the season.