NBA legend Carmelo Anthony believes Paul George has always been comfortable playing a secondary role, arguing that his early experiences in the league helped shape his approach throughout his career.
Anthony discussed George’s ability to play alongside other stars, suggesting that the veteran forward developed the mentality of a second option during his first years with the Indiana Pacers.
George entered the NBA in 2010, joining an Indiana team that already featured Danny Granger as one of its leading players.
According to Anthony, that situation forced George to learn how to contribute without being the team’s primary offensive option.
“PG coming into the game in the league, he had to learn how to be a Robin. He had Danny Granger. So he had to learn how to be a Robin first. And then once Granger, that situation subsided, now PG is going from Robin to Batman.”
George eventually became Indiana’s leading player as Granger’s role diminished, developing into an All-Star and one of the league’s top two-way forwards.
However, Anthony believes George never lost the ability to operate effectively alongside another established star.
He pointed to George’s experiences with different teams and teammates, including Kawhi Leonard with the Los Angeles Clippers and Russell Westbrook with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“But he’s always had that Robin DNA. So going to Boston, that’s his DNA in every situation. Clippers. Kawhi. OKC. Me, him, and Russ. He was always that great second guy. Because he’s been there before. That’s how he started. He’s used to going back. He’s comfortable with that position.”
Anthony argued that George’s willingness to accept a supporting role should not be mistaken for an inability to lead a team.
George demonstrated during his time in Indiana that he could serve as the primary offensive option and carry significant responsibility on both ends of the floor.
His 2018/19 season with Oklahoma City also showed his ability to produce at an elite level, as he averaged 28.0 points per game and finished third in MVP voting.
Anthony suggested that George has already proven himself capable of leading a team but may now prefer playing alongside another star rather than carrying the majority of the responsibility.
“But if you want him to lead, he showed you that: okay, I can do this too. I’m a bad motherfucker. But I prefer not to do that no more.”
