Ex-teammate critical of Paul George

Feb 26, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Paul George could soon become the top unrestricted free agent in the NBA, but one of his former teammates seems skeptical that the nine-time All-Star will be a wise investment.

During the latest episode of their “Point Forward” podcast, former NBA players Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala discussed how well certain superstars would fit if those players went back to their former teams. Iguodala said he thinks the Indiana Pacers would be “scary” if they had George back to play alongside Tyrese Haliburton.

Turner, who played in Indiana with George for a brief period in 2014, did not agree. The former No. 2 overall pick believes Haliburton would have to be the guy in that scenario.

“I’m just saying because that’s the only best option because P.G. has a history of not showing up, which is an understatement,” Turner said. “I’ve never met a human that would let a media rumor drive his, like, energy or personality. Somebody was like, ‘I heard he going to Philly,’ and that n—- was like, ‘You know what, I’m going to Philly, G.’

“You know how soft that team gonna be if him and (Joel) Embiid go together? It’d probably be the most skilled duo ever since Kobe and Shaq. Embiid would be hurt and P.G. gonna be Paul, though.”

George has had plenty of big postseason games in his career. There is even a nickname for him that references how good he has been in playoff moments. George is also one of the best players in history to have never played in an NBA finals, however.

George struggled in the Los Angeles Clippers’ opening-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The Clippers needed him to step up with Kawhi Leonard out, but he shot just over 40% from the field and completely disappeared with just 7 points in a crucial 101-90 loss in Game 3. Perhaps that is fresh on Turner’s mind.

As Turner mentioned, George has been linked to the 76ers. The Clippers still want to re-sign the 34-year-old, and many expect George to remain right where he is.