Giannis v George

[Nebula1]

Most people are only looking at the Paul George of today and don't remember him as a rookie or even as a second year player.

[theFireBlanket]

I don't remember George playing much his rookie year. Did he?

He played nearly 21 mpg, at 20 (turned 21 in May). Gianni is 18-19(Dec 16th) for his rookie season.

[emunney]

Most people are only looking at the Paul George of today and don't remember him as a rookie or even as a second year player.

I feel similarly about Giannis as I did about George then. Most guys don't reach their ceiling, though. It should be a surprise when it happens.

[SpursNBucks]

It's obviously way too early to project Giannis- I think what has people around the league talking is the fact that not only does he possess the freakish athleticism/skill set - this guy can play some amazing defense - as evidenced by some of those blocks he had in preseason. He will get better positioning in time. I think his upside is top 5, but that would be a long shot.

Who are the top 5 players in the NBA right now? I would include George in that tier without question. Right now I would say:

1. Lebron
2. Durant
3. George
4. Chris Paul
(GAP)

[mattg]

Most people are only looking at the Paul George of today and don't remember him as a rookie or even as a second year player.

Paul George also played 2 years of college before the nba. Giannis made the jump right after what would be graduating HS in USA. It wouldn't shock me if Giannis looked better than 2nd year George 3 years from now but it's hard to say he'll make a massive leap after that like George did. At the same stage there is little doubt Giannis is a far superior prospect, but that also doesn't tell the future.

[Nebula1]

Most people are only looking at the Paul George of today and don't remember him as a rookie or even as a second year player.

I feel similarly about Giannis as I did about George then. Most guys don't reach their ceiling, though. It should be a surprise when it happens.

Quite true and yet I happen to think Giannis will. A big advantage for George was a quality team around him to grow with and early Playoff exposure.

Bucks still have a ways to go in that department.

Can Giannis become the defender George has while still being as effective as a scorer? This is really where stars separate themselves and after only a handful of games, I'm still impressed with Giannis' growth as a player.

[Nebula1]

Most people are only looking at the Paul George of today and don't remember him as a rookie or even as a second year player.

Paul George also played 2 years of college before the nba. Giannis made the jump right after what would be graduating HS in USA. It wouldn't shock me if Giannis looked better than 2nd year George 3 years from now but it's hard to say he'll make a massive leap after that like George did. At the same stage there is little doubt Giannis is a far superior prospect, but that also doesn't tell the future.

I don't disagree, which is why I'm surprised to see such a negative response. It is really early to be looking at this and comparing him to George is almost unfair, but it's an internet message board. WTF not?

His leap will have to come from his ability to check George (like George did Lebron). His advantage is he's longer and should be able to in time which is the source of my optimism.

But like I've said, he's going to need support from playing with a quality team so demands aren't too heavy on him. He also needs the minutes.

[MikeIsGood]

No, I don't think Giannis will be a top four player in the NBA.

Most didn't think this when George entered the League either, other than me and Europa, of course.

Uh...haaaaaaave you met Mike?

[theFireBlanket]

Quite true and yet I happen to think Giannis will. A big advantage for George was a quality team around him to grow with and early Playoff exposure.

Bucks still have a ways to go in that department.

Can Giannis become the defender George has while still being as effective as a scorer? This is really where stars separate themselves and after only a handful of games, I'm still impressed with Giannis' growth as a player.

Hopefully having Oppenheimer(PG's trainer for those early years) as his developmental coach on an everyday basis pays off. PG also had Brian Shaw mentoring him. Then again the Bucks do have Jim Cleamons, while he's an older coach, he was involved in Phil Jackson's 90s-00s dynasties.

[Nowak008]

Paul George has certainly been incredible the past couple seasons, but I don't see why Giannis can't share a similar growth rate.

The Pacers player development has been extremely good the last few years. I think a big part of that is the Bird factor. Lance has said numerous times how much Bird has helped him develop as a player. Add Vogul who is a top 5 coach - we just don't have the player development infrastructure for this to happen.

[Nebula1]

Uh...haaaaaaave you met Mike?

I'm just **** around. There were quite a few around here who liked him. However, there were many who didn't come around for awhile. I'd love to read that draft thread.

Hopefully having Oppenheimer(PG's trainer for those early years) as his developmental coach on an everyday basis pays off. PG also had Brian Shaw mentoring him. Then again the Bucks do have Jim Cleamons, while he's an older coach, he was involved in Phil Jackson's 90s-00s dynasties.

No doubt his coaching will be critical, but George also had the benefit of mostly solid teams with a general idea of where they were going. We need to see Henson make the leap and get a point with the right capabilities.

Bucks need to start Giannis next season and this kid is going to blow everybody away (including, it appears, his own fanbase).

[trwi7]

No, I don't think Giannis will be a top four player in the NBA.

Most didn't think this when George entered the League either, other than me and Europa, of course.

Uh...haaaaaaave you met Mike?

Pretty sure Luke had a big George boner as well.

[Nebula1]

Paul George has certainly been incredible the past couple seasons, but I don't see why Giannis can't share a similar growth rate.

The Pacers player development has been extremely good the last few years. I think a big part of that is the Bird factor. Lance has said numerous times how much Bird has helped him develop as a player. Add Vogul who is a top 5 coach - we just don't have the player development infrastructure for this to happen.

All true and clearly important.


The Bucks could, you know, play him.

[msiris]

I think he can, but look who he plays for. I have zero faith in this organization in how they handle his progress. Look who they started last night. This organization still thinks we can win with that lineup. And yet the rookie can't get any minutes. Needs to play and have an active role on the team.

[ReasonablySober]

No, I don't think Giannis will be a top four player in the NBA.

Most didn't think this when George entered the League either, other than me and Europa, of course.

Sarcasm, right?

I'd like Udoh for our pick range. Don't know anything about George, but he seems pretty popular on the board. Not a huge fan of Patterson, but again, I haven't done the DD.

Give the board credit, though. George was in a lot of top two's in terms of guys we were hoping would be available.

[Nebula1]

No, I don't think Giannis will be a top four player in the NBA.

Most didn't think this when George entered the League either, other than me and Europa, of course.

Sarcasm, right?

I'd like Udoh for our pick range. Don't know anything about George, but he seems pretty popular on the board. Not a huge fan of Patterson, but again, I haven't done the DD.

Give the board credit, though. George was in a lot of top two's in terms of guys we were hoping would be available.

It was all tongue in cheek, thus the I was definitely with him after doing my homework and give the board credit as fans. I don't watch much college ball (outside the Big 10 [before] or Big 12 [now]).

Still doesn't change my optimism for Giannis.

[Mikeylikesit]

Giannis is still growing into this body. He doesn't have the footwork to create his own shot. Everything has been spot up for the most part. Hopefully in a year or two he doesn't seem as clumsy as he does today.

[msiris]

Still doesn't change my optimism for Giannis.

Hey Nebs most of us share that with you, but the Bucks have found a way too kill it. DNP

[mattg]

Most people are only looking at the Paul George of today and don't remember him as a rookie or even as a second year player.

Paul George also played 2 years of college before the nba. Giannis made the jump right after what would be graduating HS in USA. It wouldn't shock me if Giannis looked better than 2nd year George 3 years from now but it's hard to say he'll make a massive leap after that like George did. At the same stage there is little doubt Giannis is a far superior prospect, but that also doesn't tell the future.

I don't disagree, which is why I'm surprised to see such a negative response. It is really early to be looking at this and comparing him to George is almost unfair, but it's an internet message board. WTF not?

His leap will have to come from his ability to check George (like George did Lebron). His advantage is he's longer and should be able to in time which is the source of my optimism.

But like I've said, he's going to need support from playing with a quality team so demands aren't too heavy on him. He also needs the minutes.

Honestly, I think Giannis main advantage over George at the same point is his awareness and ability to play off ball. Giannis is real solid in that regard and people forget that even through last season Paul George really struggled offensively in halfcourt situations. He's a got a better handle than young George as well but it doesn't provide him any noticeable advantages at this point.

[msiris]

Giannis is still growing into this body. He doesn't have the footwork to create his own shot. Everything has been spot up for the most part. Hopefully in a year or two he doesn't seem as clumsy as he does today.

Sorry, but I am going to disagree with you. He has shown where he does beat his man off the dribble. The problem is that he tries to go all the way to the hoop or passes if off a lot of the time. Many times he could have pulled up for the wide open ten footer.