Paul George replaces Manu for Spurs

[durantbird]

Do they do better or worse with PG? Say PG 11' is instead of Manu 03'

[Doctor MJ]

Generally worse. You’re replacing the Spurs smartest player and playmaker from the backcourt with someone who is more of a front court guy with problematic decision making.

To be clear, you also can’t just replace George with Ginobili as George is considerably bigger and stronger and close to ideal in many ways for a defender his size.


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[Fadeaway_J]

Don't think the defensive upgrade (on an already great defensive team) is enough to make up for losing Manu as a high-level creator. I can't imagine 2013 PG matching Manu's performance against the 2005 Pistons for example.

[One_and_Done]

Depends a little when you're replacing him. PG13 can't do all the things Manu does, but he also does some things Manu can't and is playing more overall. Manu never had a year when he was the 3rd most valuable player in the league either. I dunno, I'm inclined to say they win more. 03 wouldn't change, as Manu wasn't the reason they won that year. They probably still go down in 04. 05 they might lose when they switch Manu for 3rd year PG13, but then they're more likely to win in 06. 07 they lose because George is out, but maybe they now win 08.

The real house money comes from having PG13 to pair with Kawhi as Duncan takes a back-seat role in 12-14. PG would be injured for the 14 playoffs, though the Spurs likely win regardless, but healthy for 12 & 13. That's 3 titles in a row probably.

MVP calibre George in place of injured Manu in 2011 might be a title team too, even though Duncan hadn't slimmed down yet. That is a big talent upgrade.