Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Paul George continues to add acclaim and accolades to his rising stardom for the Indiana Pacers.
In just his third season as a professional basketball player in the NBA, George took over the reigns of his organization on the court. George was named to his first NBA All-Star team this season. In game one of their NBA Playoffs series last Sunday, George put up only the second triple-double in Indiana Pacers NBA Playoffs history. In that game, George also tied a franchise record by hitting 17 free throws.
On Tuesday, Paul Geroge was named the 2013 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year. His talents have been improved and observed all season, due to the fact that he became his team’s new top dog. After team captain Danny Granger was expected to miss major time with a knee injury someone had to step up and lead the Pacers. George, for better or worse, has taken over that role.
George becomes the fourth Indiana Pacer to win the Most Improved Player award, but their were several other key players on his team that should have also been in consideration for the honor. Lance Stephenson actually took over in Granger’s starting position, and has impressed in the new role. Stephenson, also in his third year as a pro, may very well take Granger’s place in the Indiana starting lineup for good.
Former NBA All-Star David West was signed to the Pacers last season, but still showed signs of issues with a major knee injury that he had suffered the year before. West has looked to be back at full strength this season, and has totally taken over the elder-statesman leadership role on this young team.
George winning this award was an honor for himself, as well as a reflection of how much this entire team has improved. The cherry on the top would be a long run through the NBA Playoffs.
