“I Take All the Credit for His Success”: Frank Vogel’s Hilarious Take on Paul George’s Career Growth Since Pacers Stint

Paul George has had an illustrious NBA career. Since his initial run with the Indiana Pacers, PG has established himself as one of the best two-way players. Even this season, he has been a key contributor to the Los Angeles Clippers’ success. With Kawhi Leonard out because of injury, PG has elevated his game and taken the scoring load on his shoulders. He upped his average to 24.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in the last 10. Amid Paul’s rapid success, his former head coach Frank Vogel spoke about the 9-time All-Star coming into his own, which lightheartedly sparked a moment of chuckling in the room.

The Clippers are in Phoenix tonight to face the Suns. So, a reporter asked the Suns head coach Vogel if he had to push Paul George to be ‘that guy’ during his early Pacers days. Vogel acknowledged PG’s greatness by deeming him one of the most difficult players to game plan for. But he hilariously took credit for Paul’s NBA success, saying, “It really comes down to, I’ve taught him everything he knows about basketball, and I take all the credit for his success up to this point.” Frank Vogel coached Paul George for 6 years in Indiana from 2011 to 2016.

PG was drafted 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2010 and instantly became the face of their franchise. He ended the Pacers’ 4-year playoff drought in his rookie season but got eliminated in the first round. Paul rose to superstardom when Vogel became his head coach in his sophomore season. Under Vogel’s leadership, PG led the Pacers to two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014. Unfortunately, they could not get past the Miami Heat’s Big 3 of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. But PG established himself as one of the best young players in the league.

Can Paul George finally add a Championship to his stacked resume?

PG’s initial run with Indiana helped him turn into a superstar. He took his talents to OKC in 2017 and had the most productive year of his career. The 9-time All-Star averaged a career-high 28 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals during the 2018-19 season. Despite collecting multiple accolades, George was still missing a Championship from his resume. In 2019, PG moved to LA to join forces with Kawhi Leonard in pursuit of his first ring.

While the duo has been unable to win a title together, this season might be their best chance to accomplish that goal. PG is having an incredible year, averaging 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Kawhi is also having the healthiest season of his Clippers tenure. He has already played 68 games, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. The addition of former MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook has given the Clippers great depth and veteran leadership. The Clippers are currently seeded 4th in the Western Conference with a 50-28 record. And they finally have a legitimate shot at lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy this year.

A championship will fill the missing piece from Paul George’s stacked resume and enhance his NBA legacy even further.

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