“He’s the guy that he does the utility work along with getting the buckets.” That was what the former Philadelphia 76ers center, Theo Ratliff, had to say about Paul George. Maybe that’s just the versatility the Philadelphia 76ers were looking out for all these years! And with Paul George making it to their camp, it seems they have hit the right jackpot.

It’s like a classic game of matchmaking for the players. The only difference is that here your skillset will get you into the ideal dream team. In their bid to find the right hooper, the 76ers have a failed history with Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Harden, and more. Team president Daryl Morey had this gaping blank in his roster with all expired contracts, staring back at him ruefully. But this time the matchmaking stars were kind to him.

Hours after the Los Angeles Clippers announced Paul George’s departure from the team, there were buzzing rumors that the 9 X All-Star had signed up for a 4-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. This got the analysts and the Internet sleuths on their toes, speculating if he would be the missing piece and indeed the perfect fit for the 76ers. The official announcement regarding his confirmation came late Saturday night.

For Ratliff, however, that’s the right move which he fully endorses. He shared his strong support for the roster decision by citing George’s terrific versatility as a scorer, facilitator, and defender on the hardwood. He shared with @Jumpshot8 and @Mitch_Lawrence, “[George is] A scorer who has played in the All Star role for a long time who also knows how to refer to the other All Stars. I think it’s a great opposition… came from a smaller program right after college, much like me, and had to build themselves up to be the player that he is today. So he understands the whole totality.”

George had previously declined a player option with the LA Clippers in his contract for $48.8 million in the 2024-2025 season. This brought his five years with the team to its closing chapter with an average of at least 21.5 points each season.

“We will miss Paul,” the Clippers said. Paul George, with his impressive defensive prowess, did turn the tables at the most crucial minute for the Clippers in a lot of matches. With 33 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 block, and 4 steals in 43 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the 2024 Western Conference playoffs, he has a lot of other such power-packed action to his credit. His tactical defense still resonates on the court with the same vigor. The only difference comes in the jersey that he will be donning from now on.

“Paul has informed us that he is signing his next contract with another team,” the Clippers said in a release adding further, “We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart. The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul’s decision to look elsewhere for his next contract.”

But George was not always in a safe position that he could turn down contracts. He has faced the other glum side of the coin too when rejections were waiting to greet him, not the free passes. It was during the league-altering summer of 2019 that the duo of George and Kawhi Leonard picked up pace to the Western Conference Finals in 2021, but both ended up missing the playoffs the very next season and had to face elimination in the first round twice after that. But with Kobe Bryant as his idol, he just focused on strengthening his versatile game plan, and with the 76ers’ deal in hand, no doubt it worked!

As per Ratliff, Embiid and George have already built up a strong rapport, with Embiid recently drawing hints at George’s induction into the team during an NBA Finals TV appearance. “Hopefully this offseason, we find a way to get better, and you know,” Embiid had said while side-eying George, “add some pieces.” Their growing bromance on the court will certainly be worth the wait.

The 76ers do sound like a cohesive whole with a strong support base provided by scorers like Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., Eric Gordon, and Andre Drummond. George’s presence will only make the unit more formidable and one to watch out for. Ratliff further notes that George’s ability to glide across the floor and create mismatches will also ease the pressure on the young guard Tyrese Maxey with Joel Embiid, serving as the relentless pacer and anchor. The All-Star teammates might just create the opportune moment for Philadelphia to gain leverage beyond the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2001.

“We’re planning on being the best team in the East next season,” Morey had said during the NBA Draft. Seems like that season’s knock is finally here!

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger