Meta Title: Paul George Biography – NBA Career, Stats, Injuries, Comeback & Net Worth
Meta Description: Dive into the complete biography of NBA star Paul George, his basketball journey, injury comeback, personal life, and more. Learn about PG-13’s rise to NBA stardom.
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🏀 Introduction
Paul George, also known by his nickname “PG-13”, is one of the most versatile and respected players in the NBA. Known for his elite two-way game, smooth shooting stroke, and resilience in the face of adversity, George’s basketball career is nothing short of inspiring.
This SEO-optimized blog post will take you through the biography of Paul George, highlighting his early life, rise in the NBA, career-defining moments, devastating injury and comeback, personal life, and future in basketball.
👶 Early Life & Background
Full Name: Paul Clifton Anthony George
Date of Birth: May 2, 1990
Birthplace: Palmdale, California, USA
Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Nickname: PG-13
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Paul George was born in Palmdale, California, to Paul George Sr. and Paulette George. He is the youngest of three siblings and grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant, who greatly influenced his playing style and mentality.
🏫 High School & College Career
Knight High School
George played varsity basketball at Knight High School, where he quickly made a name for himself. Despite not being a top-ranked recruit, his athleticism and work ethic stood out.
Fresno State University (2008–2010)
Paul George played two seasons of college basketball at Fresno State, where he continued to grow as a scorer and defender. His highlight-reel dunks and shooting ability caught NBA scouts’ attention.
- Freshman Year Avg: 14.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG
- Sophomore Year Avg: 16.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG
- Declared for the 2010 NBA Draft after his sophomore year
🏀 NBA Draft & Rookie Season
2010 NBA Draft
Paul George was selected 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA Draft. He was one of the least-known lottery picks that year, but his athleticism and upside made him a steal.
Rookie Season (2010–11)
George made an immediate impact with the Pacers, especially on the defensive end. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
- Rookie Stats: 7.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG
- Earned early praise for his lockdown defense and perimeter shooting
🌟 Breakout and NBA Stardom with Indiana Pacers
George’s breakout came during the 2012–13 season, following Danny Granger’s injury. He stepped up as the Pacers’ primary scoring option and became a first-time All-Star.
Key Highlights with Pacers (2010–2017):
- 4× NBA All-Star with Indiana
- 2013 Most Improved Player Award
- Led Pacers to Eastern Conference Finals (2013, 2014)
- Went toe-to-toe with LeBron James and the Miami Heat in legendary playoff matchups
- Became one of the league’s premier two-way players
😔 Paul George’s Career-Changing Leg Injury
In August 2014, while playing for Team USA during a scrimmage, Paul George suffered a gruesome compound leg fracture. The injury was a significant setback and raised doubts about his future in the NBA.
Injury Impact:
- Missed most of the 2014–15 season
- Only played 6 games that year
- Underwent multiple surgeries and intense rehab
- Returned in 2015 and gradually regained his form
Paul George’s comeback from this injury is often cited as one of the greatest returns in NBA history.
💥 Trade to Oklahoma City Thunder
In 2017, Paul George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he teamed up with Russell Westbrook.
OKC Highlights (2017–2019):
- 2018–19 Season: Averaged 28 PPG, finished 3rd in MVP voting
- NBA All-Star in both seasons
- Became a fan-favorite for his explosive scoring and elite defense
- Helped lead OKC to back-to-back playoff appearances
Despite his success, playoff exits in the first round both years led to a change.
🚀 Move to Los Angeles Clippers & Kawhi Leonard Duo
In 2019, George was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, forming a superstar duo with Kawhi Leonard. The move made headlines and instantly positioned the Clippers as title contenders.
Clippers Career (2019–Present):
- 2021 Playoffs: Led the Clippers to their first-ever Western Conference Finals after Kawhi’s injury
- Known for clutch performances and improved playmaking
- Regularly puts up 25+ PPG and defends the opponent’s best players
- Multiple All-Star and All-NBA team selections
📊 Paul George Career Stats (as of 2025)
| Season | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career Avg | 20.7 | 6.3 | 3.7 | 43.8% | 38.2% | 87.0% |
- 9× NBA All-Star
- 6× All-NBA Team
- 4× NBA All-Defensive Team
💰 Net Worth, Salary & Endorsements
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $120–130 million
NBA Salary:
- Signed a $190 million max contract extension with the Clippers
- Among the top 15 highest-paid NBA players
Endorsements:
- Nike (signature PG shoe line)
- Gatorade
- New Era
- AT&T
- 2K Sports (NBA 2K cover athlete)
Business Ventures:
- Launched a podcast “Podcast P” in 2023
- Invests in tech startups and fitness brands
👨👩👧 Personal Life
Paul George is married to Daniela Rajic, and the couple has two daughters, Olivia and Natasha. They maintain a relatively private family life but are often seen together at charity events and community programs.
George is known for his love of fishing, gaming, and spending time with family during the off-season.
🎙️ Media Presence & Podcasting
In 2023, Paul George launched his own podcast, “Podcast P with Paul George”, which quickly gained popularity among NBA fans. The show features candid interviews with current and former NBA stars and offers behind-the-scenes insights into life as a professional athlete.
📌 Fun Facts About Paul George
- Grew up a huge fan of Kobe Bryant
- His signature shoe line with Nike is among the most popular
- Owns multiple fishing boats
- Known for his love of video games like Call of Duty
- His nickname “PG-13” is based on his jersey number and calm demeanor
🔮 What’s Next for Paul George?
As of 2025, Paul George continues to play at an elite level for the Los Angeles Clippers, aiming for that elusive NBA Championship. With a healthy Kawhi Leonard and a strong supporting cast, PG-13 is still a major threat in the Western Conference.
Whether it’s mentoring younger players, expanding his podcast, or making another playoff run, Paul George’s impact on the NBA remains strong.
📘 Summary
Paul George’s career is a story of growth, resilience, and elite talent. From an underrated high school player to a franchise cornerstone, he has proven his place among the NBA’s best. His remarkable comeback from injury, his leadership, and his clutch performances continue to inspire fans worldwide.
With his ongoing success both on and off the court, Paul George is not just a basketball player—he’s a brand, a mentor, and a true star of this generation.
