Daryl Morey: 76ers signing Ex-Clippers star Paul George a ‘risky’ one
The Philadelphia 76ers’ pursuit of Paul George, a star forward from the Los Angeles Clippers, is seen as a risky proposition by Philadelphia’s president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, according to an ESPN report.
Morey, who is known for his willingness to take bold gambles in building teams, acknowledges the risks involved in adding George to the 76ers roster. “It is risky,” Morey admitted, while explaining the reasons behind his cautious outlook.
One key factor influencing Morey’s assessment is George’s injury history. Throughout his career, George has been plagued by injuries, and a consistent presence on the court has been a challenge. With Joel Embiid, the 76ers’ star center, already known for his own injury struggles, adding another player with injury concerns amplifies the risk for the franchise.
The financial commitment involved in bringing in George further heightens the risk factor. With the hefty salaries of Embiid and James Harden already consuming a significant portion of the team’s cap space, acquiring George would demand even more significant financial flexibility. While Morey has proven his capability in manipulating the salary cap, this move will strain their financial resources, and might limit their ability to make further significant roster improvements.
The report also suggests the potential clash between the 76ers’ star players is a contributing factor to Morey’s cautious approach. James Harden, a high-profile veteran who has already shared the court with Embiid for one season, could potentially find himself pushed out of the offensive focal point with the addition of another star like George. Managing egos and minutes will become an important part of the equation, and there is a real possibility of friction arising within the team’s dynamic.
Despite acknowledging these significant risks, Morey’s approach doesn’t entirely shut down the door on George. The report notes that Morey “views the potential benefits of a fully healthy George” as too tempting to completely disregard.
A fully healthy George possesses the skillset and talent to be a major game-changer, making him a potentially game-breaking acquisition. George, known for his exceptional scoring and defensive abilities, can provide the team with a lethal weapon at the wing position, potentially unlocking new offensive avenues and bolstering their defensive prowess.
Morey’s “risky” comment serves as a reminder that the addition of Paul George comes with both significant upside and substantial downside. While the benefits are evident, the risks are undeniable, forcing Morey to carefully weigh the potential impact before making any final decisions regarding George’s fate. This decision will define not only the 76ers’ fate for the upcoming season but potentially for the next few seasons as well.
