Paul George

Paul George's career is defined by one of the most remarkable comebacks in NBA history. His gruesome compound leg fracture during a 2014 USA Basketball scrimmage was the kind of injury that ends careers. Instead, George returned to become a better player — earning four additional All-Star selections and finishing third in MVP voting in 2019 when he averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists for the Thunder.

George's two-way ability is what separates him from other elite scorers. He is a four-time All-Defensive selection whose 6'8" wingspan and lateral quickness allow him to guard the opponent's best perimeter player while simultaneously being his team's primary scoring option. His combination of perimeter shooting (39.8% career from three), shot creation, and defensive versatility make him the prototype of the modern 3-and-D wing at its highest level.

The Pacers version of George — the one who took LeBron's Heat to seven games in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals and six games in 2014 — was a legitimate championship-level star. His postseason struggles with the Clippers have been a recurring frustration, and the absence of a deep playoff run in his latter years keeps him from the top tier.