Paul George NBA Star opens up on disappointing Sixers season, Joel Embiid, James Harden, lessons from Russell Westbrook, injuries, legacy without a championship, NBA playoffs & redefining success

15 snips

May 13, 2025

NBA star Paul George, known for his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers and impressive skills on the court, dives deep into his career and the challenges faced with the Philadelphia 76ers. He candidly discusses the impact of injuries on his expectations and partnership with Joel Embiid. The conversation highlights mental health issues in sports, the pressure of living up to fan expectations, and how he has redefined success beyond championships. PG shares valuable lessons in leadership and personal growth from his experiences in the league.

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INSIGHT

Leadership Beyond The Best Player

Leadership in a locker room is not just about the best player; Kyle Lowry led the Sixers continuously.
The team had many new players, so cohesion needed time and adversity to develop properly.

INSIGHT

Embracing Philadelphia's Pressure

Philadelphia fans bring intense pressure, but players like Paul George welcome it as motivation.
Even with the heavy expectations, PG looked forward to playing for Philly and experiencing that passion.

ADVICE

Stay In The Moment

To manage anxiety and depression, focus on staying in the moment during games and life.
Avoid overthinking situations that likely won't happen to maintain mental clarity and performance.

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“How you gonna ridicule me? I’m in the one percentile of my work and I’ve shown you I work hard, so why can’t I have a life away from my job?” Paul George Philadelphia 76ers

In a special crossover edition of The Pivot, we sit with NBA star, Paul George for the first part of our show and then Ryan, Chan and Fred do a second part with PG as the host that is streaming on his Podcast P channel…it’s a layered conversation about basketball, football, teammates, legacy, expectations personally and professionally as well as the role of family and more as we kick off the first part of this show…

This raw and insightful discussion goes far beyond the court as PG opens up about the highs and lows of his career—from the devastating leg injury that nearly ended it all, to becoming one of the league’s most respected veterans as he’s played for the NBA's most storied franchises and had teammates who've defined the game. In a moment of humility and honesty, PG talks about coming to the Philadelphia 76ers and how things ultimately didn’t go as planned with championship expectations premature but hopes the adversity of a talented locker room will help the team rebound going forward. His admiration to play with Joel Embiid is what drew him to Philly, but injuries kept the duo from reaching full potential. He reflects on the mental and emotional toll of unmet goals, while staying focused on growth and what’s next in his journey.

PG shares his mindset shift over the years, lessons in leadership, and how he's learned to balance basketball, fatherhood, and business. The guys also dive into PG’s thoughts on today’s NBA culture, playoff performances, and the power of staying mentally strong in a game that’s constantly evolving.

Paul gets real about navigating criticism, evolving as a leader, and finding peace in the process. Chasing championship aspirations is still a goal, but the reality that not all greats achieve that feat is setting in....This is Paul George like you've never heard him—honest, real and reflective, in a powerful conversation about resilience, pressure, and purpose. Don't forget to tap into our YouTube Channel and hit subscribe.

Head over to Podcast P channel to catch Part 2 of this episode!

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