"Most overrated player since Allen Iverson" - NBA fans slam Paul George for 'bored' comments on guarding centers for 76ers

The offseason brought a massive overhaul to the Philadelphia 76ers after Paul George opted to sign with the team. Joining a new team means new teammates, coaches and schemes. For George, one of these changes hasn’t been particularly welcome.

Sixers coach Nick Nurse’s defensive scheme has George defending opposing centers — a role different from his usual assignments. George made it clear while speaking to the media that he gets "bored" defending bigs.

Paul George's comments have sparked controversy, with NBA fans weighing in on his attitude and role on the team.

"Most overrated players since (Allen) Iverson," one fan said.

"Bro can barely PLAY, now complaining about PLAYING a certain role? I’m a 76ers fan and I hate and will forever hate this signing," one fan tweeted.

"Without question, the most tone-deaf person behind the mic in the NBA," another person said.

Other fans directed criticism toward Sixers coach Nick Nurse for assigning George to defend centers.

"I was crying dawg. This was a clear shot at nick nurse about playing center, but being bored is wild," someone tweeted.

"Said it cause Nurse played him at the 5 but still shouldnt be sayjng all that," another person chimed in.

"PG throwing shots at Nurse LMFAO," one person said.

Paul George, listed at 6-foot-8, has played both wing positions (shooting guard and small forward) as well as power forward. His typical defensive assignment is guarding the best perimeter player on the opposing team.

"I'm used to scrapping and running around and chasing and fighting through screens," George said. "To be honest, I'm bored playing on a five. It just doesn't do enough for me."

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Paul George's defensive accolades

Paul George is regarded as one of the league’s best two-way players. In addition to his ability to score at all three levels, he is also known as one of the most tenacious and skilled perimeter defenders in the NBA, with accolades to back it up.

George has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team four times — twice to the First Team and twice to the Second Team. His first All-Defensive selection came in 2013, the same year he won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.

The following season, George made the All-Defensive First Team for the first time alongside Joakim Noah, Chris Paul, Andre Iguodala and Serge Ibaka. George’s next All-Defensive selection came in the 2015-16 season when he earned a spot on the Second Team with Paul Millsap, Hassan Whiteside, Jimmy Butler and Tony Allen.

In 2019, he was again named to the All-Defensive First Team, joining Rudy Gobert, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Eric Bledsoe and Marcus Smart.

Paul George also led the league in steals during the 2018-19 season, averaging 2.2 takeaways per game. Excluding the 2014-15 season — when he only played six games — George has never averaged fewer than one steal per game throughout his career.