By George, he's great!

In Indiana’s victory over New York yesterday, Paul George recorded his second straight double-double and his third in his last five games. He’s indeed having a breakout year prompting some consideration concerning the drafts of recent years.

George was taken as the 10^th pick of the 2010 draft. I’d argue if the last 4 drafts were all undone and recast, George would be taken within the first six selections.

George has quickly developed into an extremely potent NBA weapon. A gangly, 3-spot player who is performing well above expectations in a Pacers season which presently sees them just two games from the very top of the Eastern Conference.

In a team now ranked as the league’s premier defensive squad, George is ranked as the club's second most vital player where defensive win share is concerned, while he’s pulling in the third most boards.

However it’s his offensive contribution which has most vigorously elevated his status.

George effectively took over from Danny Granger as the lead man on offense when Granger succumbed to injury on the eve of the season. Granger had been the Pacer’s most prolific scorer since his rookie season 5 years ago.  

This season George has leapt from a respectable 12 ppg sophomore average, to 17 this season. His club leading 73 three pointers also rank him within the league’s top 15 long range marksmen. As for sharing, only George Hill has provided Indiana with more assists.

But back to that fictitious re-draft of the past 4 seasons. Here’s my top 30, with an apology to Ed Davis, whom I'll make it up to.

1 Kyrie Irving

2 Anthony Davis

3 James Harden

4 Blake Griffin

5 Stephen Curry

6 Paul George

7 DeMarcus Cousins

8 Ricky Rubio

9 John Wall

10 Greg Monroe

11 Klay Thompson

12 Ty Lawson

13 Damian Lillard

14 Brandon Jennings

15 Jeremy Lin

16 Kawhi Leonard

17 Eric Bledsoe

18 Kenneth Faried

19 Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

20 Jrue Holliday

21 DeMar DeRozan

22 Omer Asik

23 Andre Drummond

24 Evan Turner

25 Jonas Valanciunas
26 Derrick Favors
27 Chandler Parsons
28 Jeff Teague
29 Danny Green
30 Taj Gibson