Paul George 2013-14 fantasy basketball projections

By: Hayden Schaeffer

Paul George has come into his own this NBA season.

With frail Danny Granger fighting a nagging left knee injury, George has done nothing but exceed expectations. The 22-year-old produced a Wade-esque stat-line during the 2012-13 campaign developing into a player capable on any give night of producing 20-plus points, accompanied with 8 boards, four assists, a couple of steals, and a block, not to mention a couple threes.

If that's not ideal fantasy production, I don't know what is. Yet, to a typical sports fan, he's still somewhat of an afterthought.

George's production this year allowed him to assume the role of "alpha dog" for the Pacers. Come playoff time, he should be a household name. It should be interesting to see how George reacts to Danny Granger being gradually worked back into coach Frank Vogel's everyday lineup.

My guess is that Granger's touches will hurt David West -- who is also having a hell of a year himself -- more than George.

West has been an incredible second option for the Pacers all year, but Granger is much more of a scorer, and will be much more of a focal point than West.

If George tries to accommodate Granger in his play, that will be his downfall. Vogel needs to stress George as his playmaker, which may actually help Granger's efficiency. George's emerging penetration ability will allow for Granger to be less aggressive and not force up shots.

Bottom line, Paul George is the new face of the Indiana franchise. He's younger, quicker, more athletic, and most importantly, a lot more durable than Danny Granger. He is exactly what the Pacers needed to vault themselves back into legitimacy.

Hopefully, for all Paul George fantasy basketball owners, he continues to be the leader of this team, and doesn't change anything about the way he's playing. If he does just that, the Pacers may have what it takes to dethrone the Miami Heat in the East.

2013-14 Fantasy Basketball Projections

35 minutes with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and .9 block per game

44% FG, 38% 3PT, and 80% FT on the season

Video via NBA official YouTube channel.