Paul George Named to All-Defensive Second Team

Paul George Named to All-Defensive Second Team

Paul George on Wednesday was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. He received the 10th most votes (48 points, five first team votes).

George’s 2.0 steals per game were ninth best in the league. His 0.71 blocks per game were fifth most among small forwards.

George lead the Pacers to third best defensive efficiency rating (100.2) in the NBA, behind only San Antonio (96.6) and Atlanta (98.8). Though the award was voted on before the playoffs, George cemented himself as a defensive force when matched against fellow All-Star DeMar DeRozan. In the Pacers’ seven-game, first-round series against the Toronto Raptors, George held DeRozan to 31.9 shooting and 17.9 points per game.

This is George’s third All-Defensive honor in his six-year career. In 2012-13, George was named to the second team. During his 2013-14 breakout season, George was voted to the first team.

Joining George on the second team are forward Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks (97 points, 11 First Team votes), center Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat (126 points, 44 First Team votes) and guards Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies (121 points, 44 First Team votes) and Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls (62 points, 18 First Team votes).