Paul George
A smooth, two-way basketball star whose career rebounded from a horrific leg injury to reach even greater heights as an elite scorer and defender.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American basketball player·Birthday: May 2·Millennials
Biography
Paul George’s narrative is one of resilience and refined skill. Hailing from Palmdale, California, he entered the NBA as a raw, athletic prospect with the Indiana Pacers, quickly developing into a lockdown defender and a key piece of teams that challenged the Miami Heat's supremacy in the Eastern Conference. His career trajectory seemed limitless until a catastrophic compound leg fracture during a Team USA scrimmage in 2014 threatened to end it. His comeback was not just a return to form but an evolution. He transformed his game, adding a sophisticated, fluid offensive repertoire to his defensive prowess. Traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and later the Los Angeles Clippers, George became a perennial All-Star, capable of erupting for 30 points while simultaneously guarding the opponent's best player. Though championship success has eluded him, his journey from defensive specialist to a complete, clutch wing player stands as a testament to modern basketball versatility and personal determination.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Paul was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Paul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Paul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named to the NBA All-Star team nine times and selected to the All-NBA Team on six occasions.
- Won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2013 after a breakout season with the Indiana Pacers.
- Earned four selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team, highlighting his two-way impact.
- Led the NBA in steals during the 2018-19 season while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'PG-13' was coined by a Pacers broadcaster referencing his initials and the film rating, implying his play was not suitable for young opponents.
He is an avid fisherman and has his own YouTube series dedicated to the hobby.
George wore number 24 in high school and college as a tribute to Kobe Bryant.
He suffered his severe leg injury while attempting to block a shot on a fast break during a USA Basketball showcase.
“The work is going to show. You can't cheat the game.”
