In 2010, he made his debut. In 2013, he ascended. In 2014, he was shut down. In 2015, his ability to overcome daunting firsts will define his future.
Paul George has twice been named an All-Star. He's been recognized as an All-NBA caliber defender. He's advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, and he's signed and earned a maximum contract extension. No longer a rookie, George's resumé proves that he is worthy of his team's franchise tag. In fact, five full seasons have come and gone since the Palmdale product made his NBA debut against the San Antonio Spurs, yet the amount of firsts he must face heading into his sixth NBA season, are far more profound than the nervous jitters he likely felt before his first game.