Once people have a reputation in the NBA, it is difficult to shake. Through social media and how everyone speaks and has opinions, it almost feels like a “mob mentality” when everyone loads and piles up on a narrative.

That's the case with Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George. The nine-time All-Star, probably the future Hall of Fame, had to fight narrative throughout his career. From criticizing him for leaving the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunderbolt and even the Los Angeles Clippers to his comments about Damian Lillard's elimination of the Thunder's shooting in 2019, George heard it all.

In a recent appearance on the "Pivot" podcast, former NFL guard Channing Crowder asked George if there was any false narrative. George then explained this:

everything. Honestly, the stories I encountered in the league were the ones I made excuses, or the stories I kicked out in Indiana or Oklahoma, like, that wasn't that (picky) - I wanted to be in Indy. That didn't solve it. Oklahoma, I want to go to Oklahoma. It's not up to me. People don't know. It's not up to me. I thought I was signing there, it's been four years here, so it must be what I say. Apparently, Russell Westbrook has been in Oklahoma for more than 10 years. That was his home. I know when it's time to get up. You want to go somewhere else. You want to see other places. Then back to me, Ras wanted to leave. I'm not going to stay alone in Oklahoma. Do you know what I mean? But people think I'm a person of origin and can beat that team. Just like, no. I won't stay alone in Oklahoma. Like, Rath wants to go. This is cool. I have no problem with this, but for now, I'm going to figure out what works best for me in this case, so that's how I left Oklahoma.

I just think I talked about injury. People think "Oh, it's production. He doesn't perform in the playoffs. When did I not perform? Only time when I don't perform is when I'm physically incompetent, but I always give everything the team has. This situation. Madam's situation. People think 'Oh, he's salty. He's that. Yes, I'm admitting enough. Yes! I'm angry. I'm angry enough. But I should say yelling and congratulating that gun and then posting to that picture Show my opinion. Bubble condition. People “Oh, he hit the side of the rebound”. I saw a lot of (features) hit the side of the rebound. I just thought everyone was a scapegoat for whatever reason. I don’t think people understood my point of view, which is why the whole podcast is the reason why I want to say my thoughts, clarify and say my opinion, give my opinion and hear the source directly, but I think a lot of people just misunderstand my stuff.

People will have opinions or some kind of criticism, regardless of their success or success in the alliance or life. That's the essence of all this. George didn't have to answer anyone. All he has to do is prepare for the 2025-26 season as he and the Sixers hope to rebound from the pain of the 2024-25 season.