Paul George on Podcast P, via YouTube
Late in the newest episode of Podcast P, Paul George revealed that he's taking a break from podcasting to focus on his health and helping the Sixers finish the season as well as possible.
"Before we wrap, fellas, it's no secret this season hasn't been what we envisioned. My goal when I first signed with Philadelphia was to bring a championship to these amazing fans here. I still remain positive about that and that is still the case and where I'm coming from," George stated.
"With that being said, though, I want to let the Podcast P family know that after [this] episode with Dwight [Howard], I plan to take a break from the pod just to focus on getting my body right, getting mentally right and help this squad make a push toward our goal to finish the season out. Give ourselves a chance to be in contention to compete for a championship."
It is absolutely worth noting that this episode was made available for listeners the day of the team's embarrassing loss to the Chicago Bulls. After the game, George had this to say to reporters:
Paul George: "We've shown no sign of a team that will compete. We just don't have the habits of a champion, or a playoff contending team, would have. To be honest, right now it's a little far-fetched. All we can do is work hard and try to just keep going." pic.twitter.com/UE6k1OaI9W
The episode was not edited after that game. George said what he said on the mic and then followed it with a fine individual but not impactful night against the lowly Bulls. He then issued a damning (but accurate!) indictment of his team.
So, maybe that game was his eye-opening moment. Maybe it's old news at this point and he's already seen the light on reality. Who knows?
I'll say this first - I couldn't give a damn about a player having a podcast. You like to fish in your free time. Jim likes to do woodwork. Joe likes to play golf. George likes to podcast. Everyone has hobbies. If there is an ulterior motive related to optics, his podcast is the least of the team's problems.
While it's a nice gesture and a step toward taking ownership of the team in a way he hasn't really before in this disaster of a season, George has spent his entire first year in Philadelphia as a passenger to the offense he was supposed to be co-piloting. He's played as if the season is happening to him, showing little will to take control of the situation.
If he's a man of his word and this team ends up competing for anything meaningful this season, there may actually be a beachfront property in Idaho that has views of the Pacific Ocean.
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