With Joel Embiid often absent, and Andre Drummond passing through the infirmary, Nick Nurse is forced to ask more from his wingers. Guerschon Yabusele has gotten used to helping out at post 5, in a “small ball” five, and it’s the turn of Paul George to discover this new role. After the loss to the Pelicans, he admitted that it really wasn't his cup of tea…
“It’s different. I'm used to fighting, running around, following players, fighting through screens. To be honest, I'm bored” he said. “Playing position 5 doesn't do much for me, but I'm able to block the middle and assist, cut off passing lanes and penetrations, and hold up to interiors. This is what the coach sees in this configuration. But what I like is to defend on small players and compete against a winger.”
With the Embiid-Drummond duo absent, Nurse alternates between Yabusele and Adem Bona for position 5. Against the Pelicans, the two accumulated 46 minutes in this position, and ultimately, George only played pivot for a two-minute sequence, alongside Caleb Martin, Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre and Ricky Council IV. A priori, it was already two minutes too long…
