Paul George Credits Kobe Bryant for Legacy, Feels Bad for Rookies Bashed for Picking Him as GOAT

(Photo : Elsa/Getty Images) TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 14: Paul George (#13) of the Indiana Pacers and the Eastern Conference handles the ball against Kobe Bryant (#24) of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Western Conference in the first half during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 at the Air Canada Centre on February 14, 2016, in Toronto, Ontario. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George was a recent NBA Twitter topic after some NBA rookies picked him as their generation's greatest.

This surprised many since the names usually mentioned in that conversations are those that won MVPs, Finals MVPs, and NBA titles.

The 13-year veteran got none of those so far.

George is aware of the admiration he is receiving, and he feels humbled because of those picks made by the younger generation.

He related his impact and influence to the new generation of players the way the late Kobe Bryant did it for him growing up.

"Honestly, it's humbling. But the person I have to take credit for my inspiration, the person who motivated me as a kid, that was Kobe (Bryant). I wanted to emulate him. I wanted to be that next version of him. When I got the opportunity to be where I'm at now, I wanted it to be like, 'OK, he's a product of Kobe Bryant.'"

Brandon Miller is one of those youngsters who gave props to George as his GOAT. He said he wants an NBA moment similar to PG's dunk on Chris Andersen.

"Indiana Pacers Paul George. Especially when you dunked on Birdman. I think that's a favorite highlight of yours... I'm still waiting to get a contact dunk like that."

Brandon Miller on how PG became his GOAT 🔥

(via @PodcastPShow)pic.twitter.com/YJS6UKeSbw
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 17, 2023

Defending the kids' choice

George is aware of the kids' appreciation of his game, but he is aware, too, of how their choices led to them getting bashed on the internet.

The NBA veteran hopes the young players who see inspiration in him will be able to exceed his contribution to the game.

"It's the circle of life and basketball," he explained.

"You know, everybody looks up to somebody; everybody has been inspired by somebody. You can see it in their games. For me, it's how can I help those kids the same way Kobe did for me? How can I help those kids, elevate them to get to where they want to get to?"