Former Thunder star Paul George ranked No. 78 in NBA history

As we enter the sizzling summer months, we're approaching the point in the calendar year when the NBA takes a couple of months off. That allows for plenty of time to be perspective and reflect on what's happened in the past.

The Bleacher Report NBA staff took advantage of the downtime. They ranked the top 100 NBA players of all time. The extensive project had an all-hands-on-deck approach. They conjured up the votes and released a naturally controversial ranking.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's exclusion might be one of the biggest snubs, there were other players who represented the Oklahoma City Thunder among the 100 players. One is Paul George. He came in at No. 78 spot in the rankings

George only spent two of his 15 seasons on the Thunder, but they were arguably his most impactful years. He averaged a career-high 28 points and 8.2 rebounds in his second season and finished in third place in MVP voting. He had two straight Round 1 exits in OKC before being traded to the LA Clippers.

"During a stretch from 2014 to around 2019, your nerdiest NBA friend might have made the case that George was one of the five best players in the league," Bleacher Report wrote. "That claim wasn’t far off, as PG overcame a gruesome broken leg in the summer of 2014 to earn four All-NBA nods in the next five years while regularly getting top-five DPOY consideration."

Despite a lack of playoff success, George is one of the defining players of the NBA's 2010s. He made several All-Star and All-NBA teams. The two-way wing was also named on a handful of All-Defensive Teams. His biggest contribution to OKC happened off the court.

After he re-signed with the Thunder, he was dealt to the Clippers in a 2019 blockbuster deal that eventually became OKC's first NBA championship. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were part of the trade package that continues to unfold six years later.

"Though George’s best MVP finish (third) came with the Thunder in 2019, he’ll be best remembered for being the top threat on some excellent Pacers teams that reached the conference finals twice, Bleacher Report wrote. "And for teaming with Kawhi Leonard on some very good but unlucky Clippers squads."

George has spent most of his career with the Indiana Pacers and Clippers. He also recently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he remains. The 35-year-old continues to deal with injuries after a disappointing first year saw the Sixers fall into the lottery.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Former Thunder star Paul George ranked No. 78 in NBA history