NBA players of the current and upcoming generations are rewriting the definition of “GOAT,” shifting the conversation from pure historical dominance (LeBron James and Michael Jordan) to a focus on the most replicable and aesthetically pleasing skillset. For players like KJ Martin, Charlotte Hornets star Brandon Miller, and future prospect Kiyan Anthony, that mantle belongs firmly to Paul George.
The “Whole Package” and the “Player’s Coach”
KJ Martin, a high-flying forward, encapsulated the attributes that earn George legendary status among his peers:
“He can do a little bit of EVERYTHING,” Martin told me. “He has a handle, he can get to the rim, he’s super athletic and he can shoot the ball. So all this time Paul George has had the whole package.”
This comprehensive skillset is why George is seen as the perfect blueprint for the modern 6’8″ to 6’10” wing. Martin’s appreciation for a complete game mirrors his praise for coaches like Tyronn Lue, who he called a “player’s coach” because he “actually understands what it’s like to be a player.” Martin values genuine expertise and relatability, whether it’s on the sideline or in a player’s all-around game.
Brandon Miller: The GOAT is the Role Model
Brandon Miller, the 2023 No. 2 overall pick, took his admiration a step further, placing George above the consensus all-time greats:
“I actually don’t think LeBron is the GOAT of basketball,” Miller told me. “My GOAT of basketball is Paul George. I grew up watching him, so it’s never just LeBron.”
As many analysts have noted, the term “my GOAT” often translates to “my favorite player” or “my most influential role model.” For Miller, who patterns his two-way wing game after George, his choice is rooted in direct application. George’s combination of elite defense, smooth isolation scoring, and high-level shooting provides a practical model that Miller can, and does, “steal [moves] from and put [his] own twist to.”
Kiyan Anthony: Fluency and Elegance on the Court
Kiyan Anthony, the son of Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, highlights the artistic and technical elements of George’s game that resonate with young players:
“I just think that the fluency he plays with and the smoothness he has to his game… It’s super elegant when he plays and people like that. The way he could get to a bucket whenever, that’s what people like.”
This “elegance” speaks to the beauty of George’s game—the fluid movements and effortless shot-making that make him aesthetically aspirational. For Kiyan, the appeal of a player like George, along with others in the young crop he admires—Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Jayson Tatum—is the versatile foundation of their skill sets, which he believes he can replicate to build his own game.Ultimately, George’s status as the new generation’s “GOAT” is a testament not just to his talent, but to the accessibility of his style. He offers an “all-inclusive” game that is easier for young wings to study and emulate than the singular, often overwhelming, dominance of all-time greats like LeBron.
