Paul George compares Indiana Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin to Dwyane Wade: 'Tough, athletic, strong body'

Mathurin and Wade had similar scoring averages as rookies

Bennedict Mathurin plays a ferocious style of basketball. He attacks the rim with confidence, he defends with bravado, and he is more impactful than the average 20-year old. He impressed many people this season.

One of those people is former Indiana Pacers and current Los Angeles Clippers great Paul George. The All-Star wing discussed Mathurin and his skills recently on an episode of his podcast, Podcast P.

"I like Bennedict Mathurin," George said at about the hour and 27 minute mark of the show. "He got that dog in him."

George was having a conversation with Houston Rockets rising guard Jalen Green. The two also discussed James Harden, the developing Rockets, Green's path from the G League Ignite to now, and more.

The Clippers eight-time All-Star continued to discuss Mathurin and what he means to the Pacers. "Competing against him, watching him play, I think for an organization like Indiana, that's what they need," George said. He spent the first seven seasons of his career in Indiana. "Players like him, those dogs."

"to me, he's got a shade of D Wade in him"

- Paul George talking about Benn Mathurin pic.twitter.com/MXaCYb0UWf

— AKRiley (@AKRileyy5) May 23, 2023

Mathurin had a terrific rookie season. He averaged 16.7 points per game and got to the foul line better than most established veterans. He was rewarded for his campaign with a spot on the All-Rookie first team.

As George continued to discuss the Pacers rookie, he compared him to an NBA legend. "He's got a shade of [Dwyane] Wade in him," he said of Mathurin. "That mid range game. Tough, athletic, strong body, savvy attacking the basket. He's got a little shade of D Wade to him."

Wade averaged 16.2 points per game as a rookie, a number similar to Mathurin. They have other similar stats from year one as well, and Wade became an All-Star in his second season. The Pacers will hope that Mathurin can do the same.

You can listen to the full conversation between George and Green here.

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