The main focus for the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer was to do enough to get Russell Westbrook to commit long-term.

After trading for Paul George and Carmelo Anthony and getting Westbrook to sign a contract extension, the focus then became how to convince George to stay after his soon to be expiring contract came to an end.

Despite the widespread public perception being that George would sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, the Thunder avoided having what was considered to be a risky trade at the time turn into a disaster scenario.

While it wasn’t a career-year from a basic numbers standpoint, George is coming off an impressive season with averages of 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals (second in NBA), 0.5 blocks and 2.7 turnovers.

George’s performance during the 2017-18 season was enough to earn his fifth All-Star appearance and his fourth All-NBA Third Team nomination.

Now that George decided to sign a four-year deal worth $137 million to stay with the team earlier in the summer, the Thunder are able to focus on long-term strategy with their dynamic duo leading the way.

One of the most important factors for the Thunder’s long-term trajectory as a franchise is how George can perform following his massive contract extension. Receiving an even better season from him could go a long way for Oklahoma City.

Luckily for the Thunder, there are some important factors that could result in George not only having a better season than last year but instead having the best season of his NBA career.

Here are five reasons why Paul George could be even better for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the upcoming season than he was last year: