Paul George Suspended 25 Games for Anti-Drug Policy Violation: What It Means for the 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers just took a major hit - and it has nothing to do with a box score. Paul George, the veteran forward and former All-Star, has been suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. The league handed down the suspension just two days after George suited up against the Sacramento Kings, where he posted 15 points, five assists, and two rebounds on 46.7% shooting.
George addressed the situation in a statement to ESPN, taking full responsibility and citing mental health as a factor in the misstep. “Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” he said. The earliest he can return is March 25th in a matchup against the Chicago Bulls - leaving him eligible for just nine more regular season games.
This is a tough blow for the Sixers, who are fighting to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. At 26-21, they’ve been hovering around the middle of the pack, but losing George for such a long stretch puts even more pressure on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to carry the load. With George sidelined, the margin for error narrows significantly - especially if Philadelphia wants to avoid the Play-In Tournament and lock down a top-six seed.
A Rocky Run in Philly
George’s time in Philadelphia has been anything but smooth. After a five-year stint with the LA Clippers where he earned three All-Star nods and helped lead the franchise to its first-ever Western Conference Finals in 2021, expectations were high when he made the move east. But since arriving, the results have been underwhelming.
In 68 games with the Sixers, George has averaged just 16.1 points per game - a noticeable dip from his days as a go-to scorer in LA and Indiana. Last season, he suited up for only half the team’s games, and the Sixers missed the playoffs altogether.
This year looked like it might be a turning point. While his individual numbers haven’t spiked, the team had started to find a rhythm, climbing to a respectable record in the East.
But now, that momentum is in jeopardy.
Age, Injuries, and a Changing Role
So what’s behind the decline? A few things stand out.
First, age. George is 35 and deep into his 16th NBA season - not to mention two years of college ball at Fresno State before that.
That kind of mileage adds up, especially for a player who’s dealt with a long list of injuries throughout his career.
Availability has always been a concern. With the Clippers, George played more than 65 games just once.
That trend has continued in Philly. He’s already missed 20 of the team’s first 47 games this season, and with the suspension, he’ll be sidelined for 45 total - nearly two-thirds of the regular season.
Then there’s the role adjustment. George was brought in to be the No. 2 option behind Embiid, a natural fit on paper.
But Tyrese Maxey’s breakout has complicated that hierarchy. Maxey has blossomed into a star in his own right, and that shift has forced George into a less defined role.
He’s no longer the clear secondary scorer, and that’s had an impact on both his confidence and production.
What’s Next?
This suspension marks a low point in George’s Sixers tenure - a frustrating chapter in what was already a complicated fit. The team will now have to navigate a critical stretch without him, relying heavily on Embiid and Maxey to shoulder the offensive and leadership burden.
For George, the focus now turns to recovery - both physically and mentally - and making the most of the limited games he’ll have left this season. There’s still a chance to contribute down the stretch and into the postseason, but the road back won’t be easy.
The Sixers are in the thick of a playoff race, and with one of their key veterans sidelined, the pressure just ratcheted up.