The Philadelphia 76ers were dealt a major blow with the news that Paul George has been suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s substance policy. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a team with championship aspirations, especially this deep into the season. But instead of folding, the Sixers have responded with resilience-and even picked up a gritty road win over the Phoenix Suns, showing they’re not going quietly.
With George sidelined, the rotation’s been shuffled, and one player stepping into the spotlight is Quentin Grimes. The young guard hasn’t had the smoothest season, but he’s staying locked in and ready for the moment.
“I’m staying ready. That was uncertain and unexpected,” Grimes said, per Essentially Sports.
“But that’s why I put in the work all summer and throughout the season. That way I would stay ready for more opportunities and more shots.
That’s a tough position for the team. But you have to be ready when your name is called and step up.”
Grimes’ mindset is exactly what the Sixers need right now. After closing the 2024-25 season on a high note, expectations were elevated for him this year-but the results haven’t quite followed. Still, the belief inside the locker room hasn’t wavered.
“We’re going to get to a point where he’s really going to take off,” said Joel Embiid. “I think a lot of it is his confidence.
I know that he hasn’t been playing as well as he wishes. But I think there will be a point in time where he’s really going to take off.”
That’s not just lip service from the reigning MVP. Embiid knows what it takes to break through adversity, and he’s seen enough from Grimes to believe the breakout is coming.
Even with the shooting struggles, Grimes remains a legitimate threat from deep. Defenses still have to respect his range, and that spacing makes life easier for Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who continue to carry the offensive load.
Grimes’ presence on the floor, even if he’s not filling up the box score, stretches defenses and opens up driving lanes. That’s crucial for a Sixers offense that thrives on movement, spacing, and letting their stars operate in rhythm.
In the bigger picture, the Sixers are holding the line. They’re not just waiting out George’s suspension-they’re adapting, competing, and finding ways to win. And when George does return later this season, the hope is that the team will be even more battle-tested, with role players like Grimes stepping into bigger shoes and finding their footing.
There’s no sugarcoating the loss of a player like George, but in his absence, we’re seeing the Sixers’ depth and culture come into focus. This team isn’t just built around stars-it’s built to withstand storms.