Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been handed a 25-game suspension without pay for violating the NBA/NBPA’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.
In a statement, George acknowledged the misstep, explaining that while seeking treatment for a personal issue, he took a medication that was not permitted under league policy. “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.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process. I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”
The suspension will cost George roughly $11.7 million in salary - a significant financial hit, but one he appears ready to accept in stride as he focuses on recovery and accountability.
On the court, George has been a steady contributor for Philadelphia this season. Through 27 games, he’s averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists - production that places him behind only Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid on the team’s scoring chart. At 35, George may not be the high-flying two-way force he was in his prime, but his experience, shot-making, and defensive instincts still give the Sixers a valuable presence on both ends of the floor.
His absence, however, creates a sizable gap in the Sixers’ rotation. Philadelphia will now have to lean even more heavily on Maxey and Embiid, while also looking for increased contributions from the supporting cast - especially on the wing. Whether that means more minutes for Kelly Oubre Jr., a bigger role for De’Anthony Melton, or an opportunity for a younger player to step up, head coach Nick Nurse will need to get creative to keep the offense humming and the perimeter defense intact.
George is eligible to return on March 25, when the Sixers face the Chicago Bulls. By then, just 10 regular-season games will remain - a tight window for George to ramp back up and reintegrate before the playoffs begin. For a team with championship aspirations, getting him back in rhythm quickly will be crucial.
This situation also underscores the broader conversation around mental health in sports. George has long been one of the league’s more vocal advocates on the topic, and while this chapter is undoubtedly a setback, it’s also a reminder of the complexities athletes face in managing both physical and mental well-being under the microscope of professional sports.
For now, the Sixers will have to navigate a critical stretch without one of their key veterans. But if George returns refreshed and locked in, he could still be a major factor in Philly’s postseason push.