The Sixers just got hit with a gut punch - and it’s one they didn’t see coming.
Paul George has been suspended 25 games without pay for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the league announced Saturday. The suspension takes effect immediately, keeping George off the court until at least March 25, when Philadelphia hosts Chicago. That means he’ll be eligible for just the final 10 games of the regular season - a stretch that might be too little, too late for a team already walking a tightrope in the Eastern Conference.
In a statement released through his representation, George acknowledged the violation stemmed from taking an “improper medication” while addressing mental health issues. He owned the mistake, saying, “I take full responsibility for my actions,” and added that he’s using this time away to get his “mind and body in the best condition” to contribute when he returns.
But let’s be real - from a basketball perspective, this is a brutal blow.
At 26-21, the Sixers are barely hanging onto the No. 6 seed in the East. That’s the final spot to avoid the play-in tournament, and now they’ll have to navigate the most critical stretch of the season without one of their marquee offseason additions.
George was brought in to be a stabilizing force, a two-way veteran who could take pressure off Joel Embiid and give the Sixers another weapon in high-leverage moments. Instead, his absence removes a key piece from an already fragile equation.
And the ripple effects go beyond the court.
Financially, the suspension opens up a $5.87 million tax variance credit, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks. That drops Philly’s tax bill to just $1.26 million over the luxury line - a meaningful shift that could influence how they approach the trade deadline.
A minor salary dump now becomes a lot more palatable. Don’t expect any core players to be moved, but some creative cap maneuvering is suddenly back on the table.
George’s on-court production this season has already raised eyebrows. In 27 games, he’s averaged 16.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists - solid numbers, but not what you expect from a player on a fresh max contract. And now, with the suspension costing him nearly $11.75 million, the Sixers can move him to the suspended list after five games, temporarily freeing up a roster spot.
Add this to the list of challenges Philadelphia’s faced this season - injuries, load management, and now a high-profile suspension. The Sixers’ big bet on George hasn’t just failed to pay off so far. It’s actively set them back.
There’s still time for redemption, but the clock is ticking - and the margin for error is gone.