Philadelphia 76ers star forward Paul George has been suspended for 25 games for violating the League's anti-drug policy, the NBA announced Saturday. In his second year with the Sixers organization, George was continuing to work his way back to form after multiple lower-body injuries limited his 2024-25 season.
Last season saw George limited to just 41 games, dealing with two separate bone bruises in his left knee and a torn left adductor. This season, George has played in 27 of the team's 47 total games, averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. With this suspension, George is guaranteed to play even fewer games this season.
George provided a statement in light of the suspension, provided by ESPN's Shams Charania:
"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," George 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."
George has spoken at length publicly about the mental struggles he's undergone, along with the physical.
"I feel a lot better physically," George told media members. "But mentally, it's going to always be a hurdle when you think you're here physically, and that's up to me to continue to knock those hurdles down. That's always going to be a mental battle, 'How can I get as close to or near what I used to be physically?'"
When a player is suspended for violating the League's anti-drug policy, the minds of fans tend to lean toward a specific type of substance, but it's worth noting that the list of illegal substances is vast and varies, though all substances on the list are also listed for a reason.
For now, George appears to be honoring the decision of the league and accepting his suspension.
As for where the Sixers go from here, with the trade deadline coming within a week, there is a possibility—a slight one as of this moment—that George has played his last game as a Sixer, though moving his contract may prove more difficult now than even previously thought.
Update
As initially pointed out by the Third Apron's Yossi Gozlan, Paul George's suspension will cost him $11.7 million. As a result, the Sixers will receive a tax variance credit of $5.8 million, bringing the Sixers to just $1.3 million above the tax line, making the path toward ducking the tax this season significantly easier than initially thought, should the team pursue that path at the deadline.
Additionally, after his fifth suspended game, George will be moved from the active to the suspended list, after which the Sixers can sign an additional player.
