PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers have announced that Paul George will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injuries, marking a disappointing conclusion to his initial year with the team. The nine-time All-Star received medical treatments for his left adductor muscle and knee, ensuring his absence for a minimum of six weeks following consultations with specialists, the team disclosed on Monday.
Entering the match against Houston, Philadelphia’s record stood at 23-44, with the regular season wrapping up on April 13. George, who will turn 35 in early May, inked a four-year contract valued at $212 million as a free agent last summer. Unfortunately, his debut season in Philadelphia was riddled with injuries, resulting in one of the most challenging years of his career. Across 41 games, he averaged 16.2 points, his lowest since his early days with Indiana.
Recently, the 76ers opted to bench center Joel Embiid to prioritize the treatment and rehabilitation of his left knee. The absence of both George and Embiid means Philadelphia could face further losses, potentially improving their chances of retaining their top-six protected first-round pick, which would otherwise go to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With the aim of securing an NBA championship, the team had high hopes at the start of the season thanks to the addition of George alongside All-Stars Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, all three faced significant injury setbacks. Reflecting on the season’s outcome, Coach Nick Nurse expressed his disappointment, citing persistent health issues as a major hurdle.
Embiid’s return date remains uncertain, leaving Philadelphia in a precarious position with an expensive, underperforming roster. After declining a player option with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he maintained an average of 21.5 points over five years, George joined Philadelphia, aiming to move past his tenure with the Clippers’ unsuccessful Big Three — George, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden.
The 76ers were optimistic about George joining their ranks given his impressive resume, which includes six All-NBA Team selections and four NBA All-Defensive Team honors. Adding to his accolades, he was named the league’s most improved player in 2013 and was a finalist for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. However, a series of injuries, starting with a hyperextended knee in the preseason, kept him from fulfilling expectations.
Acknowledging the challenges, Nurse emphasized the priority of healing, stating, “My biggest thing is… we are where we are with it,” as the focus remains on recovery and returning players to their peak physical condition. Despite George’s substantial contract, averaging $54.1 million over the next three years, the team is open to exploring trade possibilities, hoping another contender might see him as a potential asset.
Previously, George had paused his podcast, “Podcast P With Paul George,” to concentrate on his recovery efforts. Now, with Philadelphia’s strategic losses and George stepping back, he’ll find himself joining his podcast on the sidelines as the season winds down.
