Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 16: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates a three-pointer during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the surprises of the NBA this season. They sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings just a year after being a lottery team. One of the big reasons they have played better this season has been Paul George.
George was a disaster in his first year in Philly, playing in only 47 games. All of his stats took a massive dive from where they were in LA. This year, he has only played 27 games so far, but he has started to finally stay healthy. Not only that, but George has finally embraced being a role player.
Just as the Sixers were starting to play well and possibly become contenders, George has now been suspended for 25 games to ruin their momentum.
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers forward Paul George dribbles the ball. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
NBA Suspends 76ers Forward Paul George 25 Games
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the NBA has suspended Paul George for 25 games for violation of their anti-drug policy. After he was suspended, George provided ESPN with a statement on his suspension.
“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. 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.”
Losing George is a huge blow to the 76ers. Without him on the floor, the perimeter defense becomes much worse. Despite his poor offensive stats, George’s defense has been very solid this season. This suspension also has implications for the trade deadline, as well.
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers forward Paul George looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Paul George Suspension Could Keep 76ers From Adding Giannis Antetokounmpo
With George out for the next 25 games, that could hinder the Sixers’ chances at adding Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline. George’s contract would likely have to be included in a trade for Antetokounmpo. If he can’t play, the Bucks have no reason to add him.
With this suspension, George will not be eligible to return until March 25 against the Bulls. With that being the case, the 76ers will have to rely even more on Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe to keep the perimeter defense in check.
This suspension now adds another layer to George’s signing. Signing him to a four-year deal worth $211.5 million is now one of the worst contracts in the league. That money would have been better served by adding another forward who can actually stay healthy and contribute on the offensive end of the court.
Without George available to play for the next couple of months, the 76ers might have to stand pat at the trade deadline. Very few teams are going to be willing to add George’s money with his inability to stay on the court for various reasons.