On Saturday, it was announced that the nine-time all-star, Paul George, has officially been suspended for 25 games for violating the terms of the league's anti-drug program.
George later took full responsibility and apologized to the [Sixers](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/philadelphia-76ers) organization for using an improper medication.
With the suspension, the team loses 16 points per game. George seemed to be finding his footing playing alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. However, his season will be cut short after only 27 games because he was still recovering from previous injuries.
**More**: [Paul George suspension: 76ers forward to miss 25 games for violating NBA's anti-drug policy](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/paul-george-suspension-76ers-forward-anti-drug-policy/3af1862807001e546b2f2a6c)
However, on the bright side, the 76ers will benefit financially from the suspension, as George will forgo over $11 million in salary, and Philadelphia will receive a $5.8 million credit that will help offset the team's luxury tax fees.
So, instead of being over $7 million over the luxury tax, the Sixers are only a little over $1 million over, which could help them in the long run.
Even with George absent and the team now without his ability to provide 16 points a night, the Sixers have shown in the past that they are arguably better without the veteran. Sometimes the same can be said for Embiid, who often misses significant time, as Maxey has clearly shown he is the team's best player this season, especially after he was announced as an all-star starter.
As the Sixers sit at 26-21, if they play the same or better in George's absence, it could really be a massive positive for them in the long run, if they end up making the playoffs, getting a refreshed George, and being able to have the potential come out with more financial flexibility.
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