The Philadelphia 76ers’ season has unfolded like a slow-motion car crash, with injuries and defeats piling up week after week.
Amidst this basketball nightmare, veteran forward Paul George has found himself navigating not just physical pain but also the mental strain of a lost season.
Yet, within this storm, he’s discovered an unexpected sanctuary away from the hardwood chaos.
While the basketball world watches the 76ers struggle through a dismal 23-52 campaign, George has been cultivating a space where he can speak freely about the game he loves.
His podcast, initially met with eye rolls and criticism from basketball purists, has evolved into something far more meaningful than just another athlete’s side hustle.
“When I started my podcast, I knew there was going to be some backlash. I knew there were going to be people that had things to say about it: ‘He’s an athlete. He should be in the gym 24 hours out of the day.’ But to be honest, it’s therapeutic. It’s a chance for me to talk about things that go on in sports that I probably [otherwise] would hold onto,” George revealed on a recent episode of his show.
Paul George calls podcasting ‘therapeutic’
“When I started my podcast, I knew there was going to be some backlash. I knew there were going to be people that had things to say about it: ‘He’s an athlete. He should be in the gym 24 hours out of the day.’ But to be honest, it’s… pic.twitter.com/aqHxpmWH2W
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 31, 2025
The Philadelphia 76ers forward has battled persistent groin issues this season, limiting him to just 41 appearances and resulting in his lowest scoring output since his sophomore campaign.
Despite these frustrations, George firmly rejects the suggestion that his podcasting venture somehow detracts from his commitment to basketball.
Instead, he frames the podcast as a mental health tool – a pressure valve that allows him to process the game’s ups and downs while giving fans unfiltered insights they might not otherwise hear.
It’s become both a creative outlet and a coping mechanism during a particularly challenging stretch of his career.
George’s embrace of podcasting reflects a broader trend among professional athletes who are increasingly taking control of their own narratives.
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