PHILADELPHIA (JN) – The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George for 25 games after determining he violated the league’s anti-drug program, a penalty that will sideline one of the team’s key veterans during a pivotal stretch of the season. The league did not disclose the substance involved, in keeping with standard practice under the collective agreement with the players’ union.
George acknowledged the violation in a statement to ESPN, saying he “made the mistake of taking an improper medication” while pursuing treatment related to his mental health. He apologized to the franchise and its supporters and said he accepts full responsibility.
The suspension begins immediately, with George set to miss Philadelphia’s home game against New Orleans on Saturday. Under league rules, a 25-game penalty indicates a first violation of the program.
Financial and roster impact for Philadelphia
The suspension carries a significant financial cost. George will forfeit roughly $11.7 million from his $51.7 million salary this season, or about $469,000 per game missed. A portion of that forfeited pay effectively eases Philadelphia’s luxury tax position, bringing the club to within approximately $1.3 million of the tax threshold during the suspension period.
George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25 when the 76ers host the Chicago Bulls. At that point, Philadelphia would have 10 regular-season games remaining, potentially shaping how the team manages rotations ahead of the playoffs.
The timing is notable with the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching. The 76ers begin a five-game West Coast road trip Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers, and George’s absence could influence front-office decisions as the club evaluates depth and playoff readiness.
Team response and coach’s assessment
Ahead of Saturday’s game, coach Nick Nurse declined to discuss private conversations with George but described him as a positive presence in the locker room.
“I think he’s been fine,” Nurse said. “Really fun to coach. Really good teammate. His teammates really like him. Showing some great leadership.”
Nurse said the organization’s priority is to support George while maintaining focus on the schedule ahead.
“As with all our players, dealing with this kind of stuff, you care about them,” Nurse added. “We’re to help him in any way possible. Try to get past it as soon as we can and get through it the best way we can.”
On-court performance amid injury setbacks
George, 35, is averaging 16 points over 27 games this season, third on the team behind Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Earlier in the week, he delivered one of his best performances of the year, scoring 32 points on nine three-pointers in a win over Milwaukee.
His first season in Philadelphia, however, has been uneven. George signed a four-year, $212 million contract in free agency before the 2024 season, but knee and adductor injuries limited him to 41 games and contributed to one of the lowest scoring averages of his career. He underwent surgery on his left knee in July after an offseason workout injury and missed the first 12 games of the current campaign.
Nurse said George has embraced a role that fits alongside Embiid and Maxey rather than dominating the ball.
“I think he’s played pretty well this year, considering he’s played such a critical role for us,” Nurse said. “Kind of slotted in like a really good role player on this particular team.”
Standings and playoff context
Philadelphia entered Saturday with a 26–21 record, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The team is 16–11 in games George has played and 10–10 in those he has missed.
With Embiid and Maxey carrying much of the scoring load and rookie VJ Edgecombe contributing in his first season, the 76ers remain firmly in the playoff race. George’s suspension removes an experienced two-way presence at a time when the schedule tightens and postseason positioning becomes more critical.
The club’s response over the next several weeks, both on the court and potentially in the trade market, may determine how well it can absorb the loss before George’s return in late March.
Nurse framed the challenge as a test of resilience.
“You get the punch to the gut,” he said. “But I’ve got to lead the charge here. We’ve got to get fighting and we’ve got to get to work.”
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