After a 25-game absence that cast a shadow over the Philadelphia 76ers, Paul George is back—and he insists he is ready to make it count. The veteran forward is set to rejoin the 76ers on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls, aiming to provide a timely lift as the team navigates the final stretch of the NBA regular season.
George, who was suspended in late January for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program, declined to go into detail about the failed test. Instead, he opened up with a public apology, acknowledging the disappointment caused by his actions.
“To let people down hurt more than kind of anything,” George said.
Despite the setback, the 76ers have managed to stay afloat. They went 13-12 during George’s absence, even while playing their last 13 games without Joel Embiid, and entered Tuesday at 39-33—good for seventh in the Eastern Conference standings. Still, with just 10 games left, the margin for error is slim.
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In his pre-return presser, Paul George revealed that his decision stemmed from deeper struggles tied to his physical condition. An offseason knee injury had limited his performance, and the frustration carried over mentally.
“The most difficult thing is when your body isn’t where you know it needs to be or where it once was,” he said. “That leads and bleeds into the mental side of things… But for me, I feel good, my body is feeling great. Mentally, I know I’m capable.”
The 35-year-old, who signed a four-year, $212 million deal ahead of the 2024 season, has endured a turbulent campaign. Injuries to his knee and adductor derailed his rhythm, while surgery last July forced him to miss the first 12 games of the season. In 27 appearances, he averaged 16 points—well below his usual standards.
Still, flashes of his old self have surfaced, including a 32-point explosion powered by nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee just before his suspension.
George believes the time away may have been a blessing in disguise.
“These 25 games were just what I needed, I think, for my body,” he said.
Paul George Is Zoned In
The suspension came at a steep price—roughly $11.7 million in lost salary—but George appears focused on moving forward.
“I’ve said it throughout my career, dealing with mental health, I’m no superhero,” he added. “I’m human, and I made a mistake in that moment.”
With Embiid and Tyrese Maxey still sidelined with injuries and no clear return dates, George now steps into a pivotal role.
“I’ve been feeling great, feeling explosive again, feeling strong again,” he said. “I feel like I’m back… to be the focal guy and be the scorer.”
The Sixers are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference, just a game behind the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. But they’re also in the midst of an uneven stretch, going just 5-5 in their last 10 outings. This means the return of Paul George is a timely one, although it remains to be seen if he can catapult Philly to top six territory.
