PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 games without pay after violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, the league announced Saturday.
In a statement provided to ESPN’s Shams Charania, George explained that the violation stemmed from taking an improper medication while seeking treatment for a personal mental health issue.
“Over the past few years, I’ve spoken openly about the importance of mental health,” George said. “While pursuing treatment, I made a mistake by taking a medication that was not permitted. I take full responsibility and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the fans in Philadelphia. I’m committed to using this time to ensure my mind and body are in the best possible shape when I return.”
The suspension officially began with Saturday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. George will be eligible to return on March 25, when the 76ers host the Chicago Bulls, leaving Philadelphia with 10 regular-season games remaining.
Financially, the suspension will cost George approximately $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, equating to about $469,692 per game missed.
Prior to Saturday’s contest, head coach Nick Nurse declined to comment on specifics regarding conversations with George but spoke positively about his presence on the team.
“He’s been great to coach,” Nurse said. “A very good teammate, respected in the locker room, and showing strong leadership.”
George, 35, is averaging 16 points per game this season while shooting 38.2% from three-point range across 27 appearances. He has been a key contributor to a resurgent Philadelphia team currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference after rebounding from last season’s injury-plagued campaign.
Lineups featuring George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey have logged 365 minutes across 17 games, outscoring opponents by more than seven points per 100 possessions.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the suspension will also save the 76ers over $5 million in luxury tax payments, placing the team just above the tax threshold and giving management added financial flexibility.
Following Philadelphia’s 124–114 win over New Orleans, Embiid stressed that George’s absence would be difficult to overcome as the team eyes a playoff run.
“You can’t replace what he brings,” Embiid said. “Defensively, he’s probably our best perimeter defender. Offensively, he does everything — shooting, playmaking, creating. It’s impossible to replace.”
The 76ers are 16–11 when George plays this season and 10–10 without him.
“As an organization, you care about the person first,” Nurse added. “We’ll support him however we can and work through this together.”
